C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting - Thursday, December 10, 2020 - 4:30 p.m.Fort Pierce City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL
| Present: Absent: |
Derrick Gibbons; Melvin Jones, Sr.; Charles Hayek; Dr. Pinkie Hendley James Edwards |
1.
CALL TO ORDER
4:38 pm
2.
OPENING PRAYER
Chief Hobley-Burney prayed.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
5.
Approval of Minutes from the October 8, 2020 Police Community Advisory Meeting
6.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this Agenda may be heard at this time. Please sign the sign-up sheet in order to speak. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The Police Community Advisory Board will not be able to take any official action under “Comments from the Public” section.
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this Agenda may be heard at this time. Please sign the sign-up sheet in order to speak. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The Police Community Advisory Board will not be able to take any official action under “Comments from the Public” section.
None.
7.
OLD BUSINESS
A.
PCAC Community Survey.
The community survey was presented to the City Commission.It was recommended by the Commission that the Committee seek input from the Indian River State College (IRSC) before the survey is administered.
Member Hendley informed the Committee that she had received comments from Bethune–Cookman University to improve the survey. She shared her concerns about the length of time it will take to complete the review of the survey before it is administered. Member Hayek suggested that if input was already sought from the College, it should have been noted, and the credentials of those who provided guidance recorded.
Going forward, Member Hayek will contact Commissioner Curtis Johnson so that the necessary follow-up can be made with the college personnel for the review of the survey.
Member Hendley informed the Committee that she had received comments from Bethune–Cookman University to improve the survey. She shared her concerns about the length of time it will take to complete the review of the survey before it is administered. Member Hayek suggested that if input was already sought from the College, it should have been noted, and the credentials of those who provided guidance recorded.
Going forward, Member Hayek will contact Commissioner Curtis Johnson so that the necessary follow-up can be made with the college personnel for the review of the survey.
8.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Department Update.
The overview of the police department was presented by Staff Hobley-Burney. Calls for service for the month of November was over 7,500. Based on the number of officers on staff, it was noted that it is very challenging to respond to these calls given the annexation of the City of Fort Pierce.
A staffing study will be conducted to provide guidance as it relates to the amount of officers needed to service the City. Assistance was sought from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Staff Hobley-Burney will have discussions with the president of IRSC to see how they can be of help.
As it relates to violent crimes, it was reported that 26 cases were reported to the police for the month of November. Of this number, 18 aggravated assault cases were recorded which could be as a result of more people being at home, due to the impact of the virus.
The number of auto burglaries is of concern, with more juveniles being involved in these incidents. It was noted that many of the auto burglaries were due to vehicles being left open or running.
Staff Hobley-Burney reported that in cases where the department has to conduct search warrants, a sign would be placed at the front of the designated property.Also, officers are required to go to each house to inform the residents of the search.
The issue of homeless residents was discussed. Staff Hobley-Burney reported that the park across from the police department was being used to feed the homeless which has become a major concern. Food items and clothes are left in the park, and as such no one can use the pavilion. Due to the presence of the homeless, children have stopped using the park. The police department is working assiduously to locate an area where individuals can feed the homeless.
Based on the number of calls for service in relation to available officers, Member Hayek questioned about the length of each call. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the time it takes to respond to a call will depend on the type of call.
A staffing study will be conducted to provide guidance as it relates to the amount of officers needed to service the City. Assistance was sought from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Staff Hobley-Burney will have discussions with the president of IRSC to see how they can be of help.
As it relates to violent crimes, it was reported that 26 cases were reported to the police for the month of November. Of this number, 18 aggravated assault cases were recorded which could be as a result of more people being at home, due to the impact of the virus.
The number of auto burglaries is of concern, with more juveniles being involved in these incidents. It was noted that many of the auto burglaries were due to vehicles being left open or running.
Staff Hobley-Burney reported that in cases where the department has to conduct search warrants, a sign would be placed at the front of the designated property.Also, officers are required to go to each house to inform the residents of the search.
The issue of homeless residents was discussed. Staff Hobley-Burney reported that the park across from the police department was being used to feed the homeless which has become a major concern. Food items and clothes are left in the park, and as such no one can use the pavilion. Due to the presence of the homeless, children have stopped using the park. The police department is working assiduously to locate an area where individuals can feed the homeless.
Based on the number of calls for service in relation to available officers, Member Hayek questioned about the length of each call. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the time it takes to respond to a call will depend on the type of call.
B.
Upcomming Events.
Members were informed of recent events that took place at the department. The Citizen’s Academy was well-received, and the engagement of participants was very good. The Chief’s barbeque was a great one which built camaraderie among staff.
Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the department’s Shop with a Cop event will be held on Friday, December 11 at the Walmart in Fort Pierce. The department will participate in the motorcycle Toy Run which will be held on December 13, while Santa Cop, a drive-through activity will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Main Station. It was pointed out that even though these activities were being organized for the Christmas, assistance will be given to families after the holidays, once there is a need.
Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the department’s Shop with a Cop event will be held on Friday, December 11 at the Walmart in Fort Pierce. The department will participate in the motorcycle Toy Run which will be held on December 13, while Santa Cop, a drive-through activity will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Main Station. It was pointed out that even though these activities were being organized for the Christmas, assistance will be given to families after the holidays, once there is a need.
9.
STAFF COMMENTS
With regards to the hiring of officers, members will be given the opportunity to participate in the process.
10.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Gibbons pointed out that it was good that the officers were conducting roll call on the streets. He made referenced to the roll call at the Farmer’s Market, and how it was well-received.
Member Jones informed the meeting of an upcoming activity for families at the Percy Peek Gymnasium on Saturday, December 12, 2020.
Member Hendley indicated that it would be good for supervisors to share contact information with members of the clergy so that they can be more involved and called upon when needed.
With regards to past and upcoming events, Member Hendley informed the Committee of the passing of Mayor Hudson’s husband. She outlined that the next Circle of prayer will be a virtual one and that the unveiling of the wall of remembrance for murdered victims will take place on January 18, 2021.
Member Hayek in reflection of the committee’s tenure said it has been a rewarding one. He wished everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Member Jones informed the meeting of an upcoming activity for families at the Percy Peek Gymnasium on Saturday, December 12, 2020.
Member Hendley indicated that it would be good for supervisors to share contact information with members of the clergy so that they can be more involved and called upon when needed.
With regards to past and upcoming events, Member Hendley informed the Committee of the passing of Mayor Hudson’s husband. She outlined that the next Circle of prayer will be a virtual one and that the unveiling of the wall of remembrance for murdered victims will take place on January 18, 2021.
Member Hayek in reflection of the committee’s tenure said it has been a rewarding one. He wished everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (772) 467-3065 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.