Police Commission

LACONIA POLICE COMMISSION JULY 16, 2015 CONFERENCE ROOM #200A, CITY HALL 3:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Warren C. Clement called the meeting to order. RECORDING SECRETARY: Deborah M. Simkins, Administrative Assistant SALUTE TO THE FLAG: Chairman Clement led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Chairman Warren C. Clement, Commissioner Douglas A. Whittum, Commissioner Armand E. Maheux STAFF PRESENT: Chief Christopher A. Adams, Captain Mathew J. Canfield, Captain William F. Clary, Lieutenant Richard E. Simmons, and Lieutenant Allan L. Graton Chairman Clement stated there are three (3) members present and a quorum is established. I. Personnel Matters A. Commendations & Awards B. Training – Lieutenant Graton advised there is a request for an out-of-State training class for Detective Carsen and Detective Neri, entitled the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Association, on October 14-16, 2015, in Methuen, Massachusetts, with a total cost of $290. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve the out-of- State training request, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. C. Miscellaneous i. Laconia Links – Chief Adams advised we had an article regarding Motorcycle Week, noting a successful week and including a photograph of the Chief, Captain Clary, and Lieutenant Lessard. Chief Adams advised there was an article regarding the Hands Free Law which went into effect on July 1, 2015, and since that time, our Officers have issued 42 warnings and issued 17 Summonses for violating this new Law. Chief Adams advised he has noted there are far less people on their mobile devices now, so it definitely is having a positive impact. Chief Adams advised he held his second “Coffee with a Cop” today at the Wayfarer Coffee House and thanks the Wayfarer for hosting it. The Chief advised the crowd was a little smaller with only half a dozen people, including Commissioner Maheux, as well as local business people and there was a lot of talk about Laconia Police Commission July 16, 2015, Minutes Page 2 of 5 what is happening in Downtown Laconia, the economy, and substance abuse. The Chief advised the next one is scheduled for August at the Woodside Building. Chief Adams advised Officer Cardinal threw out the first pitch at the Muskrats game for Public Safety Night, and thanked the Muskrats for setting that up. Chief Adams also advised National Night Out will take place on August 4, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 103 Blueberry Lane in the courtyard. Chief Adams advised our first National Night Out was held twelve years ago at this location as well. D. Resignations/Retirement – Chief Adams advised Officer Brandy Enis resigned to move onto other endeavors so we wish her the best of luck. Commissioner Maheux inquired of the openings now available and was advised we have two and we will be starting the process to fill these positions. E. Hirings F. Promotion/Reorganization – Sergeant Thomas E. Swett and Sergeant Dennis L. Ashley. Chief Adams advised Sergeant Thomas E. Swett was transferred from the Detective Division, where he did a fantastic job and we appreciate all his efforts, to the Patrol Division, and Sergeant Dennis L. Ashley was transferred to the Detective Division. Chief Adams advised that Sergeant Ashley has been with the Department for approximately eighteen years and is the Mountain Bike Instructor as well. Chief Adams advised this will be a learning experience for him as he has never been in the Detective Division. The Chief advised he has been in BCI for about a week now and is doing a really good job. II. Division Commander’s Forum A. Support Division – Captain Clary advised we are very happy with the current budget and thankful to the Council for the 2016 Budget. The Captain advised we don’t yet have the final numbers yet, but we should be “spot on”. Captain Clary advised we are in the middle of migrating our server which was funded with last year’s budget, so there have been some internet issues with e-mail, etc. The Captain advised the Chief has gone two and a half days without e-mail and we are well overdue with this update. Chairman Clement inquired if this is being done by an outside agency and was advised yes, but Robin Moyer is there with them, following step-by-step, and our biggest expense has been the licensing. Commissioner Maheux inquired about the Motorcycle Week Budget and was advised we were in the plus by about eight thousand dollars. Captain Clary advised BCI is back up and running after Bike Week and with a new Supervisor who is up to the challenge. Commissioner Maheux inquired about compensation for Ranking Officers for the number of hours worked during Motorcycle Week. Chief Adams advised he would like to thank the Council, Councilor Ava Doyle being present, for supporting many of our initiatives, including the funding of Officer Eric Adams and the PET position. Chief Adams advised this is a very important position and has become a model throughout the State; we have met with several communities who are looking to mirror it. The Chief advised he is going Laconia Police Commission July 16, 2015, Minutes Page 3 of 5 down to the State House again to speak with the Governor’s Task Force on substance abuse. Chief Adams advised this would never have happened without the support of the Council and the community, so a big thank you to them. B. Operations Division – Captain Canfield advised the Community Resource Officers are out and about and issuing parking tickets. Captain Canfield advised Officer Kimtis is able to work a few more hours than last year and has been assigned to the Weirs on Friday and Saturday nights in addition to other Officers in the Weirs earlier in the week and on the weekends. C. Legal Division – Prosecutor Sawyer advised the initiatives are going forward with Compliance Court and Recovery Court. III. Orders and Bulletins IV. Commission Action – Approval of June 