Police Commission

LACONIA POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 16, 2015 PRESENT: Commissioner Warren C. Clement, Commissioner Douglas A. Whittum, Commissioner Armand E. Maheux, Chief Christopher A. Adams, Captain Matthew J. Canfield, Lieutenant Richard E. Simmons, Lieutenant Allan L. Graton, Prosecutor James A. Sawyer, and Deborah M. Simkins EXCUSED: Captain William F. Clary GUESTS: Lori Marsh, Colleen Richardson, Judi Lundh, Tammy Chubb, Bob Martin, Gail Ober and Dennis Lintz Chairman Clement called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Chairman Clement led the Pledge of Allegiance. ITEM#1 Personnel Matters. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #1A Commendations & Awards – May 13, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in the Pitman’s Freight Room, New Salem Street. Chief Adams advised we are deviating from the traditional venue for the Awards Ceremony which will held at the Pitman’s Freight Room. ITEM #1B Training. 1) Officer Kevin W. Shortt (9th Annual ECGIA Training Conference). Discussion ensued relative to the out-of-State training request. Chairman Clement entertained a Motion to approve the out-of-State school, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously. 2) Sergeant Michael P. Finogle and Officer Richard J. Bassett III (Law Enforcement Suicide – Tactics for Prevention and Intervention Training for Trainers). Discussion ensued relative to the out-of-State training request. Chairman Clement entertained a Motion to approve the out-of-State school, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. 3) Officer Kendra L. Neri (Knock and Talk Investigation Techniques). Discussion ensued relative to the out-of-State training request. Chairman Clement entertained a Motion to approve the out-of-State school, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously. 4) Captain Matthew J. Canfield (2015 FBINAA New England Retrainer). Lieutenant Graton advised he received a request from Captain Canfield regarding the annual Retrainer which is scheduled for the week after Bike Week. Discussion ensued relative to the out-of-State training request. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve Laconia Police Commission April 16, 2015, Minutes Page 2 the out-of-State school, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. Lieutenant Graton advised we just completed the Active Shooter Training Course for everyone at the Huot Technical Center, Officer Sedgley will be attending Motorcycle Training in the near future, and we have one Officer who will be attending the next Academy which will begin on May 4, 2015. ITEM #1C Miscellaneous – Laconia Links. Chief Adams advised we were represented in costume at the Winni Dip and raised over $4,000 for New Hampshire Special Olympics, there was a roundtable discussion with Senator Shaheen regarding the Heroin epidemic and its effects on the Community, and our first Coffee with a Cop informal meeting was held at “My Coffee House”. Chief Adams advised this allows for a very informal meeting with an Officer in a relaxed atmosphere, and is a nationally recognized Program. 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. Lieutenant Graton advised we have started the background investigation on the Animal Control Officer and plan on an introduction to the Commission at the next meeting. ITEM #2B Operations Division. Captain Canfield advised he has been working with Officer Cardinal and the Middle School Staff to schedule the presentation of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program which will be held on the first and second weeks of June. Captain Canfield advised Officer Cardinal also went to the Taylor Community and Irwin Toyota, and presented on fraud and mail scams. Captain Canfield advised the interns are also just finishing up their program. ITEM #2C Legal Division. Prosecutor Sawyer advised he has been asked to provide training to firemen and paramedics with regard to testifying and met with them in reference to what to expect and how to appropriately testify. Prosecutor Sawyer advised Recovery Court will be graduating two more participants very soon, which will be the third graduation. ITEM #3 Orders and Bulletins. Commissioner Whittum inquired what ECGIA stands for and was advised the East Coast Gang Intelligence Association. ITEM #4 Approval of March 19, 2015, Minutes and March 19, 2015, 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. ITEM #5A Department Monthly Highlights. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. Laconia Police Commission April 16, 2015, Minutes Page 3 ITEM #5B Monthly Fleet Report. There was 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 noted a slight increase in Group B Crimes and an increase in Crimes against Property which is a direct result of the number of shoplifters at the Walmart Store. ITEM #5E Budget Print-Out. Commissioner Maheux inquired about our new budget. Chief Adams advised he will be presenting the budget on June 1, 2015, but has been meeting regularly with City Manager Scott Myers and doesn’t see any problems. ITEM #5F Monthly Traffic Statistics. Chief Adams noted a significant increase in the number of parking tickets issued by Al Lessard. ITEM #6 Correspondence to and from the Department. Chief Adams noted a letter from Director Vittum