Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/22/2018 B A K E R S F I E L D Committee Members Staff: Steven Teglia Councilmember, Willie Rivera Chair Assistant City Manager Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales Councilmember, Chris Parlier SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Thursday, March 22, 2018 9:00 a.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The meeting was convened at 9:00 a.m. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember, Willie Rivera, Chair Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales Councilmember, Chris Parlier City staff: Steve Teglia, Assistant City Manager Brianna Carrier, Management Assistant Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Viridiana Gallardo-King, Associate City Attorney Lyle Martin, Chief of Police Jason Matson, Police Captain Joe Dougherty, Police Lieutenant Bill Toler and Dan McAfee, Police Sergeants Nestor Barajas and Adam Garcia, Police Officers Additional Attendees: Members of the Public Members of the Media 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 3. ADOPTION OF DECEMBER 14, 2017 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The Report was unanimously adopted as submitted. /s/ Steven Teglia Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 22, 2018 Page 2 __________________________________________________________ 4. REPORTS A. Report regarding Gang/Graffiti Enforcement - Martin Bakersfield Police Sergeant McAfee provided a verbal update of statistical information regarding gang activity. He stated that overall year-to-date, gang-related shootings have decreased and gun seizures have increased in comparison to 2017. Many factors including the launching of ShotSpotter technology, improved investigative techniques and greater community cooperation contributed to the positive trends. Police Officer Barajas added that continued community outreach and prevention efforts continue to deter graffiti. Report regarding Safe Streets Partnership Efforts - Martin Chief of Police Martin introduced Captain Matson who provided a verbal update on the Safe Streets Partnership, between the Bakersfield Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and various community organizations. The Partnership plays an important role and continues to provide outreach and mentoring services to the community. He informed the Committee that Bakersfield Police Department Nominee Pastor Manual Carrizales, was the recipient of the Wendy Wayne Ethics Award for his work with the Safe Streets Partnership. He also provided a list of several upcoming community events. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Report regarding Fresno “John” Program – Martin Chief of Police Martin introduced Police Sergeant Toler who provided a Power Point presentation summarizing Fresno’s “John” Program. He stated that the program is a Prostitution Abatement Rehabilitation Program (PAR) which is a diversion program similar to other crime diversion programs. It seeks to educate first-time offenders about prostitution in an effort to prevent it from reoccurring. Los Angeles has also facilitated an Educational Awareness Program which seeks to educate and prevent this type of crime from reoccurring. Committee member Parlier inquired about launching a similar program locally. Sergeant Toler stated a significant number of offenders would have to participate in the program in order to have the Fresno program hold a class locally. Committee member Gonzales inquired about the current process for prosecution of prostitution offenders and what other efforts are being made to combat their situation. Sergeant Toler stated offenders are charged with a misdemeanor crime and follow through with the court process. The District Attorney’s office determines whether or not to prosecute. Offenders are fined and or serve community service. Efforts include education and outreach in the field. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 22, 2018 Page 3 __________________________________________________________ Committee member Parlier requested staff reach out to the District Attorney’s Office to initiate discussions regarding implementing a program locally. He would also like to reach out to local non-profits organizations to determine if they have the capabilities of managing such a program. Committee Chair Rivera requested staff reach out to Fresno and Los Angeles for statistical information on the success rates of their program. Tiara King with Retrain California, stated her organization is in the developing phase of launching a similar program in Bakersfield. Ms. King also stated that her organization has met and discussed PAR with Fresno. The local program’s goal will be to rehabilitate and change the behavior of offenders to decrease the number of victims. Cameron Parsons with Magdalenes Hope added that an additional aspect of the PAR program is that it allows for the removal of a first time offender’s conviction as long as they do not repeat the offence within a year after completion of the program. B. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding Adoption of the 2018 Committee Meeting Schedule – Teglia The 2018 Committee meeting scheduled was adopted as submitted. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee member Parlier thanked staff for all their ongoing hard work and efforts with graffiti, gang violence, and the Safe Streets Partnership. He also expressed his excite of the launching of the Shot Spotter technology. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.