25, 2015, Minutes. Chairman Clement entertained a motion to approve the Minutes, moved by Commissioner Maheux, discussion ensued. Commissioner Whittum noted a correction on the Non-Public Session Minutes, Item XIV, and the third and fourth paragraphs, advising there was no motion made to seal the minutes and maintain them as confidential, therefore, this paragraph needs to be deleted. Commissioner Whittum noted when we came out of non-public session; the Chairman spoke with the press and informed them of what had taken place. Commissioner Whittum entertained a motion to amend the Minutes by deleting paragraphs three and four, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. V. Review of Monthly Activity Reports A. Department Monthly Highlights – Chief Adams noted in June, we had 29 domestic violence calls, 116 general disturbance calls, and there were eleven suicidal subjects which is fairly high. The Chief reminded everyone about the presentation from last month’s meeting and the need for such programs and education regarding suicidal awareness. Chief Adams advised there were 48 plus hours of volunteer hours by Officers and employees of the Department and 39 hours from the volunteer division. Chief Adams advised there were 64 motor vehicle accidents, 21 with injury, 59 Summonses, and 675 warnings were issued. Commissioner Maheux noted a high number of domestic violence calls and the Chief advised some of these calls are not assaults, and verbal only, but often times alcohol does play a role as well as financial stresses. Chief Adams advised we are in the process of trying to set up a program to increase our outreach to all domestic violence participants, working with the volunteer division, and setting victims up with services that are available. B. Monthly Fleet Report C. Criminal Investigative Unit Statistics – Commissioner Whittum inquired about the added category of “Knock and Talk”. Captain Clary advised this was just recently Laconia Police Commission July 16, 2015, Minutes Page 4 of 5 added and are done mostly by the Detectives if they have received drug information or suspected drug activity at a particular residence. D. Monthly Patrol Division Statistics – Chairman Clement inquired if intimidation is bullying and was advised most of these are Criminal Threatening offenses. Chief Adams advised most categories are on even par, but noted there have been no convenience store robberies to date and by far, Walmart is responsible for the significant increase in Willful Concealment/Theft offenses. Commissioner Maheux inquired if they are doing anything to curb it on their own and Chief Adams advised they have a good security team and that is why we are going in there so much, but there is only so much they can do. E. Budget Print-Out – Chairman Clement offered congratulations on the status of the year-end budget. F. Monthly Traffic Statistics VI. Correspondence to and from the Department – Chief Adams advised we did receive an e- mail about Wyatt Park and he did spend some time there yesterday; and many of the issues are quality of life, loitering, speeding, foul language, littering, and some reports of drug activity. Chief Adams advised Officers are checking the area once or twice during their shifts and we are paying more attention to all of the parks. VII. Chief’s Report and Requests A. Performance Assessment Cards – Chief Adams advised one card was graded with C’s, D, and F’s, but there was no name and we were unable to find the author of that card, but for the most part there were all very positive comments and good grades. B. National Night Out – Chief Adams encouraged anyone who hasn’t been to a National Night Out, to come up to Blueberry Lane as there will be food and a formal invitation will be sent out. Chief Adams advised this is a great opportunity to mingle with the community and come together as a community. Commissioner Maheux inquired if the Officers are using the sub-stations on Blueberry Lane and Strafford Street. Chief Adams advised we are probably not using them as much as we should be, but we have done some special presentations there, including reading to children and safety. Chief Adams advised it is nice to have a place for the Officers to go in the community instead of them having to come to us to provide information, there is no cost to the City, but they are not used often enough. C. Coffee with a Cop – See Agenda Item #I.C.i., Laconia Links. VIII. Old Business IX. New Business Laconia Police Commission July 16, 2015, Minutes Page 5 of 5 X. Confirm Date of Next Regular or Special Meeting – August 20, 2015, to take place in Conference Room 200A, Laconia City Hall, 45 Beacon Street East, Laconia. XI. Other Business XII. Citizen Comments – Dennis Lintz noted Intimidation was third as far as statistics and inquired if this same pattern is taking place. Chief Adams advised theft is the highest category, followed by simple assault, and it is definitely in the top four or five. D. Lintz inquired about domestic violence investigations and if anything further is done other than taking statements from the parties involved; speaking with employers, neighbors, etc. Chief Adams advised in any investigation, we look for potential witnesses and try to expand to others who may have important information. D. Lintz advised when he was a private investigator, it seemed like it was just the victim and the complainant, and no further investigation was done. The Chief advised there are times when only the victim and suspect are there and evidence needs to be sorted, but we definitely try to span the scope as far as interviewing other witnesses by knocking on doors, etc. XIII. Non-Public Session There being nothing further to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourne d on a motion by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Whittum, and passed unanimously at 3:35 p.m. ___________________________________ Douglas A. Whittum, Clerk Laconia Police Commission /dms