C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Regular Meeting - Thursday, October 13, 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.; Charles Hayek; Pinkie Hendley; Derrick Gibbons
- Absent:
- Quincy Barr
1.
CALL TO ORDER
4:41 pm
2.
OPENING PRAYER
Member Hendley prayed.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
Motion was made by Pinkie Hendley, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. to excuse the absence of Member Barr.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Pinkie Hendley
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Motion was made by Pinkie Hendley, seconded by Derrick Gibbons to approve the minutes of the September 8, 2022 meeting.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Pinkie Hendley
Passed
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.
None
7.
OLD BUSINESS
A.
Community Meetings
Member Hayek reported that he did not receive a favorable response about the proposal for community meetings. A request was made by Staff Hobley-Burney to invite the City Clerk to the next meeting. Staff Braun will invite Ms. Cox to the next meeting.
8.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Presentation- Fort Pierce Police Department Recruiting Unit
Officers Clermise Smith and Brian Avilla made a presentation to the Committee covering the recruitment requirements of the department, the recruiting procedure from the submission of an application to the final approval for hire by the Command Staff, the recruitment efforts of the department as well as the challenges for hiring and retention of officers.
As it relates to recruitment efforts, Officer Smith shared that the department has been utilizing both local and state-wide initiatives to reach applicants. An electronic portal called “Handshake” is currently being used to connect with educational institutions. Additionally, the department participates in local and state-wide career fairs, and recruiters make regular visits to the Indian River State Law Enforcement Academy so they can speak directly with recruits. Command staff and recruiters also attend the Academy’s graduation ceremonies. Members were informed that the department participates in the local Physical Agility Test Exercise which is attended by both local and state-wide law enforcement agencies. Officer Smith also shared that the Recruiting Unit participates in community events so that residents can learn more about the department’s recruitment drive. She also informed members of the $500 minority bonus that the department offers as a recruitment incentive.
Officer Avilla outlined the challenges the department has been experiencing in competing with the salary of other law enforcement agencies. Another challenge the department will have is the fact that 25 senior officers will be leaving the department soon. He said if the salary disparity is not addressed, it will be difficult for the department to hire new officers and retain qualified ones.
In response to the presentation, Member Hayek wanted to know more about the minority bonus. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the department instituted the bonus because it is difficult to hire minority applicants.
A discussion followed on possible solutions for addressing the challenges the police department will have attracting new hires. Member Hayek asked if the Police Union Hall were to be opened if this would build staff moral and camaraderie. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that many officers have had to do off-duty detail to supplement their salary so attendance to Union Hall events would be negatively impacted.
Member Hendley asked about adjusting the department’s budget so that some of the concerns raised in the presentation could be addressed. Staff Hobley-Burney noted that the department’s budget was already finalized and that even though a request was made for capital funding, the approved budget for equipment was less than the amount received last fiscal year. To address the budgetary constraints of the department, Member Jones suggested that the Committee needed to present these concerns to the City Commission.
As it relates to recruitment efforts, Officer Smith shared that the department has been utilizing both local and state-wide initiatives to reach applicants. An electronic portal called “Handshake” is currently being used to connect with educational institutions. Additionally, the department participates in local and state-wide career fairs, and recruiters make regular visits to the Indian River State Law Enforcement Academy so they can speak directly with recruits. Command staff and recruiters also attend the Academy’s graduation ceremonies. Members were informed that the department participates in the local Physical Agility Test Exercise which is attended by both local and state-wide law enforcement agencies. Officer Smith also shared that the Recruiting Unit participates in community events so that residents can learn more about the department’s recruitment drive. She also informed members of the $500 minority bonus that the department offers as a recruitment incentive.
Officer Avilla outlined the challenges the department has been experiencing in competing with the salary of other law enforcement agencies. Another challenge the department will have is the fact that 25 senior officers will be leaving the department soon. He said if the salary disparity is not addressed, it will be difficult for the department to hire new officers and retain qualified ones.
In response to the presentation, Member Hayek wanted to know more about the minority bonus. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the department instituted the bonus because it is difficult to hire minority applicants.
A discussion followed on possible solutions for addressing the challenges the police department will have attracting new hires. Member Hayek asked if the Police Union Hall were to be opened if this would build staff moral and camaraderie. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that many officers have had to do off-duty detail to supplement their salary so attendance to Union Hall events would be negatively impacted.
Member Hendley asked about adjusting the department’s budget so that some of the concerns raised in the presentation could be addressed. Staff Hobley-Burney noted that the department’s budget was already finalized and that even though a request was made for capital funding, the approved budget for equipment was less than the amount received last fiscal year. To address the budgetary constraints of the department, Member Jones suggested that the Committee needed to present these concerns to the City Commission.
B.
Department Update
With regard to the police department’s community outreach, Member Jones inquired about the programs at the RICH House. Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that the RICH House is an extension of the department’s Courageous Kids program where children can receive homework support and learn important life skills.
Member Hendley inquired about the timeframe for members to serve on the Police Community Advisory Committee. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that members will be provided with the information, once she is made aware.
Member Hendley inquired about the timeframe for members to serve on the Police Community Advisory Committee. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that members will be provided with the information, once she is made aware.
C.
Upcoming Events
Staff Braun informed members of the Statue Unveiling and Dedication of the Sergeant Danny Parrish Fallen First Responders Park that is scheduled for Thursday, October 27 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at the police department. Member Hayek shared that he will not be in attendance because he will be out of town.
9.
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that she attended Project Lift’s barbeque. She thanked Member Hayek for providing a building for such a wonderful community initiative.
10.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Hendley commended the police department for its recent Faith and Blue community meeting. She said she enjoyed the fellowship at event.
As it relates to assisting Hurricane Ian victims, Member Jones informed members of a community initiative that is being spearheaded by Jalil Temple.
Member Hendley asked if the police department would be participating in the Sheriff Department’s Volunteer Clergy Luncheon. In response, Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that invitation to the event is limited.
As it relates to assisting Hurricane Ian victims, Member Jones informed members of a community initiative that is being spearheaded by Jalil Temple.
Member Hendley asked if the police department would be participating in the Sheriff Department’s Volunteer Clergy Luncheon. In response, Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that invitation to the event is limited.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Melvin Jones, Sr., seconded by Derrick Gibbons to adjourn the meeting at 6:16 P.M.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Pinkie Hendley
Passed