thanking Captain Clary who had supported their budget at the State House. Chief Adams advised he had also met with a gentleman from Connecticut who traveled to the Department to talk about the Heroin epidemic, and later received a complimentary letter from him. ITEM #7 Chief’s Report and Requests for Commission Action. ITEM #7A Performance Assessment Report Cards. Chief Adams noted the majority of the report cards were A’s and B’s. ITEM #7B Volunteer Appreciation Week. Chief Adams advised we are fortunate to have a total of eight volunteers with the Department and is happy six were able to attend today. Chief Adams advised Judi has been volunteering with the Department for thirteen years; with numerous accumulated hours of volunteer service. The Chief thanked the volunteers for all they do, from contacting victims of crimes to shredding papers and performing other Administrative duties, advised they are awesome. The Chief presented thank yous and a small token of our appreciation to the volunteers. ITEM #7C Coffee with a Cop – My Coffee House, April 20, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. Chief Adams advised the informal meet and greet was very successful and would like to do this at least four times during the course of the year to be held at different locations. Chief Adams advised this is a nationally recognized program aimed at building and engaging in community problem solving. Chief Adams advised our Officers and employees recently donated sixty-six hours of their own time; including, the New Hampshire Special Olympics, Homeless Coalition, and the Winni Dip. Laconia Police Commission April 16, 2015, Minutes Page 4 Chief Adams advised Eric has been very active with the Heroin epidemic as well and has been attending various meetings. Chief Adams advised on a positive note from March 20, 2015, to today, we have had only two recorded overdoses. The Chief advised from January 1, 2015, to March 20, 2015, we had thirty-five overdoses with four deaths. Chief Adams advised maybe people are realizing how dangerous this is and along with the work Eric has been doing and Stand-Up Laconia, we are making a positive impact. Chief Adams advised he hopes this trend continues along with prevention and working with all of our partners. Chief Adams advised we are finding a lot of used needles now the snow is melting and wanted to caution the public not to touch these items. ITEM #8 Old Business. Commissioner Maheux inquired how the City is reacting to Eric’s position and Chief Adams advised they have been very supportive with our initiatives and feels confident they will fund a full-time position. Chief Adams advised Law Enforcement is not traditionally in the outreach area, but more enforcement. Chairman Clement inquired about the additional training and Chief Adams advised we have just confirmed the funds are there for him to attend. 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 May Meeting was scheduled for May 21, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Laconia Police Headquarters. The Awards Presentation will be held on May 13, 2015, in the Pitmans Freight Room. ITEM #11 Other Business. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #12 Citizen Comments. Tammy inquired about traffic during Bike Week with the construction Downtown. Chief Adams advised hopefully this will be a non-issue and it will be done by then. Dennis advised he was sorry he missed the meeting with Senator Shaheen and noted an incident that recently occurred that he was looking for a report card on. Dennis noted it has been almost two years and there has been no search for Amy Lafond’s drug dealer. Dennis advised he had worked as a private detective and has tape recorded Officers in the past and is sure they didn’t like it. Dennis advised we do not have the necessary forms available on the website to file a grievance. Chairman Clement inquired if Dennis had picked up the copies of reports he had requested and he advised he has not and he knows what is in the reports. Dennis advised there are no PDF forms on line to fill out and it does state to speak with an Officer. Chairman Clement advised Dennis to come in and speak with the on-duty Supervisor to file a complaint. Chairman Clement advised he appreciates Dennis’ comments, but feels the Performance Assessment Report Cards are working for the Department. Prosecutor Sawyer advised Dennis that we are not going to talk about a personnel issue during an open forum. Chairman Clement inquired if there was anything Dennis would like to discuss and he would like to file a complaint, to speak with the on-duty Supervisor. Laconia Police Commission April 16, 2015, Minutes Page 5 Tammy inquired about the use of body cameras. Chairman Clement advised we are a proactive Department. Judi advised she has volunteered with the Department for over thirteen years and can unequivocally say the members of this Department are always professional. Gail inquired about the significant increase in the number of traffic stops and was advised we have been conducting Directed Patrols while utilizing Highway Safety Grants with regard to Safe Commute, Stop Light, Speed, and Seat Belt. 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 3:45p.m. ___________________________________ Douglas A. Whittum, Clerk Laconia Police Commission /dms