C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Regular Meeting - Thursday, March 11, 2021 - 4:30 p.m.MINUTES
Fort Pierce City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL
- 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
4:33pm.
2.
OPENING PRAYER
Member Hendley prayed.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
Approval of Minutes from the February 11, 2021 Police Community Advisory Meeting.
Motion was made by Melvin Jones, Sr., seconded by Derrick Gibbons to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2021 meeting.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed
6.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this Agenda or other concerns 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 or other concerns 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.
None.
8.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Department Update.
Staff Hobley-Burney reported that the officers did a wonderful job in February. A number of significant arrests were made during the month, and officers have been working very hard to involve the community by going door to door and sharing with residents what they were doing when they conduct search warrants.
As it relates to community engagement, Staff Hobley-Burney said that the department has been using its Facebook page to connect with the community, due to the restrictions of the pandemic. Several staff members were given the opportunity to participate in a Black History Month Feature. Also, the department will host a “Did you Know” series which will share historical facts with the community.
Due to annexation of the city, members were informed that the department has been stretched thin. For example, in the event of a homicide, officers who have been working on other cases are redirected, in an effort to bring closure to the homicide case. A number of initiatives were, and are being implemented so that officers can be more accessible to the community. These include the expansion of the bicycle squad, the certification of the School Resource Officers (SROs) in the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as well as the extension of the work week for the Undercover Unit to seven days.
With the regards to the involvement of the Committee, it was shared that members will be asked to participate in disciplinary matters. Members will get the opportunity to review videos and share their input. Staff Hobley-Burney said that the Committee serves an important function, and that members are the eyes and ears of the police department. She also shared how appreciative the department was of members. She noted that the work of the Committee will be highlighted in a presentation that will be made to the City Commission in May or June.
Members were informed that eight new officers will be joining the department. Since officers were placed in their correct steps, it was reported that there has been a decline in the number of resignations. However, surrounding agencies have been adjusting their pay package to attract experienced officers. Staff Hobley-Burney indicated that even though the department has made many strides, there is still a need for more officers. Given the need for more officers, Member Hayek stated that Commissioners should be sent a written complaint about this.
Member Hendley enquired about the process for providing new information to family members of crime victims. She informed the meeting of a concern that was raised about the timeliness of providing information from the department. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the Detective who work on the homicide case was the point of contact. She said there have been times when contact is made with family members, and they request that we should not call. She also pointed out that the department has also offered to post the crime on Crime Stoppers but that idea was not well received.
With regards to background checks, Member Hendley wanted to find out how this was handled. It was pointed out by Staff Hobley-Burney that the process was a thorough one to include the review of fingerprinting, credit, psychological and medical information of the applicants. The Executive Staff goes through each individual file, and once there are concerns with an applicant, that person is not selected. She further added that not because an applicant has law enforcement background means that they are fit for hire.
Member Gibbons made reference to Officer Michel Jean’s work with the community, even though his law enforcement background was from another jurisdiction.
As it relates to community engagement, Staff Hobley-Burney said that the department has been using its Facebook page to connect with the community, due to the restrictions of the pandemic. Several staff members were given the opportunity to participate in a Black History Month Feature. Also, the department will host a “Did you Know” series which will share historical facts with the community.
Due to annexation of the city, members were informed that the department has been stretched thin. For example, in the event of a homicide, officers who have been working on other cases are redirected, in an effort to bring closure to the homicide case. A number of initiatives were, and are being implemented so that officers can be more accessible to the community. These include the expansion of the bicycle squad, the certification of the School Resource Officers (SROs) in the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as well as the extension of the work week for the Undercover Unit to seven days.
With the regards to the involvement of the Committee, it was shared that members will be asked to participate in disciplinary matters. Members will get the opportunity to review videos and share their input. Staff Hobley-Burney said that the Committee serves an important function, and that members are the eyes and ears of the police department. She also shared how appreciative the department was of members. She noted that the work of the Committee will be highlighted in a presentation that will be made to the City Commission in May or June.
Members were informed that eight new officers will be joining the department. Since officers were placed in their correct steps, it was reported that there has been a decline in the number of resignations. However, surrounding agencies have been adjusting their pay package to attract experienced officers. Staff Hobley-Burney indicated that even though the department has made many strides, there is still a need for more officers. Given the need for more officers, Member Hayek stated that Commissioners should be sent a written complaint about this.
Member Hendley enquired about the process for providing new information to family members of crime victims. She informed the meeting of a concern that was raised about the timeliness of providing information from the department. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the Detective who work on the homicide case was the point of contact. She said there have been times when contact is made with family members, and they request that we should not call. She also pointed out that the department has also offered to post the crime on Crime Stoppers but that idea was not well received.
With regards to background checks, Member Hendley wanted to find out how this was handled. It was pointed out by Staff Hobley-Burney that the process was a thorough one to include the review of fingerprinting, credit, psychological and medical information of the applicants. The Executive Staff goes through each individual file, and once there are concerns with an applicant, that person is not selected. She further added that not because an applicant has law enforcement background means that they are fit for hire.
Member Gibbons made reference to Officer Michel Jean’s work with the community, even though his law enforcement background was from another jurisdiction.
B.
Upcomming Events.
Members were informed of a soft opening of the Resources in Community Hope (RICH) House that will take place at the end of March to cater for the needs of seniors. Staff Hobley-Burney provided an overview of the varied programs that will be offered at the RICH House. She outlined that the department’s Courageous Kids Program will be housed at that location. She commended the Housing Authority for their support and assistance in getting the RICH House ready for this opening.
9.
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Hobley-Burney shared with the meeting that it was sad that some of the children who were once participants in the Courageous Kids Program were now contributing to the problems we face in the city as it relates to crime.
10.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Staff Hobley-Burney shared with the meeting that it was sad that some of the children who were once participants in the Courageous Kids Program were now contributing to the problems we face in the city as it relates to crime.
Member Hayek briefed members on an upcoming event on May 8, 2021 to include the blessing of the Fleet. Additional information will be provided at a later date.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Melvin Jones, Sr., seconded by Derrick Gibbons to adjourn the meeting at 5:09 pm.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed