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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/17/2011��� �� s � � � � � �,�.��:, _. ,,, .�� ..,� ..,�_,� �,��..,: ,. �-� ��-_� BA ERSFIEL ���� �-�- . �._. Rudy Salas, Chair Staff: Stever�eglia � R��ssell Johnson Assistant to the City Manager Jacquie Sullivan SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEPGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS �COMMITTEE and Community Advisory C��mmittee of the City Council - City of Esakersfield Thursday, February 17, 201 1 1 1:45 a.m. City Hall North - ConferencE� Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 933C)1 AGENDA SUMMARY REI'ORT Meeting called to order at 1 1:50 a.m. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember, Rudy Salas, Chair Councilmember, Russell Johnson Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan Advisory members: David Strong, Corporation for Better Housing Stephanie Campbell, Cornerstone Group City staff: Steve Teglia, Asst to City Manager Rhonda Smiley, Asst to City Manager/PIO Chris Huot, Administrative Analyst Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Bethelwel Wilson, Associate Attorney Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Lyle Martin, Asst. Police Chief Captain Hajir Nuriddin, Police Dept C:aptain Joe Biar�co, Police Dept C:aptain Joe Mullins, Police Dept C:aptain Mike Payne, Police Dept Lieutenant Mitch Willoughby, Police Dept C>fficer Joseph Galland, Police Dept C>arin Budak, Parks Superintendent Ken Trone, Parks Const/Facilities Pinr f�lick Fidler, Gen Services Supt Stuart Patteson, Operations Manager Additional Attendees: Kevin Keyes, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Sean Battle, Stop the Violence David Reese and Brian Mendiburu, Bakersfield High School Willie Nichols, Joshua Villarreal, William Haywood, Ebony Counseling Center Leasa Sutliff Miscellaneous members of the media Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 17, 201 1 2. ADOPTION OF OCTOBER 21, 2010 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Committee member Johnson asked to defer this item until Committee member Sullivan arrived, as she was in attendance at the last meeting. The Report was adopted as submitted following the Public Statements portion of the meeting. 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Leasa Sutliff, who lives in the Benton Park area k>etween Wilson Road and Ming Avenue, asked for Police presence and patrols in the neighborhood for safety. Committee Chair Salas thanked Ms. Sutliff for attending, and noted that Captain Bianco provided her his contact information. She also thanked Committee member Johnson fc>r encouraging her to attend the meeting after she had contacted him. Committee memb�°r Johnson thanked her for attending. He asked that staff foilow up with her to make sure her concerns are addressed. Police Chief Williamson suggested a Neighborhaod Watch Program. He will have Crime Prevention staff contact her. 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update reqarding Gancland Graffiti Enforcement Captain Mullins provided an update on efforts made by the Directed Policing Unit. In 2010, there were 57 gang-related shootings, 12 of which resulted in homicides. The number of homicides was lower than in 2009; however, the number of shootings overall is approximately the same as in 2008 and 2009. Committee member Johnson requested that Captain Mullins provide the Committee with a chart listing the shooting statistics mentioned so that they can be tracked over time. In 2010, over 900 people were arrested on felony charges. This is a similar amount to previous years. The Police Department, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, public service agencies 8� the Kern County Supeirintendent of Schools participated in a program called Safe Streets Partnership wher�by five of the major criminal street gangs were engaged in direct communication. Gang members �iere provided a message from the community that while there is a desire to help the gang members succeed and that the community does care about them, they have the right to make the gang members stop what they are doing. The meetings were productive, and included information regarding the availability of public services that were previously unknown to the gang members. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 17, 201 1 In addition to the Police Department, and Kern County Sheriff's, Probation and Parole Departments, partners in this effort include f�lew Life Construction, Ebony Counseling Center, Stop the Violence, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Garden Pathways, the Kern County Food Bank, the Kern County Department of Human Services, Stay Focused Ministries, National Brotherhood Association, Code 10, and members of the faith community, especially those in Southe��st Bakersfield. Some of the legislative leaders who have been involved include Mayor Hall, County Supervisor Goh, former County Supervisor Rubio and former City Councilmember Carson. Committee Chair Salas expressed a desire to get feedback, not only from the organizations that participated and the faith based community, but also some of parolees. Captain Mullins reported that the number of people actively involved in criminal street gangs, especially those who are engaged in acts of violence, is a manageable amount. The efforts of the Direct Policing Ui�it and cooperative is having a positive effect. He further reported that the message provided by law enforcement personnel is that the entire gang will be held accountable for any act of violence perpetrated by any member of the gang. Funding for the program has been available through a CalGrip grant in a train-the- trainer format. Continuation of the efforts vvill continue, but they will no longer be dependent on the CalGrip grant funding. Staff will continue to pursue additional grant opportunities. Officer Galland provided an update on anti-graffiti efforts. He reported that the rate of nonrecitivism is approximately 87�. New software, called TAGRS, will increase the success rate by enabling law enforcement to more accur�tely track offenses and identify perpetrators, which will lead to additic>nal arrests and �convictions. He provided an overview of the related process. This same information was provided in a handout. Grant funding was received to purchase the program; and once it is installed, the only cost will be for annual renewal and updates. Committee Chair Salas believes that some municipalities may be looking at integrating something similar into a consumer applicatior� on a smart phone. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia indicated that Public Works and Information Technology staff are researching the possibility; and when the information is ready, a report will be made. B. Report on Kern Countv Probation Activities No Probation staff inembers were in attendance due to scheduling conflicts. C. Update reqardina Methods to Alleviate Park Violence Police Chief Wiliamson gave an overview of the report submitted at the October 21, 2010 Committee meeting. Funding no longer exists for a park patrol, so the unit was disbanded. Due to violent occurrences in parks, officers have been directed to make their presence more prominent at parks, especially when they need to stop and write reports. The Recreation and Parks Departrnent is providing continual information Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 17, 201 1 regarding recreation schedules, including citizen reservations to hold parties and alcohol permits that have been obtained, so that officers can make their presence known during these events. A Park Watch program is being considered, and this will work in conjunction with Crime Prevention unit efforts and t�e Neighborhood Watch program. Chief Williamson stated that there are approximately 1,000 Neighborhood Watch programs in place, so all parks should be covered. At Committee member Sullivan's request, staff will report back if it is determined that any park is not covered, so that an outreach for assistance can be made. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Report and Discussion re aq rdina Hit and Run Statistics and Related Efforts Lieutenant Willoughby reported on the statistics for the last five years. In 2006, there were 2,029 misdemeanor and 45 felony hit arid run accidents. Each subsequent year, the Department saw a reduction in the numbers. In 2010, there were 1,465 misdemeanor and 64 felony hit and run acciclents, which is a 26% reduction from 2006. This is directly attributable to proactive enforcement by the Traffic division, and a significant number of DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Committee member Johnson asked for data on a year-b�y-year basis. Lieutenant Willoughby reported that in 2007 there were 1,947 misdemeanor and 59 felony hit and run accidents; and in 2008, the numbers were 1,748 and 53, respectively. According to Assistant Chief Martin, the num��er of felonies is subjective, depending on criterion used by the District Attorney's office to determine whether or not the accident may be successfully prosecutable. In 2007, there were seven DUI checkpoints; k>ut in 2010, there were 36, and over 110 saturation patrols, which is when an officer goes out during peak periods of time specifically looking for impaired drivers. The� increased nunnber of checkpoints was made possible through grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety, and additional grants through this agency are being pursued. The Police Department currently administrates the Kern Avoid 18 grant, which partners staff with several other agencies within Kern County to work DUI ch��ckpoints and saturation patrols. In 2010, the Department was recognized by the Office of Traffic Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) for their efforts. Chief Williamson reported that staff schedules checkpoints on days when major events are held, such as the Super Bowl, when, generally, an ai�nple amount of people consume alcohol. Random days and times are also scheduled. Locations are evenly distributed between areas east and west of State Route 99. As a result of these efforts, staff has also seen a decrease in the number of unlicensed drivers that come through checkpoints. In 2008, there were 1 1,875 vehicles impounded; and in 2010, there were 8,921. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 17, 201 1 One grant that staff has applied for deals with bicycle and pedestrian safety, and encompasses both training and enforcement.. The goal is to hold events that will train children on bicycle safety, and establish a more accomplished Bicycle Court. Committee member Johnson requested that staff provide status reports on grant efforts. If letters of support are needed from community groups or Councilmembers, he offered to write such a letter himself and/or encourage community groups to write letters of support, as well. One educational program that has been very successful is called Life Interrupted. Presentations are made to students by individuals who hav� lost family members in drunk driving accidents. There is also a video presentation �nd a visual display of a vehicle actually involved in such an accident. Officers ar�� on site to answer any questions. In 2010, 131 presentations were made to approximately 60,000 students. Recently, the District Attorney's office received a grant through Office of Traffic Safety that funds two full-time prosecutors specifically assigned to DUI offenses. These prosecutors, who have participated in some of the checkpoii�ts, can be contacted at any time. Some grant funding, if received, will enable staff to increase red light enforcement, seatbelt enforcement, and cell phone law enf�rcement. Committee member Johnson recommended i�hat staff continue to pursue these grants, and any others that might enable the City to put additional Cfficers back on the street or provide overtime funds. David Reese from Bakersfield High School asked about the effectiveness of the public calling 911 to report drunk drivers. He has done so three times; and on each occurrence, the driver was arrested. Lieutenant Willoughby stated that no study on the effectiveness has been done, but the system is strongly encouraged. Kevin Keyes with the Kern County Superintencient of Schools reported that in 2006, the Kern High School District and Kern County Superintendent of Schools partnered with State Farm to generate anti-DUI messages that were ultimately effective. Over 1,000 students created messages that were then converted into Public Service Announcements which were broadcast by Brighthouse Networks. He offered his assistance in writing grant proposals aimed tov✓ard prevention efforts. Police Chief Wiliamson stated that one grant the Department is applying for will enable them to hold a poster contest. B. Report reaardina Homicide Rates, and Related Efi�orts Committee Chair Salas requested that staff report on the homicide rate and the related news coverage on the matter. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 17, 201 1 Captain Nurridin oversees the Crimes Against Persons unit. She reported that, over the past 10 years, the city as a whole averages :?5-29 homicides per year. Most of these homicides are not gang-related. During this same period of time, City staff has exceeded the national average in the clearance rate, which is the number of cases solved. In 2010, the clearance rate was appraximately 66%. In 2009, the rate was 52%; and in 2008, it was 75�. Some methods can be used to prevent homicides, such as those made by the Directed Policing Unit, but some homicides are unfareseeable. Current efforts include the diligence of the Directed Policing Unit to reduce gang violence; coordination by Crime Prevention staff with citizens on Neighborhood Watch programs and various community meetings; utilization of a new technology that is in place called Text Tip whereby people can provide confidential information via a text message; the continued success of the Secret Witness program; and the cooperation of staff and the District Attorney's office to investigate and close cold cases. Assistant Chief Martin added that it is important to note that while Bakersfield has averaged 25 homicides over the last 10 years, the population has risen significantly over that period of time. A recent negative news article did not cover this point. In response to a question from Committee Chair Salas regarding what resources could be directed to reduce the amount of homic:ides, Police Chief Williamson noted that most homicides are committed by people who know each other. Staff works with the Alliance against Family Violence, the Kern County Department of Human Services and the Homeless Center to try to prevent child abuse and domestic violence. Assistant Chief Martin also stated that homicid�s are difficult to predict. C. Discussion and Ccmmittee Recommendation re ac� rding Adoption of the 201 1 Committee Meetinq Schedule Committee Chair Salas stated that his goal is to encourage irnore public participation by changing the meeting time to 5:15 p.m., which would allow more of the community to attend meetings. He recommended deferral of the item until the next meeting. His preference is to continue to meet in this same conference room, unless there are specific issues, and then a meeting can be he�d elsewhere. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia indicated that commuility meetings have been held at alternate locations in the past; but that can sometimes have a negative effect on attendance. He also said that the meetings have been held during the lunch hour because it does allow some flexibility for individuals to attend. Staff will research the matter in terms of staff's availability and if there are any overtime issues, and report back. Committee member Sullivan stated that her concern is overtime costs, and that she is not in favor of taking away from family time. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 17, 201 1 Paae 7 City Attorney Gennaro reported that once the Committee adopts the schedule, it means it is final. A special meeting can be sched�led, but there are different noticing requirements under the Brown Act. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Advisory member Campbell made her statem�ent under the last item because she had to leave early. Her concern is that there is not enough media coverage to inform the community of all of the efforts being made by staff. She also asked if additional advisory members would be selected to serve on the Committee. Committee Chair Salas supported the suggestion of using Public Service Announcements to disseminate information. He asked how this was funded in the past, and who might oversee the content and process. Chief Williamson responded that the Public Information Officer for the Department is in the process of creating some Public Service Announcements in cooperation with� Brighthouse Networks. He will provide more information at the next meeting. Committee Chair Salas thanked everyone for attending. He n�ted that he would like to not only increase public participation, but also identify specific issues and seek a resolution to them at each Committee meeting. Committee member Johnson supported the suggestion to increase public participation, as the more people who are aw�are and paying attention, the more it will help to make the community a safer place. 7. ADJOURNMENT 1:25 p.m.