Police Commission

LACONIA POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 26, 2014 PRESENT: Chairman Warren C. Clement, Commissioner Douglas A. Whittum, Commissioner Armand E. Maheux, Chief Christopher A. Adams, Captain William F. Clary, Captain Matthew J. Canfield, Lieutenant Alfred J. Lessard, Lieutenant Richard E. Simmons, and Prosecutor James A. Sawyer GUESTS: Councilor Brenda Baer and Harry Bean Chairman Clement called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Chairman Clement led the Pledge of Allegiance. ITEM #1 Commendations & Awards – Ann Saltmarsh & Claire Hebert. Chief Adams recognized Ann Saltmarsh, an employee with the City Department of Public Works, and Claire Hebert, an employee with Melcher & Prescott, as being instrumental in organizing the Bow Wow Festival. Chief Adams advised they have supported our K-9 Program here at the Laconia Police Department as well as the Gilford Police Department and we are extremely appreciative of all of their hard work and what it has meant for our K-9 Program. ITEM #1B Training. Lieutenant Lessard advised Officer Austin Schilling and Officer Tyler Babineau are in their sixth week of the Academy now and are doing well. Commissioner Maheux inquired of Officer Babineau’s progress with the Law Package and was advised he is doing well. Lieutenant Lessard advised he is required to go to the end, but it is split up and he only needs to attend classes for certain items, and is, therefore, able to work some shifts. The Lieutenant advised we have the D.A.R.E. Conference going on right now in North Conway with Officer Cardinal, but advised as it is summer and training is pretty slow because this is our busy season. Chairman Clement inquired of anything big coming up in the fall and was advised Officer Cardinal will be attending the National D.A.R.E. Conference and we will have our annual firearms training. ITEM #1C Miscellaneous – Laconia Links. Chief Adams noted a photograph of a relative of Officer Charles Dolloff, who died in the line of duty, which was taken at the Memorial Service in Concord. Chief Adams advised there was an article with regard to the Cop Cards Program which started in 1997, and presented a copy of the 2014 Series, noting this is a great community relations tool. Chief Adams advised we received donations from Paugus Bay Marina, Meredith Village Savings Bank, and Chuck George Photography. Chief Adams advised there was an article with Officer Armstrong and his K-9 Titan for their graduation as well as Laconia Police Commission June 26, 2014 Page 2 an article in reference to Motorcycle Week. Chief Adams advised Titan is working and he was used with regard to the shooting incident the other night. Commissioner Maheux inquired of Titan’s abilities and was advised he is qualified in drug detection and tracking. ITEM #1D Resignations/Retirement. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #1E Hirings. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #1F Promotions/Reorganization. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #2A Support Division. Captain Clary advised the Detectives are getting back into their regular schedule as they had been re-assigned to patrol duties for Bike Week, and are again taking their regular case loads. Captain Clary advised with the call-out yesterday, it didn’t take them long to get busy, but having a Sergeant in the Detective Division, does make it a lot easier. Captain Clary advised he has been accepted to present our Wellness Program to the International Society of Certified Employees Benefits Specialists along with a representative from Meredith as well and also been asked to present at the IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) Conference in October in Orlando. ITEM #2B Operations Division. Captain Canfield advised we have been working with Lakes Region Child Care as far as the Active Shooter Program and some of their concerns as they have a lot of facilities throughout the area of Laconia. Captain Canfield advised there is a Parade scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on the 4th of July in Downtown Laconia and fireworks scheduled in the Weirs as well. Captain Canfield advised from our standpoint, Motorcycle Week was successful even though we were slightly busier than last year, but overall it was a good week. ITEM #2C Legal Division. Prosecutor Sawyer advised the new volunteer has had one session of training and we have an intern starting in July for six weeks from Georgetown University. ITEM #3 Orders and Bulletins. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #4 Approval of May 15, 2014, Minutes, June 2, 2014, Public and Non-Public Session Minutes, and June 20, 2014, Public and Non-Public Session Minutes. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve the minutes as presented, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously. Laconia Police Commission June 26, 2014 Page 3 ITEM #5A Department Monthly Highlights. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5B Monthly Fleet Report. There is no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5C Criminal Investigative Unit Statistics. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5D Monthly Patrol Division Statistics. Chief Adams advised the only increase we saw was Crimes Against Persons which is up 23 percent year-to-date compared to last year. Chief Adams advised there seems to be a few more Simple Assaults and a handful of Aggravated Assaults, but aside from that everything is still in the negative which is nice; Crimes Against Property is down 13 percent, Crimes Against Society is down 57 percent, and Group B Crimes are down 5 percent. Chief Adams advised he is hopeful crimes against people will also start to decline. ITEM #5E Budget Print-Out. Captain Clary advised we had $105,000 in salaries budgeted for Motorcycle Week and we were able to save over $25,000 schedule-wise so we had a successful budgetary week. ITEM #5F Monthly Traffic Statistic. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #6 Correspondence to and from the Department. Chief Adams advised we had received a complaint regarding crosswalks and drivers not yielding to people in the crosswalk which is an issue we see City-wide. Chief Adams advised he contacted DPW and they have repainted a lot of the crosswalks. Chief Adams advised distracted driving is a huge problem and we have done some extra patrols with Officers being reassigned and working specific motor vehicle grants with the hope of making some sort of difference. Chief Adams there is a new Law in the works to prohibit the use of cell phones. Chief Adams advised a nice letter was received from the Veteran’s Home in Tilton thanking an Officer for paying a bill for a group of Veteran’s who were having breakfast. The Chief advised the Officer had paid $100 towards their bill. Chief Adams advised correspondence was received following the threat incident at the High School from Captain Canfield, showing his appreciation for the extra efforts put forth. Chief Adams advised a letter of appreciation was also received from Meredith and Officer Neri received a thank you for