POLICE/COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING
July 25, 2007
Salinas, California
The
Police/Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) convened at 6:10 p.m. in the City
Manager's Conference Room.
MEMBERS
PRESENT:
Richard
Fors &nbs
p;
John Viarengo
Ralph
Villar &n
bsp; &nbs
p;
Gerardo Gonzalez
Fely
Garden
&n
bsp; &nbs
p;
Bill Johnson
James
Toft &nbs
p;
Deloris Scaife-Higgins
Eric
Petersen
&n
bsp;
Michelle O’Neal
Michael
Payne
1.
Roll Call
2.
Comments
from the public
None.
However Mr. Tim Kawasaki, who was recently appointed to the PCAC by Gloria
DeLaRosa, was present and introduced himself to the committee.
3.
Approval
of minutes from last meeting
Motion made by John to approve the minutes of the May 30, 2007 meeting and
seconded by Eric. Vote taken and minutes approved.
4.
Review of PCAC By-Laws and Ratify – Sgt. Malispina
After a brief discussion, Michael made a motion to
accept the present version of the PCAC By-Laws and was seconded by Jim. Motion
approved, vote taken and passed with one abstention by Eric.
5.
Discuss
Citizen Complaint from Citizen Ken Woodrow (from Previous Meeting) – Sgt.
Malispina
Sgt. Malispina advised that Mr. Woodrow attended the
June PCAC meeting and attempted to voice a complaint he had against the police
department in regards to officers responding to this incident. Sgt. Malispina
stated he explained to Mr. Woodrow that this meeting was not the proper arena
to voice his complaints, however, assured him that he would listen to his
comments after the meeting and would address his concerns at that
time.
After the meeting, Mr. Woodrow explained to Sgt.
Malispina that he had been the victim of a home invasion and was not happy with
how long it took the police to respond to the scene. Sgt. Malispina said he
researched the information given to him by Mr. Woodrow and re-contacted him
with his findings. He stated he explained to Mr. Woodrow that when his initial
call came in, it indicated that the suspect had fled the scene. He further
advised that at that same time dispatch also received a Code 3 incident (at a
different location) happening with suspects on scene. Sgt. Malispina advised
that both of these calls originated in the North Salinas and, therefore, all
available officers were dispatched to the scene with the suspect and Mr.
Woodrow’s incident was considered a lower priority at that time. He told Mr.
Woodrow that when he or whoever called dispatch again and said that the suspect
was possibly in the area, officers from another section of Salinas were
dispatched to Mr. Woodrow’s location. Sgt. Malispina advised the committee that
officers arrived at Mr. Woodrow’s location in a timely manner and an area check
was conducted. A suspect was identified and eventually arrested.
6.
New
Officers in Training – Sgt. Malispina
The police department currently has eight (8) officers
in the Field Training Officers Program, with Officer Edith Cerda just
completing her solo evaluation the day before yesterday (Officer Cerda is not
counted in the eight). All eight trainees are approximately half way through
their street training. There are also two recruits in one of two academies and
one recruit in the other academy. Our Personnel and Training staff is also
currently doing 18 oral interviews (to be held in the next couple of weeks). At
present, the department still has approximately 18 vacancies to fill.
7. &n
bsp;
Discuss Role of PCAC as submitted
by Committee Member Ralph Villar – Sgt. Malispina
Sgt. Malispina distributed a document Ralph Villar
prepared entitled “Recommended Role of Citizen’s Advisory Committee”.
Sgt. Malispina stated he felt the information provided in this list would be
helpful to committee members in discerning their duties. He advised he only had
one suggestion and that was in the wording of item number 11. He stated he
added the word “not” to that statement. So item number 11 would read “Citizen
Advisory Committee will not evaluate Salinas Police Department
personnel.”
Sgt. Malispina stated that while this list will not be
added to the committee’s bylaws, the ideas and objectives listed are those each
committee member can use as a guideline and is not meant to be taken so
literally that the wording can not be adjusted or elaborated upon.
8. &n
bsp;
PCAC Role in Neighborhood Watch –
Sgt. Malispina
Sgt. Malispina advised the committee that on August
13th the first of three citywide neighborhood watch presentations
would be held. He further advised that the City Neighborhood Watch Coordinators
(Colin and Jesse) are handling the advertisement of these presentations,
starting with radio announcements and then followed by several sixty-second
television commercials in both English and Spanish. Sgt. Malispina advised that
he would open the meeting; Chief Ortega will address the group and then Trevor
Iida, the Director of Community Safety Alliance, will speak on the coming
together of Neighborhood Watch and the Community Safety Alliance.
The meeting will provide vital information on how
best to start a Neighborhood Watch group, together with helpful hints and
information on public safety. Information on future meetings is forthcoming
9.
Roundtable
Richard – Inquired about Neighborhood Watch signs
and if the old ones were still good to use. The answer is yes.
John – Commented on the noise level that occurred this
past 4th of July. Suggested that perhaps the City of Salinas could
come up with some type of 4th of July entertainment or family event
that would perhaps curtail people from making their own entertainment in the
form of illegal fireworks.
Ralph – Commented on the shortage of Correctional
officers in Monterey County.
Gererdo – Commented on the this year’s Rodeo Horse
Parade and the outstanding job the police department did in traffic control and
public safety.
Fely – Commented on how pleased she is with
Neighborhood Watch starting again. Also suggested that some sort of
advertisement be placed in the Californian regarding PCAC and its
purpose.
Bill – Agreed with John regarding 4th of
July festivities. Suggested the topic be mentioned to the Chief as
well.
Deloris – Advised that El Greto will take place in
September 16th and suggested Neighborhood Watch information would be
made available and distributed at that event.
Jim – Stated information regarding Neighborhood
Watch has been available in the past at the El Greto Festival and should be
available this year as well.
Also commented on the Neighborhood Watch meetings.
Michael – Nothing.
Eric – Stated that he did a ride-along on July
4th
and also commended on all of the fireworks. Spoke on a letter in the
Californian regarding the fireworks issue as well. Complimented Officer Angel
Gonzalez on a job well done.
Michelle- Requested a spokesperson for the
department’s School Resource Officers Unit be placed on the agenda for a future
meeting. Sgt. Malispina stated he would see if Sgt. Dave Crabill (SRO Sergeant)
is available for the August PCAC meeting.
Meeting
adjourned at meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
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