C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Regular Meeting - Thursday, April 13, 2023 - 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; Bruce Murray; Quincy Barr
- Absent:
- Betty Bradwell
- Staff Present:
-
- Diane Hobley-Burney
- Lieutenant Jason Braun
- Public Affairs Manager Larry Croom
1.
CALL TO ORDER
4:33 pm
2.
OPENING PRAYER
Staff Hobley-Burney 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 Bradwell.
- AYE:
- Bruce Murray, Charles Hayek, Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr
Passed
Staff Larry Croom, Public Affairs Manager for the Police Department was introduced to members.
5.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A.
Approval of Meeting Minutes from March 16, 2023.
Motion was made by Melvin Jones, Sr., seconded by Quincy Barr to approve the minutes of the March 16, 2023 meeting.
- AYE:
- Bruce Murray, Charles Hayek, Melvin Jones, Sr., 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.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Department Update-
Members were informed that aggravated assault cases have increased. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department has been will proactively responding to these cases and have hired a third Victim Advocate so we can provide support to residents as needed.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared her concerns with the new law stipulating the carrying of concealed weapons without a permit. She outlined that guidance was sought from the city attorney regarding what the department can and cannot do. Member Hayek inquired if the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) could protest the new law. Staff Hobley-Burney said yes. She also shared her concerns about the law that permits the carrying of a weapon when going fishing.
Member Jones informed members that the law permitting the carrying of a weapon when going fishing and hunting has been protested. A discussion followed on the importance of training for staff to deal with concerns about the new law and First Amendment Auditors.
With regard to a recent fatal car theft, Staff Hobley-Burney stated that Florida Highway Patrol will be doing investigations. Given the outcome of incident, she shared her concerns about the mental state of the officers who tried to assist the suspect.
Member Jones inquired about the officer who allegedly hit a child with his police vehicle. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the officer was placed on Administrative Leave and that the matter was being investigated. A discussion on the impact that this incident can have on the officers and the overall department followed. Member Jones said that he hoped the officer will learn from the incident.
As it relates to staffing, Staff Hobley-Burney stated that the department has 17 vacancies and would have recently hired 3 officers. She shared that staff retention has improved and that officers who leave were only for disciplinary and retirement reasons.
Member Murray sought clarification on how the department treats officers on light duty. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that there is a policy that guides light duty assignments and that officers are placed in areas where the need is most.
As it relates to the department’s recent Tip-a-Cop events, Staff Braun shared that the Community Engagement Unit has raised over $7,000 for Special Olympics.
Members were informed that aggravated assault cases have increased. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department has been will proactively responding to these cases and have hired a third Victim Advocate so we can provide support to residents as needed.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared her concerns with the new law stipulating the carrying of concealed weapons without a permit. She outlined that guidance was sought from the city attorney regarding what the department can and cannot do. Member Hayek inquired if the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) could protest the new law. Staff Hobley-Burney said yes. She also shared her concerns about the law that permits the carrying of a weapon when going fishing.
Member Jones informed members that the law permitting the carrying of a weapon when going fishing and hunting has been protested. A discussion followed on the importance of training for staff to deal with concerns about the new law and First Amendment Auditors.
With regard to a recent fatal car theft, Staff Hobley-Burney stated that Florida Highway Patrol will be doing investigations. Given the outcome of incident, she shared her concerns about the mental state of the officers who tried to assist the suspect.
Member Jones inquired about the officer who allegedly hit a child with his police vehicle. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the officer was placed on Administrative Leave and that the matter was being investigated. A discussion on the impact that this incident can have on the officers and the overall department followed. Member Jones said that he hoped the officer will learn from the incident.
As it relates to staffing, Staff Hobley-Burney stated that the department has 17 vacancies and would have recently hired 3 officers. She shared that staff retention has improved and that officers who leave were only for disciplinary and retirement reasons.
Member Murray sought clarification on how the department treats officers on light duty. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that there is a policy that guides light duty assignments and that officers are placed in areas where the need is most.
As it relates to the department’s recent Tip-a-Cop events, Staff Braun shared that the Community Engagement Unit has raised over $7,000 for Special Olympics.
B.
Upcoming Events-
The next Tip-a-Cop will be held on April 14, 2023 at 2nd Street Bistro at 5:00 P.M.
Member Hayek provided an update on the upcoming Back the Blue event on April 21, 2023. He said there will be a fishing clinic for the children during the event and that 50 fishing rods were donated to facilitate this activity. Hot dogs, hamburgers, snow cone, and popcorn will be served. Food items will be donated by business owners. Due to the magnitude of the event, Member Murray suggested that more advertisement was needed.
The next Tip-a-Cop will be held on April 14, 2023 at 2nd Street Bistro at 5:00 P.M.
Member Hayek provided an update on the upcoming Back the Blue event on April 21, 2023. He said there will be a fishing clinic for the children during the event and that 50 fishing rods were donated to facilitate this activity. Hot dogs, hamburgers, snow cone, and popcorn will be served. Food items will be donated by business owners. Due to the magnitude of the event, Member Murray suggested that more advertisement was needed.
8.
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Hobley-Burney reminded members of the Chat and Chew community meeting that is being held monthly. She shared that the representatives from the police department have been participating.
Staff Hobley-Burney reminded members of the Chat and Chew community meeting that is being held monthly. She shared that the representatives from the police department have been participating.
9.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Members were informed by Member Murray that traffic enforcement has been effective on the island. He shared his concerns about motorcyclists and that he was able to share information about on what the law requires.
Member Jones inquired about how the department will work with the Sheriff’s Office to deal with street take-over incidents. Staff Hobley-Burney said the department would collaborate with the Sheriff’s department to get helicopter coverage should the need arise.
Members were informed by Member Murray that traffic enforcement has been effective on the island. He shared his concerns about motorcyclists and that he was able to share information about on what the law requires.
Member Jones inquired about how the department will work with the Sheriff’s Office to deal with street take-over incidents. Staff Hobley-Burney said the department would collaborate with the Sheriff’s department to get helicopter coverage should the need arise.
10.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Quincy Barr, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. to adjourn the meeting at 5:33 P.M.
- AYE:
- Bruce Murray, Charles Hayek, Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr
Passed