the safety briefing she had done for the “Got Lunch” drivers. Captain Canfield noted a thank you from the Bow Police Department as they had viewed our Dispatch Center. Chief Adams advised we had sponsored the Holy Trinity School by providing them with an item to auction and we had received gifts from the students at the Woodland Heights School and a day care Laconia Police Commission June 26, 2014 Page 4 center on Dartmouth Street, which included breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a goodie bag for each Officer for Police Appreciation Week. ITEM #7 Chief’s Report and Requests for Commission Action. Chief Adams requested the Commission consider taking a vote for a $300 stipend to the Staff Officers relating to Motorcycle Week as most of them work between 60 and 70 hours during the week, nine days straight; with the total amount being $1,500. Chairman Clement entertained a motion for a $300 stipend be paid to Staff Officers for compensation of work during Motorcycle Week, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously. ITEM #7A Performance Assessment Cards. Chief Adams advised we did receive a negative grading from a gentleman and he has spoken with him in reference to his concerns, but the reports cards were very positive for the most part. ITEM #7B Motorcycle Week 2014. Chief Adams advised the weather was perfect. Commissioner Maheux recognized Mike and Lorraine from the Veteran’s Home for taking care of our troops one hundred percent. Commissioner Maheux advised we use that as our Police Station, there is no charge for it and Lorraine bakes brownies and cookies everyday. Captain Clary advised the Department appreciates it and the Relief Association has thanked them in numerous ways in the past, as well as showing thanks on Twitter and our Facebook page. Lieutenant Lessard advised their annual meeting is on August 9 and he will be attending to give them something in front of their membership. Chief Adams advised the Laconia Police investigated 29 collisions, 7 resulting in injuries, and State Police covered 5 collisions and the fatality in the City. Chief Adams advised there were 95 arrests City-wide compared to 51 last year, but the rise in number is not surprising considering the weather, 42 Protective Custody arrests, 1 DWI Second, 6 DWI, 3 Operating After Suspension, 14 Drugs, 10 Simple Assault, 1 Second Degree Assault, 1 Criminal Threatening, 3 Unlawful Possessions of Alcohol, 5 Resisting Arrests, 1 Endangering the Welfare of a Child, 1 Disorderly Conduct and 13 Drinking in Public. Chief Adams advised, overall, Motorcycle Week was a success and thanked the outside agencies for their assistance as well. ITEM #8 Old Business. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #9 New Business. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #10 Confirm Date of Next Regular or Special Meeting. The July Meeting was scheduled for July 17, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Laconia Police Headquarters, 126 New Salem Street. Laconia Police Commission June 26, 2014 Page 5 ITEM #11 Other Business. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #12 Citizen Comments. A citizen wanted to talk about the Officer who recently had a Hearing. Chairman Clement advised there was a Hearing, it is a personnel matter, and it is not open for public discussion. A citizen asked for the findings and Chairman Clement advised this is a personnel item, the Officer and her Attorney has been notified, but we can’t discuss personnel items. It was noted there is obviously a miscommunication between the Police and the citizens, and it is quite offensive that our time is not valuable. Chairman Clement advised time is very valuable, but so is the confidentiality of the people who work here. Chief Adams advised a notification was sent out for the second Hearing to both locations and it was held, and personnel items were discussed during that meeting in a non-public session. Harry Bean noted the Officer did the right thing and advised his wife has done this same thing many times, collecting rent, and being fearful for her safety. Harry stated we need to be more and more defensible, raised concerns with regard to the drug problem in the City, and recommends all landlords be trained in the use of firearms. Harry stated the Police need to go in and Chief Adams assured Mr. Bean that we will continue to perform civil standbys when requested. Chief Adams advised we will continue to take each case on an individual basis and if there is an emergency situation in an apartment, we can enter, we always have, and we will continue to do that. Chief Adams advised we are also going to follow State Law and the U.S. Constitution as well. A citizen asked for the definition of a Civil Standby because according to the Laconia Police, it is for domestic violence only. Chief Adams advised this is incorrect and stated if someone feels the need for a Police Officer to assist, an Officer will go and assess the situation. Chief Adams advised a call can be made for whatever reason and the Officer will make a decision at the scene based on the circumstances, and we will continue to do civil standbys. A citizen advised she heard the testimony the other day and according to the landlord, he asked for a civil standby because there was a confrontation the day before and yet the Commission found against the Officer. A citizen advised he has had issues with tenants and when he calls the Police, after giving the tenant the 24 hours notice, he is going in, and doesn’t understand damage to property being considered a civil matter, but complimented the Officers of the Department and doesn’t like to see an Officer being reprimanded for doing her job. A question was raised to Prosecutor Sawyer regarding damage being done to a landlord’s property. Prosecutor Sawyer advised it depends on the specific facts and circumstances and was asked if it is civil or is it criminal. Prosecutor Sawyer stated it depends whether it can be proven who did it, and was advised Police Officers are making it up as they go because they rely on ignorance of the Law, and the Officer was dismissed because she didn’t understand the Law. A concern was raised with regard to the damage of property and the Officers advising the landlords it is a civil matter when it is not, and are being misled by the Officers. Chief Adams advised we have to follow State Law and just can’t go Laconia Police Commission June 26, 2014 Page 6 into people’s houses, violating their Rights. Harry Bean advised it is the Law to give a tenant twenty-four hours notice, and if the tenant is causing problems, the Police will not go in unless the tenant says he can come in. Chief Adams advised a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and if he/she cannot come to a conclusion, they will call the Supervisor who will then make the decision. ITEM #13 Non-Public Session. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. There being nothing further to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously at 3:50 p.m. _______________________________ Douglas A. Whittum, Clerk Laconia Police Commissioner /dms