C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Thursday, January 14, 2021MINUTES
Fort Pierce City Commission Chambers, 100 North U.S. #1, Fort Pierce, Florida
- Present:
- Melvin Jones, Sr.; Charles Hayek; Dr. Pinkie Hendley; Derrick Gibbons; Quincy Barr
- Staff Present:
-
- Chief of Police Diane Hobley-Burney
- Sergeant Jason Braun
1.
CALL TO ORDER
4:34 pm.
2.
OPENING PRAYER
Member Hendley prayed.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
5.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Approval of Minutes from the December 10, 2020 Police Community Advisory Meeting.
Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. to approve the minutes of the December 10, 2020 meeting with correction.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Melvin Jones, Sr., Derrick Gibbons, Quincy Barr, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed
Member Hendley indicated that the college which provided comments on the survey was Bethune-Cookman and not the Indian River State College (IRSC).
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.
Member Hayek informed the meeting that he had received feedback from Kathy Davis from IRSC to improve the survey which was sent to members. Members were encouraged to review comments and provide feedback.
Member Hendley shared her concerns about the implications for changing the survey questions since its intent was to get the pulse of the community on their thoughts about the police department.
Member Hendley shared her concerns about the implications for changing the survey questions since its intent was to get the pulse of the community on their thoughts about the police department.
8.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Department Update.
Staff Hobley-Burney reported that the police department received approximately 1,700 calls for service per week in the month of December.
With regards to staffing, members were informed that the department has been receiving some good candidates for the Police Academy through its sponsorship program. Staff Hobley-Burney noted that since officers are now in their proper steps, there have been less resignations. She commended members of the Committee, in particular Member Hayek who advocated for five (5) additional officers through grant funds.
As it relates to the staffing study, Staff Hobley-Burney pointed out that the department will do an internal one since the cost to outsource the study was approximately $30,000.00.
Members were apprised of the department’s community engagement programs that took place in December, namely Shop with a Cop and Santa Cop. Staff Hobley-Burney told members that the focus of the Christmas programs was to assist families on a whole. As a requirement of a family’s participation, children or parents had to submit a thank you letter to the donors. It was noted that some of the letters were very touching. Members were informed that the department is compiling a Compact Disc (CD) for donors so that they can see firsthand the lives they have touched for Christmas.
Member Hayek enquired about the impact of increased construction projects in the city on calls for service. Staff Hobley-Burney said that these projects along with other recent business establishments do create additional demands for service. Based on the recorded calls for service for the month, it was noted that officer initiated calls had increased indicating that more officers are connecting with the community.
With regards to the impact of the virus on the department’s response to calls for service, members were told that a number of measures were implemented to protect officers. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that as a precaution, the department would not participate in large events because if one officer is affected by the virus this can have a negative impact on an entire shift. Member Jones indicated that Palm Beach County has taken a similar stance to hold off on hosting large events.
A discussion followed on the plan in place to provide the vaccine to first responders. It was noted that based on the Governor’s order, first responders in Saint Lucie County would receive the vaccine after public health workers.
Member Hayek shared with members a newspaper article about ‘bad’ cops and how it was very difficult for them to get jobs at the end of their law enforcement career. It was noted that each state had different guidelines regarding the treatment of such officers. In Florida, once an officer is convicted they are stripped of their law enforcement accreditation.
Member Barr enquired about the low pay scale for officers at the department. Staff Hobley-Burney in response stated that this was due to economic variables such as low tax revenue from businesses and properties.
In preparation for the inauguration of the new president and possible heightened activities, Member Hendley asked about the preparations of the department. It was pointed out by Staff Hobley-Burney that the department has a plan in place and that officers will be very vigilant on the ground in the event of an uprising.
With regards to staffing, members were informed that the department has been receiving some good candidates for the Police Academy through its sponsorship program. Staff Hobley-Burney noted that since officers are now in their proper steps, there have been less resignations. She commended members of the Committee, in particular Member Hayek who advocated for five (5) additional officers through grant funds.
As it relates to the staffing study, Staff Hobley-Burney pointed out that the department will do an internal one since the cost to outsource the study was approximately $30,000.00.
Members were apprised of the department’s community engagement programs that took place in December, namely Shop with a Cop and Santa Cop. Staff Hobley-Burney told members that the focus of the Christmas programs was to assist families on a whole. As a requirement of a family’s participation, children or parents had to submit a thank you letter to the donors. It was noted that some of the letters were very touching. Members were informed that the department is compiling a Compact Disc (CD) for donors so that they can see firsthand the lives they have touched for Christmas.
Member Hayek enquired about the impact of increased construction projects in the city on calls for service. Staff Hobley-Burney said that these projects along with other recent business establishments do create additional demands for service. Based on the recorded calls for service for the month, it was noted that officer initiated calls had increased indicating that more officers are connecting with the community.
With regards to the impact of the virus on the department’s response to calls for service, members were told that a number of measures were implemented to protect officers. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that as a precaution, the department would not participate in large events because if one officer is affected by the virus this can have a negative impact on an entire shift. Member Jones indicated that Palm Beach County has taken a similar stance to hold off on hosting large events.
A discussion followed on the plan in place to provide the vaccine to first responders. It was noted that based on the Governor’s order, first responders in Saint Lucie County would receive the vaccine after public health workers.
Member Hayek shared with members a newspaper article about ‘bad’ cops and how it was very difficult for them to get jobs at the end of their law enforcement career. It was noted that each state had different guidelines regarding the treatment of such officers. In Florida, once an officer is convicted they are stripped of their law enforcement accreditation.
Member Barr enquired about the low pay scale for officers at the department. Staff Hobley-Burney in response stated that this was due to economic variables such as low tax revenue from businesses and properties.
In preparation for the inauguration of the new president and possible heightened activities, Member Hendley asked about the preparations of the department. It was pointed out by Staff Hobley-Burney that the department has a plan in place and that officers will be very vigilant on the ground in the event of an uprising.
B.
Upcomming Events.
Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that the opening of the RICH House was still on hold due to the impact of the virus. She reported that other community engagement activities such as Courageous Kids are still on hold. Plans were in place to have Unity in the Community last year but it was cancelled. Member Hayek suggested having Unity in the Community in May when it is much cooler. However, Staff Hobley-Burney provided an explanation for the reason it was held in July.
9.
STAFF COMMENTS
The work and impact of the department’s School Resource Officers (SROs) was highlighted. Staff Hobley-Burney reported that the department has two (2) full-time and one (1) alternate SROs. She indicated that funding for the SROs’ salaries was provided through the School Board. However, the department has not yet received funding for these salaries, and will be looking into getting this done this year.
The date for the next Citizen’s Academy was not yet decided. Member Barr shared his experience doing a ride along with an officer. He said it was a great experience for him as well as an eye-opener.
The date for the next Citizen’s Academy was not yet decided. Member Barr shared his experience doing a ride along with an officer. He said it was a great experience for him as well as an eye-opener.
10.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Hendley told members about the upcoming memorial wall for victim of crimes which will be unveiled on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Dreamland Park starting at 1:00 P.M. She said persons who would like to attend would need to RSVP by the 15th of January.
Member Jones wished everyone a healthy, safe and happy new year. He informed the meeting that as a shrine in the community his organization will be embarking on various community projects, and will be of assistance when needed.
The Committee was informed by Member Gibbons of a recent fire in the city which resulted in the death of one person. It is believed that the victim was home alone at the time of the fire, and that by the time help came it was too late.
Member Hendley made a request for the meeting package to be sent to members more earlier so that information can be reviewed ahead of the meeting.
Member Barr thanked the Committee for allowing him to be a member, and that he is looking forward to the experience.
Member Jones wished everyone a healthy, safe and happy new year. He informed the meeting that as a shrine in the community his organization will be embarking on various community projects, and will be of assistance when needed.
The Committee was informed by Member Gibbons of a recent fire in the city which resulted in the death of one person. It is believed that the victim was home alone at the time of the fire, and that by the time help came it was too late.
Member Hendley made a request for the meeting package to be sent to members more earlier so that information can be reviewed ahead of the meeting.
Member Barr thanked the Committee for allowing him to be a member, and that he is looking forward to the experience.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. to ajourn the meeting at 5:44 pm.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed