C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Regular Meeting - Thursday, September 8, 2022 - 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.; Dr. Pinkie Hendley; Quincy Barr
- Absent:
- Charles Hayek; Derrick Gibbons
- Staff Present:
-
- Chief of Police Diane Hobley-Burney
- Lieutenant Jason Braun
1.
CALL TO ORDER
4:35 pm
2.
OPENING PRAYER
Member Hendley prayed.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
Motion was made by Melvin Jones, Sr., seconded by Quincy Barr to excuse the absence of Member Hayek.
- AYE:
- Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed
Motion was made by Melvin Jones, Sr., seconded by Quincy Barr to excuse the absence of Member Gibbons.
- AYE:
- Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Motion was made by Quincy Barr, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2022 meeting.
- AYE:
- Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed
A.
Approval of Minutes from the August 11, 2022 Police Community Advisory Meeting.
6.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this Agenda or any 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 any 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.
7.
OLD BUSINESS
A.
Community Meetings
Staff Braun informed members that the City Clerk advised that the proposed community meeting had to be scheduled, a notification needs to be sent out and skeleton minutes of the meeting should be prepared. Member Jones shared that a consensus is needed from members about the meetings. Staff Hobley-Burney asked Staff Braun if individual meetings were allowed and what was the limit for attendees. Staff Braun will seek guidance from the City Clerk and send the information to members.
8.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Department Update
Members were briefed about a shooting incident in Martin County where a Fort Pierce resident died and another person was in the hospital. Staff Hobley-Burney shared with members that the police department is working with all the relevant partners regarding this incident. Police officers will be actively patrolling the community in light of the planned funeral for the weekend.
With regard to officer promotions, Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department will have the test developed. She outlined that the promotional exercise will be different to include a test and an oral interview. She informed members that they will be invited to participate in the promotional interviews as well as hiring interviews.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the Port Saint Lucie Police Department has increased its cohort by 14 officers, and that one of our officers’ book is being reviewed by that department. Members were advised that although the officers were placed in their correct steps and received retro pay, the competition from other agencies will be a challenge for the department.
As it relates to financing officers’ pay, Staff Hobley-Burney stated that a recommendation was made to implement a law enforcement tax. However, she did not have any updates on whether the tax will be considered.
Member Hendley wanted to find out who she should contact for concerns about officers on patrol. Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that Deputy Chief Kenny Norris can be contacted for road patrol concerns. Also, for serious complaints, the department’s Professional Standards Unit can be contacted at 772-467-6841.
With regard to officer recruiting, Member Hendley inquired about the impact of state policies on the police department’s hiring process. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department examines state policies but every effort is made to hire the best candidate for a vacant position. Member Hendley also asked about the department’s Young Explorers Program and how residents can participate in the Program. Staff Hobley-Burney will invite the Recruiting Unit to a future meeting to provide information on the hiring criteria for the department.
Member Hendley inquired about the department’s grant writer. Members were informed that the police department has its own grant writer which allows us to benefit from grant-funding for important projects.
With regard to officer promotions, Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department will have the test developed. She outlined that the promotional exercise will be different to include a test and an oral interview. She informed members that they will be invited to participate in the promotional interviews as well as hiring interviews.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the Port Saint Lucie Police Department has increased its cohort by 14 officers, and that one of our officers’ book is being reviewed by that department. Members were advised that although the officers were placed in their correct steps and received retro pay, the competition from other agencies will be a challenge for the department.
As it relates to financing officers’ pay, Staff Hobley-Burney stated that a recommendation was made to implement a law enforcement tax. However, she did not have any updates on whether the tax will be considered.
Member Hendley wanted to find out who she should contact for concerns about officers on patrol. Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that Deputy Chief Kenny Norris can be contacted for road patrol concerns. Also, for serious complaints, the department’s Professional Standards Unit can be contacted at 772-467-6841.
With regard to officer recruiting, Member Hendley inquired about the impact of state policies on the police department’s hiring process. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department examines state policies but every effort is made to hire the best candidate for a vacant position. Member Hendley also asked about the department’s Young Explorers Program and how residents can participate in the Program. Staff Hobley-Burney will invite the Recruiting Unit to a future meeting to provide information on the hiring criteria for the department.
Member Hendley inquired about the department’s grant writer. Members were informed that the police department has its own grant writer which allows us to benefit from grant-funding for important projects.
B.
Upcoming Events
Members were informed that on Sunday, September 11, 2022, a memorial ceremony for Cece Ross-Lyles will be held at the Riverwalk Center.
Member Hendley shared that the National Day of Remembrance will be held at Dreamland Park on September 25, 2022 at 5:30 P.M.
Member Hendley shared that the National Day of Remembrance will be held at Dreamland Park on September 25, 2022 at 5:30 P.M.
9.
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Hobley-Burney reminded members that they are invited to attend the weekly Courageous Kids outreach on Tuesdays at the First Step Park. She shared that the department will be partnering with Sarah’s Kitchen for this activity.
10.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Barr informed members of an upcoming Diabetes and Cancer Walk at Morris Creek. He said the walk will start early in the morning, and it will be over two miles.
Member Hendley asked about the election of new public officers. Staff Hobley-Burney said the Sheriff Department is responsible for those matters.
Member Hendley asked about the election of new public officers. Staff Hobley-Burney said the Sheriff Department is responsible for those matters.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Quincy Barr, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. to adjourn the meeting at 5:36 P.M.
- AYE:
- Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed