C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Regular Meeting - Thursday, May 11, 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:
-
- Chief of Police Diane Hobley-Burney
- Lieutenant Brian MacNaught
1.
CALL TO ORDER
4:30 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
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
Approval of Meeting Minutes from April 13, 2023.
Motion was made by Bruce Murray, seconded by Quincy Barr to approve the minutes of the April 13, 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-
Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that the police department has changed the hiring age of officers from 21 to 19 years old. She shared her concerns about the sponsorship program and that the contract was being finalized with the assistance of the City Attorney for implementation.
Members were briefed about an experimental cadet program for individuals who are interested in law enforcement so they can gain the experience should they decide to become police officers. She said that the department will conduct background checks on these individuals. Cadets will learn how to write police reports and will be responsible for low-priority calls.
With regard to the staff interviews, Staff Hobley-Burney invited the participation of members to the oral boards for the cadet program as well as the promotional oral boards for sergeants and lieutenants.
Member Murray stated that the screening of participants in the cadet program is a good idea. Staff Hobley-Burney highlighted that due to staff allocations the department did not have available community service officer positions to transition individuals who may have a change of heart as officers.
Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the department does not have a budget for the program but would have shared this concern with the City Manager. A discussion on the funding of the cadet program followed. Member Hayek suggested that it would be good for the department to have a scholarship fund that could accept donations from the public. Staff Hobley-Burney stated that this could be done through the department’s 501 (c) 3. Member Hayek inquired about the purpose of the 501 (c) 3 and whether it could receive donations. Member Murray said that it was established to raise funds for any department initiatives.
As it relates to the recruits for the cadet program, Member Jones recommended that officers could mentor members of the department’s Explorers so that they can be encouraged to consider a law enforcement career. Member Murray said the Explorers need the experience and shared how this could be beneficial to the department.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared with members that the department is working with the City’s Code Enforcement Department and Animal Shelter to access a companion dog for staff. Member Murray commended the department on the initiative but wanted to know if the dog would be used by male officers. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined the importance of the mental wellness of staff and that the companion dog will be an asset to the program.
Member Jones inquired about the department’s chaplaincy program. Staff Hobley-Burney briefed the meeting on the program and that chaplains were chosen who can connect with our diverse employees.
Regarding community engagement, members were informed that the Special Olympics Run was successful and that the department raised a total of $15,000 for Special Olympics. Also, the department was able to host the Law Enforcement Memorial Ride. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department continues to give back to the community through its RICH House and Courageous Kids initiatives. Reference was made to the recent Volunteer Luncheon that allowed the department to highlight the work of our volunteers. Due to the increase in community activities, it was noted the department’s Victim Advocates have been very busy.
As it relates to the department’s Marine Unit, Staff Hobley-Burney shared that plans are in place to get two boats, one from the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) and the other from the Off-Duty Details Fund. Lieutenant Brian MacNaught was introduced as the head of the Marine and the department’s main trainer.
Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that the police department has changed the hiring age of officers from 21 to 19 years old. She shared her concerns about the sponsorship program and that the contract was being finalized with the assistance of the City Attorney for implementation.
Members were briefed about an experimental cadet program for individuals who are interested in law enforcement so they can gain the experience should they decide to become police officers. She said that the department will conduct background checks on these individuals. Cadets will learn how to write police reports and will be responsible for low-priority calls.
With regard to the staff interviews, Staff Hobley-Burney invited the participation of members to the oral boards for the cadet program as well as the promotional oral boards for sergeants and lieutenants.
Member Murray stated that the screening of participants in the cadet program is a good idea. Staff Hobley-Burney highlighted that due to staff allocations the department did not have available community service officer positions to transition individuals who may have a change of heart as officers.
Staff Hobley-Burney outlined that the department does not have a budget for the program but would have shared this concern with the City Manager. A discussion on the funding of the cadet program followed. Member Hayek suggested that it would be good for the department to have a scholarship fund that could accept donations from the public. Staff Hobley-Burney stated that this could be done through the department’s 501 (c) 3. Member Hayek inquired about the purpose of the 501 (c) 3 and whether it could receive donations. Member Murray said that it was established to raise funds for any department initiatives.
As it relates to the recruits for the cadet program, Member Jones recommended that officers could mentor members of the department’s Explorers so that they can be encouraged to consider a law enforcement career. Member Murray said the Explorers need the experience and shared how this could be beneficial to the department.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared with members that the department is working with the City’s Code Enforcement Department and Animal Shelter to access a companion dog for staff. Member Murray commended the department on the initiative but wanted to know if the dog would be used by male officers. Staff Hobley-Burney outlined the importance of the mental wellness of staff and that the companion dog will be an asset to the program.
Member Jones inquired about the department’s chaplaincy program. Staff Hobley-Burney briefed the meeting on the program and that chaplains were chosen who can connect with our diverse employees.
Regarding community engagement, members were informed that the Special Olympics Run was successful and that the department raised a total of $15,000 for Special Olympics. Also, the department was able to host the Law Enforcement Memorial Ride. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the department continues to give back to the community through its RICH House and Courageous Kids initiatives. Reference was made to the recent Volunteer Luncheon that allowed the department to highlight the work of our volunteers. Due to the increase in community activities, it was noted the department’s Victim Advocates have been very busy.
As it relates to the department’s Marine Unit, Staff Hobley-Burney shared that plans are in place to get two boats, one from the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) and the other from the Off-Duty Details Fund. Lieutenant Brian MacNaught was introduced as the head of the Marine and the department’s main trainer.
B.
Upcoming Events-
Members were informed of a summer initiative entitled “Cool Cop” where officers will distribute cool pops to children. Also, plans are in place to have a rafting retreat for kids.
Members were informed of a summer initiative entitled “Cool Cop” where officers will distribute cool pops to children. Also, plans are in place to have a rafting retreat for kids.
8.
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Hobley-Burney shared that Officer Damian Spotts is the department’s Officer of the Year.
As it relates to contact information for members, Staff Hobley-Burney will explore how this could be accommodated so the public can connect with them.
In the area of public information, it was noted that the department’s Facebook Page has attracted more viewers. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the new Public Affairs Manager is doing a great job. She suggested a platform where the public could access information in a question or answer format. Member Murray outlined that this would be a good so that concerns such as scamming could be addressed.
Staff Hobley-Burney shared that Officer Damian Spotts is the department’s Officer of the Year.
As it relates to contact information for members, Staff Hobley-Burney will explore how this could be accommodated so the public can connect with them.
In the area of public information, it was noted that the department’s Facebook Page has attracted more viewers. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the new Public Affairs Manager is doing a great job. She suggested a platform where the public could access information in a question or answer format. Member Murray outlined that this would be a good so that concerns such as scamming could be addressed.
9.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Barr inquired about a recent community search warrant. Staff Hobley-Burney said that the owner of the house was notified about the incident and that if the pattern of activities continues the property will be seized. She shared that it was difficult to track rentals from lease arrangements. It was also pointed out that it was a challenge to get information for some incidents from the public.
Member Barr inquired about a recent community search warrant. Staff Hobley-Burney said that the owner of the house was notified about the incident and that if the pattern of activities continues the property will be seized. She shared that it was difficult to track rentals from lease arrangements. It was also pointed out that it was a challenge to get information for some incidents from the public.
10.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Melvin Jones, Sr., seconded by Quincy Barr to adjourn the meeting at 5:35 P.M.
- AYE:
- Bruce Murray, Charles Hayek, Melvin Jones, Sr., Quincy Barr
Passed