4:33 pm

Member Hendley prayed.
 

Motion was made by Charles Hayek, seconded by Derrick Gibbons to approve minutes from March 12, 2020 meeting.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Dr. Pinkie Hendley

Passed

None

Staff Braun informed the meeting that the sample of the survey which was administered at the Citizen’s Academy in March was not returned.Contact was made with Joe Sweat on the matter.
 
Since the survey was approved by the Committee, Member Hendley volunteered to continue working on it so it can be ready when it is time for its administration.
 
Member Gibbons suggested sending out survey as a mailer. He will talk with Joe Sweat about accessing the survey online.
 

Staff Hobley-Burney informed the meeting that the Police Department was conducting a series of trainings on the George Floyd incident. She pointed out that what took place in Minneapolis has sparked many emotions, and every effort is being made to prevent an occurrence of this in Fort Pierce.
Staff Braun shared the video of the incident with members.  He outlined that all the officers were trained on the incident and they had an open discussion on what happened, what should not have happened and what did not happen.  All Officers expressed what took place was wrong and should not have happened. He pointed out that it was every officer’s responsibility to take action and to protect lives. It was made clear in the training that no matter the years of experience an officer has it is imperative that they speak up and take action when they see something that is wrong.  Additionally, Staff Braun stressed that any Officer who is of the opinion that nothing is wrong with the George Floyd incident has no place in law enforcement.

A discussion on the video followed. Member Edwards enquired if chokehold was an approved technique of the Department. Staff Braun in response said that technique was not included in the trainings for Officers.

Member Hayek questioned how we could get the word out that the officers at the Department are well trained.  Member Pinkey said that Committee has to be the eyes, ears and mouths of the Department. One way to spread the word is to encourage individuals to join the Police Academy.

As it relates to the Lawnwood Hospital incident, Staff Hobley-Burney pointed out that it was not a use of force issue but a criminal act.  She informed members of the Committee that Officer Eckrode had resigned, and Officer Frederic was going through the process of discipline.

Member Pinkey enquired about the role external agencies played with regards to the incident. Staff Hobley-Burney said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducted the investigation but it was the State Attorney who imposed the charges on the Officers. She also pointed out that the Department was in contract with FDLE with regards to investigations.

Member Jones questioned when the Commissioners were apprised of the Lawnwood incident. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that she informed the City Manager once she was made aware of it.
 
With regards to the budget for the Department, Member Gibbons volunteered to look at the numbers. Staff Hobley-Burney will provide the post budget information to Member Gibbons.

The Committee was informed that the Department was in receipt of a grant through the Department of Justice for $1.25 million dollars for the hiring of ten (10) additional officers. 

Staff Hobley-Burney apologized for the absence of the Covid-19 status update.  She advised that Deputy Chief Ridle who had the update was absent due to another engagement   Member Pinkie advised that testing was being conducted in the community and that people needed to be aware of it. 
 

Members were briefed on the challenges the Department face with regards to staffing. Staff Hobley-Burney indicated that a number of Officers have recently resigned. As it relates to recruitment of new Officers, she informed members that classes were suspended, due to the closure of the College. She said it was difficult loosing Officers to other Departments after investing so much to train them.
 
Reference was made to the Department’s Body Worn Camera (BWC) Policy with regards to the uploading of information.  The Committee was informed that Officers were permitted to upload data the next morning the latest. As it relates to the time taken to upload data from the BWC, Staff Braun pointed out that it can take approximately eight (8) hours which includes the charging of the device.  Member Jones questioned if there were additional BWCs that Officers could access. Staff Braun in response said no.
 
Staff Hobley-Burney reported that the data on the BWC cannot be tampered or erased, and that it was regulated by Public Records Law and privacy guidelines. She said it was time-consuming to redact information from the BWC with only one person assigned to this task.  Also, she pointed out that due to the budget cuts some bills would not be covered since it is very expensive for the Department to have the BWCs.
 
Member Hayek asked if the Officers could store data on flash drives.  Staff Braun said no, and pointed out that Officers can only view the data uploaded. He also shared that the BWC can record everything.
 

As it relates to the Police Department, Member Gibbons shared that he want to thank the Officers for all they do to keep the city safe.  Member Jones told Staff Hobley-Burney to remain strong and to keep praying because things will get better. He also asked her to convey to the Officers that there are still good people in the community who have their back. Member Pinkey congratulated Staff Hobley-Burney on her fifth year as Chief of the Department.
 
Member Pinkey informed the meeting of a community event titled “The Circle of Prayer for Unity and New Beginnings” that will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at Dreamland Park starting at 5pm.  She said participants will include personnel from law enforcement, City Commission, judiciary, among others. She said that social distancing will be observed and persons are encouraged to wear masks.
 
Member Edwards outlined that there would be a Prayer Vigil at the Missionary Baptist Church on 15^th Street at 6:30 pm.
 
Members were encouraged to be in attendance at the upcoming City Commission’s Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2020.

Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. to adjourn the meeting at 6:17pm.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, James Edwards, Melvin Jones, Sr., Dr. Pinkie Hendley

Passed