Police Commission

LACONIA POLICE COMMISSION JULY 21, 2016, MINUTES CONFERENCE ROOM #200A, LACONIA CITY HALL 45 BEACON STREET EAST, LACONIA, NH – 3:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Whittum called the Meeting to Order SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Chairman Whittum led the Pledge of Allegiance RECORDING SECRETARY – Excused ROLL CALL – Chairman Douglas A. Whittum, Clerk Armand E. Maheux, and Commissioner Thomas K. Tarr Chairman Whittum recognizes Staff Present -- Chief Christopher A. Adams, Captain Matthew J. Canfield, Lieutenant Richard E. Simmons, Lieutenant Allan L. Graton, Lieutenant Thomas E. Swett and Prosecutor James A. Sawyer Chairman Whittum -- A quorum has been established and there are three Commission members present I. Personnel Matters A. Commendations & Awards -- Chief Adams advised we received notice from Senator Shaheen’s Office that Officer Eric Adams has been nominated and will be awarded the New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Award for dedication and professionalism for his work. The Chief advised Officer Adams will be recognized on October 14, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council. Chief Adams advised this is a huge accomplishment and to be recognized at this level is pretty impressive. Chairman Whittum advised this speaks highly of his efforts, but also of the Chief’s direction and getting this initiative started. Chief Adams advised this is definitely a team effort. B. Training -- Lieutenant Graton advised the two Officers in field training are doing well; Officer Wolak and Officer Goodheart, and they are scheduled to attend the Academy on August 29. The Lieutenant advised two weeks prior, they will be required to go through the fitness testing. Lieutenant Graton advised Officer Leva and Officer McCormack have a scheduled graduation date of August 19, 2016, and they are doing well. The Lieutenant advised he has two requests for out-of-State schools; the first being the IACP Annual Conference for Captain Canfield in San Diego, California. Lieutenant Graton advised the information received at these conferences is very beneficial to the Department in training as well as critical issues in technology; with a total cost Laconia Police Commission Minutes – July 21, 2016 Page 2 being $1,695. The Lieutenant advised he has received a request for Detective Neri and Detective Carsen to attend ‘‘Investigations into Heroin Distribution’’ sponsored by the New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Association, to take place in Methuen, Massachusetts, and there is no cost involved. C. Miscellaneous 1) Laconia Links -- Chief Christopher A. Adams advised there was a photograph of several of our Officers who attended the Public Safety Night at the Robbie Mills Field and threw out the first pitch. The Chief advised there was an advertisement for National Night Out scheduled for August 2, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sanborn Park. D. Resignations/Retirement -- No Discussion E. Hirings -- No Discussion F. Promotions/Reorganization -- No Discussion II. Division/Bureau Commander’s Forum A. Division/Bureau Commander -- Captain Matthew J. Canfield advised yesterday he attended the City-wide After Action Report for Motorcycle Week and no negative complaints were received. The Captain advised we are continuing to do security risk assessments for different businesses and organizations throughout Laconia, walking through their establishments and giving them ideas on different security measures; burglaries or active shooter events. Captain Canfield advised we are also receiving requests for the Active Shooter Presentations and will be doing three more in the next couple of months. The Captain advised planning for Pumpkin Fest has also begun. B. Support Division -- Lieutenant Graton advised we are coming up on our CALEA Re-Accreditation, scheduled for August 1 to 4, 2016, and everything has been set up for the two Assessors who will be coming in. The Lieutenant advised they will be given a tour of the Police Department as well as meeting with Department Heads and other members of the Police Department and stakeholders. Lieutenant Graton advised on August 2, 2016, there will be a call-in for the public from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to a dedicated line at the Police Station and in Council Chambers from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. for the public to make comments in person regarding their view on the Department being able to achieve Re-Accreditation, which will be advertised in the Daily Sun and the Laconia Citizen. Chairman Whittum inquired if they Laconia Police Commission Minutes – July 21, 2016 Page 3 always do the call-in and was advised yes. Commissioner Maheux inquired how long it will be before we know our status. Chief Adams advised they will meet with us before they leave and give us an idea of whether or not we are going to pass, and in November, we attend the ceremony. Commissioner Tarr inquired if a meeting with the Police Commission is on their Agenda. Lieutenant Graton advised we don’t have that on the Agenda, but the Commission will be notified when to come in to meet. C. Operations Division -- Lieutenant Richard E. Simmons advised National Night Out is scheduled for August 2, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sanborn Park and the Citizen’s Academy will be held at the Taylor Home. The Lieutenant advised he has spoken with the Director of the Taylor Home and they are very happy to have us, and is hoping for a bigger class. D. Detective Division -- Lieutenant Thomas E. Swett advised he is very pleased to hear that Eric has been nominated. The Lieutenant advised at the half way point of the year, we have arrested or indicted 73 people for various drug charges. Lieutenant Swett advised he attended a State sponsored informational session this morning in reference to the protocol for investigating drug overdose deaths along with Captain Canfield, Sergeant Butler, and Detective Carsen this morning. Commissioner Tarr inquired about the overdose trend. Chief Adams advised unfortunately in the last week, we have seen a spike and had at least seven to maybe ten with one suspected death; and advised of the car accident with the people overdosing in the car and a nineteen month child in the car. The Chief advised we had actually seen a decline about a month ago, and year-to- date we are at about fifty-five with five suspected deaths. Chairman Whittum inquired of the time frame to determine if a death is drug-related. Chief Adams advised it can take a while because of the toxicology results and they are backed up at the Lab as well and it is not given that an autopsy will be conducted at a suspected overdose death. Commissioner Tarr inquired about additional staffing with the money the Governor just signed off on. Chief Adams advised they did, but with 500 last year and the potential for more than that this year. Lieutenant Swett advised they are responsible for all deaths and not just overdoses. Commissioner Maheux inquired if all the toxicology tests are done in Concord and was advised yes. E. Legal Division -- Prosecutor James A. Sawyer advised we are twenty-one days into the new Felony First Initiative and in Laconia, there have been eleven Felony arrests in that time; seven being Cash Bail and four PR Bail for a future Court Date. The Prosecutor advised today may be the first PR Bail Arraignment Date and we have one in that group. Prosecutor Sawyer advised for the most part, the initial paperwork has been going smoothly getting over to Laconia Police Commission Minutes – July 21, 2016 Page 4 the County Attorney’s Office and there have been no major hiccups with regard to that. The Prosecutor advised the Staff and Supervisors are still learning about ensuring follow-up paperwork is being marked appropriately and as a priority. Prosecutor Sawyer advised at least two of the seven Cash Bail have plead already and this was part of the purpose of this to have things resolved quickly. The Prosecutor advised most were drug offenses, but there was a Habitual Offender, a Second Degree Assault, Domestic, and an Armed Robbery. Commissioner Tarr inquired if the initial charge is a Felony, but it is knocked down to a Misdemeanor, does it come back. Prosecutor Sawyer advised it is dealt with in Superior Court, and noted the Bail Commissioners are responsible initially for directing the charges to the various Courts and in one case, the defendant was Bailed to two different Courts. Prosecutor Sawyer praised the Bail Commissioners as they come out at all times of the day and night and are always very responsive to our needs. III. Orders and Bulletins -- No Discussion IV. Commission Action -- Chairman Whittum entertained a Motion to approve the out-of- State school requests, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Tarr, and passed unanimously. A. Acceptance of June 23, 2016, Minutes V. Review of Monthly Activity Reports A. Department Monthly Highlights -- Chief Adams advised in June, we had 1,835 calls for service, 1 fatality, 49 accidents and 14 with injury, 227 parking tickets issued, 8 DWI’s and 54 Protective Custodies. Commissioner Maheux inquired about the number of DWI arrests and was advised the number has decreased from last year and is hopeful this is due to people being more responsible. B. Monthly Fleet Report -- No Discussion C. Criminal Investigative Unit Statistics -- No Discussion D. Monthly Patrol Division Statistics -- Chief Adams advised there was an 11percent decrease in crimes against persons, 6 percent increase for crimes against property, 13 percent increase for crimes against society, a slight increase in drug arrests, and 9 percent increase for Group B Crimes. Commissioner Tarr noted an increase in the Weapon Law Violation. Prosecutor Sawyer advised several were for brass knuckles and there were also Felons in Possession. Commissioner Tarr inquired about the increase in Laconia Police Commission Minutes – July 21, 2016 Page 5 Criminal Trespass. Chief Adams advised he believes these numbers may also be connected to some of the transient population we have E. Budget Print-Out -- Chief Adams advised the City adopted the Police Budget with no changes. Commissioner Tarr inquired if we ended with a surplus and was advised we are still figuring those numbers out, but in the Motorcycle Week line item, there was a surplus. Commissioner Maheux inquired if the deficit for Laconia Fest will be coming out of our Motorcycle Week Budget and was advised no. Commissioner Tarr inquired if there is a surplus, do we carry it over and was advised we return it to the City. F. Monthly Traffic Statistics -- Chief Adam advised there were 511 car stops, 28 Summonses were issued and 435 written warnings for the month of June. VI. Correspondence to and from the Department -- Chief Adams advised he sent out an e- mail with regard to the recent killings of Police Officers as it definitely takes a toll on Officers here, emphasizing being well trained, and not to hesitate to use force. The Chief advised the amount of correspondence in support of Law Enforcement has been unbelievable, including letters, e-mails, and even food, and which is so important during these difficult times. Chief Adams advised he had received a questionnaire from one of the schools, followed by thank yous. The Chief advised Officer Adams received a thank you from the Board of Selectmen in Epsom for a presentation he did on his position, and Chief Dean sent a thank you for our assistance during the University of New Hampshire Commencement Ceremony. VII. Chief’s Report A. Performance Assessment Report Cards. Chief Adams advised there were some very nice comments and all A’s. B. National Night Out -- No Discussion VIII. Old Business -- No Discussion IX. New Business -- Chief Adams inquired of Lieutenant Swett if we have any Highway Safety Grants; one being for Distracted Driving. Lieutenant Swett advised we have four grants through the New Hampshire Highway Safety Administration that we are waiting on, they all look good and two of them we have been doing for several years; DWI Patrols and Sustained Traffic Enforcement Patrols. The Lieutenant advised the third one is a 50/50 equipment grant and there is a new one for Distracted Driving, specifically targeting people using electronic devices. Commissioner Maheux inquired how long it will be before we see the rifles. Lieutenant Swett advised the application Laconia Police Commission Minutes – July 21, 2016 Page 6 has been submitted to the Federal Government and is hopeful we should know within a month or two. X. Confirm Date of Next Regular or Special Meeting -- August 18, 2016 XI. Other Business -- Chief Adams advised New Hampshire Public Radio was in Laconia chronicling how our community has been dealing with the latest drug epidemic and Officer Adams’ position as well as Recovery Court. The Chief advised there were two great stories done. Commissioner Maheux inquired about the Recovery Court and was advised this is done through the Circuit Court, which is the only one in the State done this way. Commissioner Tarr advised Recovery Court statistics in this area are very good based on the resources available and Prosecutor Sawyer advised it is not funded so we are limited on the number of participants. XII. Citizen Comments -- Gail Ober, Laconia Daily Sun, Ward 5 noted discussion on the Heroin overdoses and asked Lieutenant Swett about the new Law on body cameras, wondering if any progress was made on grant applications/funding for those, and spoke on the increase of people carrying weapons during arrest incidents and if they are legitimately owned. Chief Adams advised if a weapon is seized, the serial number is checked. Gail asked if any are stolen or can be connected to burglaries. Lieutenant Swett advised most of the traces come back to a legitimate sale. Gail inquired if it is a combination of guns not being reported missing. Lieutenant Swett advised they may have been sold through private sales. Gail noted weapons are often traced back to burglaries in Maine and New Hampshire due to our slack gun Laws compared to surrounding States, and being used to purchase drugs in other States as well. Captain Canfield advised we do have a five-year strategic plan on the body cameras and will be meeting in late August for further discussion. Chief Adams advised we will be looking into possible grant funding and Lieutenant Swett advised there is generally a cost- sharing grant. Gail inquired if we would consider asking for them within our budget and was advised possibly. Gail inquired about the K-9 Program and was advised nothing new, but we will be exploring that and it definitely is going to happen. Dennis Lintz, Weirs Boulevard resident, advised he was told by an Officer that he doesn’t have the same training, and noted this to be true. Dennis spoke of a resident with a camera on his/her property that covers the driveway Amy Lafond left from on the day mentioned in a notice to the Department and inquired why no Officer ever came back to ask if they wanted to look at the video. Dennis said when he worked in investigative services, he did set up security cameras and has worked with the Police on a lot of cases, but was hired by civilians, companies, and different businesses. Dennis said there have been a lot of complaints about him and wondering how far do our investigations actually go and has six years of video of Amy Lafond’s comings and goings. Dennis spoke about police brutality and ‘‘Police Lives Matter’’, and the Laconia Police Commission Minutes – July 21, 2016 Page 7 liability for a citizen to pull a weapon is a lot heavier than a Police Officer, and understood the ramifications of drawing a weapon. XIII. Non-Public Session. RSA 91-A:3II(a) -- The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee or the investigation of any charges against him or her unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting, and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted. Chairman Whittum entertained a Motion to enter into Non-Public Session, moved by Commissioner Maheux, seconded by Commissioner Tarr, and passed unanimously at 3:45 p.m. Chairman Whittum entertained a Motion to come out of Non-Public Session, moved by Commissioner Tarr, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously at 3:55 p.m. Chairman Whittum entertained a Motion to accept the recommendation as to the actions just considered, moved by Commissioner Tarr, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. Meeting Adjourned