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 16, 2023 - 4:30 p.m.MINUTES
Fort Pierce City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL
- Present:
- Charles Hayek; Bruce Murray; Betty Bradwell; Quincy Barr
- Absent:
- Melvin Jones, Sr.
- Staff Present:
-
- Chief of Police Diane Hobley-Burney
- Lieutenant Jason Braun
1.
CALL TO ORDER
3:36 pm
2.
OPENING PRAYER
Staff Hobley-Burney prayed.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
Approval of Minutes from the February 9, 2023 Police Community Advisory Meeting.
Motion was made by Bruce Murray, seconded by Quincy Barr to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2023 meeting.
- AYE:
- Betty Bradwell, Bruce Murray, Charles Hayek, Quincy Barr
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.
7.
OLD BUSINESS
A.
None
8.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Department Update
Staff Hobley-Burney provided an update to members regarding the meeting with Commissioner Curtis Johnson on the noise issue in Edgartown. She shared that it was important for the public to know about the noise ordinance as well as the fines. Music in cars was another concern raised. Information on what can and cannot be enforced will be communicated to the public on the department’s Facebook Page.
Members were informed that the officers are working hard in getting confessions on recent incidents in the community. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department got assistance from the US Marshals in the recent church shooting and that the shooter voluntarily turned himself in and was subsequently charged.
As it relates to shootings, it was noted that the police department has been monitoring the anniversary dates so officers are prepared to respond to reprisals as needed. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the department has been dealing with targeted incidents where perpetrators do not care and go after anyone in their path.
A discussion on the use of cameras in targeted areas followed. Members were advised that the department was at the limit of its bandwidth for cameras and any extensions would impact the budget. Cameras in the Lincoln Park area were installed by the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) but the WIFI service is inconsistent and impacts the functioning of the cameras.
Member Murray inquired about the use of visible cameras. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that there was no immediate plan in place to get visible cameras and that the department needs to identify areas where visible cameras would not be destroyed should we get them. Member Murray asked about the use of hard-wired cameras. Staff Hobley-Burney said that the department would need to seek guidance from the City Attorney regarding the use of private cameras.
Member Bradwell shared her concerns about the use of cameras in the Projects and the need for the cost be split between the police and sheriff departments. She recommended that further discussions on the matter be had between the housing authority and the police department.
As it relates to allowing the police department to access residents’ cameras, members shared how this could be facilitated. Member Murray volunteered to work with the department to get information from some communities.
With regard to the police department’s 100th Anniversary, Staff Hobley-Burney thanked Member Hayek and members of the Historic Society for their hard work in planning the events. Member Hayek provided an overview of the Back to Blue event that will be held on April 22, 2023 and asked that the information be shared on the department’s Facebook Page and the city’s website. Flyer of the 100th Anniversary will be sent to members as a reminder.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department is looking at making some changes regarding calls for service that would require officers responding to only major calls. She also noted that the department has changed the age of hiring to 19 years old on a case-by-case basis.
Members were advised that with an increase in the starting pay for officers, the addition of a new district, and that officers are allowed to buy up 10 years of their pension in Port Saint Lucie it will be challenging for the department to compete with that department. As a result, discussions were had with the City Manager and the Finance Director about a proposed step plan and increase for officers.
Member Murray inquired about the hiring of resourced personnel to assist the department in specific areas. One of the recommendations that was shared with the city was the hiring of more community service officers. Staff Hobley-Burney also shared with members her plans for an office apprentice program.
Members were informed that the officers are working hard in getting confessions on recent incidents in the community. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department got assistance from the US Marshals in the recent church shooting and that the shooter voluntarily turned himself in and was subsequently charged.
As it relates to shootings, it was noted that the police department has been monitoring the anniversary dates so officers are prepared to respond to reprisals as needed. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the department has been dealing with targeted incidents where perpetrators do not care and go after anyone in their path.
A discussion on the use of cameras in targeted areas followed. Members were advised that the department was at the limit of its bandwidth for cameras and any extensions would impact the budget. Cameras in the Lincoln Park area were installed by the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) but the WIFI service is inconsistent and impacts the functioning of the cameras.
Member Murray inquired about the use of visible cameras. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that there was no immediate plan in place to get visible cameras and that the department needs to identify areas where visible cameras would not be destroyed should we get them. Member Murray asked about the use of hard-wired cameras. Staff Hobley-Burney said that the department would need to seek guidance from the City Attorney regarding the use of private cameras.
Member Bradwell shared her concerns about the use of cameras in the Projects and the need for the cost be split between the police and sheriff departments. She recommended that further discussions on the matter be had between the housing authority and the police department.
As it relates to allowing the police department to access residents’ cameras, members shared how this could be facilitated. Member Murray volunteered to work with the department to get information from some communities.
With regard to the police department’s 100th Anniversary, Staff Hobley-Burney thanked Member Hayek and members of the Historic Society for their hard work in planning the events. Member Hayek provided an overview of the Back to Blue event that will be held on April 22, 2023 and asked that the information be shared on the department’s Facebook Page and the city’s website. Flyer of the 100th Anniversary will be sent to members as a reminder.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department is looking at making some changes regarding calls for service that would require officers responding to only major calls. She also noted that the department has changed the age of hiring to 19 years old on a case-by-case basis.
Members were advised that with an increase in the starting pay for officers, the addition of a new district, and that officers are allowed to buy up 10 years of their pension in Port Saint Lucie it will be challenging for the department to compete with that department. As a result, discussions were had with the City Manager and the Finance Director about a proposed step plan and increase for officers.
Member Murray inquired about the hiring of resourced personnel to assist the department in specific areas. One of the recommendations that was shared with the city was the hiring of more community service officers. Staff Hobley-Burney also shared with members her plans for an office apprentice program.
B.
Upcoming Events
The 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the Police Department will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 12:00 Noon.
9.
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that personnel items that were given to a Pawn Shop were donated to the department and will be on display at the Commemoration ceremony on March 21, 2023. She also shared that the history of the department was written by Jean Ellen Wilson.
10.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Murray shared with members the importance of genealogy and DNA in assisting law enforcement efforts. He provided information to members and requested for further discussions to be had on the matter.
Member Hayek commended the department’s Explorers for their professional conduct at a recent Tip-a-Cop event. He inquired if they are considered for available positions in the department. Staff Hobley-Burney said yes.
Member Hayek commended the department’s Explorers for their professional conduct at a recent Tip-a-Cop event. He inquired if they are considered for available positions in the department. Staff Hobley-Burney said yes.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Quincy Barr, seconded by Bruce Murray to adjourn the meeting at 4:40 P.M.
- AYE:
- Betty Bradwell, Bruce Murray, Charles Hayek, Quincy Barr
Passed