4:41 pm.

Chief Hobley-Burney prayed.

Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Quincy Barr 

to excuse the absences of Members Jones and Hendley.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Quincy Barr

Passed

Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Quincy Barr 

to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2021 meeting.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Quincy Barr

Passed

Member Hayek informed the meeting that the survey will be tabled at the next Commission meeting so that the committee can move ahead with its plans. Also, approval will be sought to place the survey on both the city and police department’s websites so residents can have access.

Staff Hobley-Burney shared with members that the department has had to assess and review its policies as a measure to retain officers. She outlined that a review of the wearing of beards and tattoos will be conducted and that the department will have clear policy guidelines on what is acceptable.  With regards to adjusting the age for employment of officers, members were informed that the age requirement will not be lowered from 21 years old. Also, the department has tried to attract local recruits so that they can positively impact the community. Staff Hobley-Burney shared how difficult it was for the department to compete with surrounding agencies with regards to salaries.

With regards to community engagement, Staff Hobley-Burney thanked members for attending the grand opening of the RICH House. Due to the increased numbers of Covid-19 cases, Courageous Kids, the department’s community engagement initiative will be postponed. Also, the RICH House will remain opened but will be operating by appointments only. 

As a response to the rising number of Covid-19 cases, Member Gibbons enquired if the department would be mandating vaccination of all officers. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that department will follow the city’s guidance with regards to Pre-Covid precautions. However, the department has had to cease finger printing services to the public. 

As it relates to the passing of Commissioner Alexander, Staff Hobley-Burney shared that it was so good to see the collaboration and support of all the first responder agencies at the funeral.  Member Barr enquired about Member Jones’ position on the committee since he was Commissioner Alexander’s representative. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that a special election for a new candidate to replace Commissioner Alexander will be held. 

Staff Hobley-Burney informed the meeting that promotions were announced at the department. She said two lieutenants and five sergeants were promoted.  Members congratulated Sergeant Braun on his promotion.  

A promotional service will be held to install the new lieutenants and sergeants. Also, Staff Hobley-Burney shared that to streamline permit requests a meeting will be held with the relevant personnel on the way forward. She also outlined that a representative from Project Lift will attend the next committee meeting to share the company’s programs to members.

Member Hayek shared how encouraging it was to see that crime was being reduced. He enquired if there were any issues that the department needed to be addressed at the next City Commission meeting. It was agreed that the focus should be on the survey so it can be approved for the committee to move forward.

Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Quincy Barr 

to adjourn the meeting at 6:00 P.M.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Quincy Barr

Passed