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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-22-1997 MinutesPOLICE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD DECEMBER 11,1997 - 4.00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER Temporary Chairman P. Hoffey called the meeting to order at 4:05 P.M. ATTENDANCE Board members present: M. Raymond, P. Farrant, L. Cohen, J. Watson and P. Hoffey. Staff present: M. Katr, S. Bauer and Legal Counsel D. Russell. Also present Chief R.J. Winkelhake and (As amended 12/22) Captain T. Widmer for the purpose of presentation and discussion of the Iowa City Police Department's accreditation process and its rules and regulations.. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion by M. Raymond and seconded by J. Watson for adoption of Consent Calendar. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL None ELECTION OF OFFICERS It was agreed the method of voting prescribed by the Board for election of officers would be verbal nominations from the floor and voting by show of hands with majority vote. M. Raymond nominated Paul Hoffey as permanent chairperson; seconded by J. Watson. P. Farrant moved to close nominations; seconded by L. Cohen. By show of hands, Motions carried, 5/0, all members present. J. Watson nominated Leah Cohen as vice -chairperson; seconded by P. Farrant. M. Raymond moved to close nominations; seconded by P. Farrant. By show of hands, Motions carried, 5/0, all members present. FORMAL MEDIATION Legal Counsel Doug Russell briefed the Board on formal mediation: It is the firm opinion of the City attorneys that the drafters did not intend for the Board members to be mediators, but rather for the Board to arrange for mediation if a party requested it and all parties consented. PCRB - Minutes 2/11/97 Page 2 ACCREDITATION PROCESS RULES & • Formal mediation is the responsibility of the PCRB and should be handled as an administrative matter. The Police Chief presently sends the complainant a letter after a complaint is filed offering mediation at any time, as required under the Ordinance. The Board should also notify the complainant and officer that mediation is available; should decide on written notification and a procedure for the parties to request mediation; and a procedure for contacting a mediator to be hired or appointed. Legal Counsel suggested several sources for mediators and a discussion followed. It was noted by Legal Counsel that there would be no report if mediation did not succeed. It was also noted that mediation does not "stop the clock" in the normal complaint process, but extensions based on mediation can be sought. For the next meeting Legal Counsel was directed to provide a proposed list of mediators with criminal law background and practical experience in citizen complaints and also their fees. Staff will assist. Legal Counsel and staff were also directed to draft a format letter from the PCRB to parties regarding formal mediation availability, and reinforcing the availability of an informal meeting with the police officer through the police department. The main goal is to have this document available right at the outset of the complaint process. Captain T. Widmer outlined the accreditation process the Iowa City Police Department is commencing. REGULATIONS Chief R.J. wnkelhake outlined the Police Department's Rules & Regulations. The Board will eventually review the General Orders, Department Memorandums and Special Orders. PUBLIC DISCUSSION Receipt noted of the Annual Report of Boards and Commissions, together with an invitation from the City Council to meet with them on January 5, 1998, if desired, to discuss the budget; together with a copy of the projected PCRB budget for 1998. City Clerk M. Karr reiterated the budget support of the Council to the PCRB process. PCRB - Minutes 12/11/97 Page 3 M. Raymond moved to accept a letter dated 12/9/97 from Rod Sullivan; seconded by P. Farrant. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present. It is the consensus of the Board that in the future all correspondence be on the Consent Calendar to be officially received. Late correspondence will be distributed and accepted by motion. lutx-*Y1�[! SCHEDULE The meeting dates set aside at the 12/04/97 meeting were noted. Staff reminded Board members of the reception for new board and commission members at 6:30 P.M. December 16, followed by a formal introduction to the City Council at 7:00 P.M. Members were advised to communicate to staff if they will/will not be able to attend. If staff is in receipt of the Police Chiefs reports on Complaint #3 and Complaint #4 by December 15, the agenda for the meeting of December 16 will include a Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session for discussion of such complaints. If the Police Chief s reports are not received so as to get the report to the PCRB by December 15, the meeting on December 16 will be canceled. Other agenda items for future meetings will include: • update on mediation process; • how to respond to citizen communications; • appoint committee for drafting reports; • staff and board roles. ADJOURNMENT Motion by P. Farrant and seconded by L. Cohen to adjourn. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present. Meeting adjourned 5:50 P.M.