February 11, 1999
FEBRUARY 11, 1999
MINUTES
Submitted by Bob Ueland
MINUTES
Submitted by Bob Ueland
Citizen Advisors Present: Charles Ford, Presiding; Gene Bales; Les Frank;
Deborah Haring; Leora Mahoney; Robert Ueland; Robert Wells
Citizen Advisors Absent: Marina Anttila; Steve Heck; Dapo Sobomehin
City Staff Present: Capt. Bill Bennington, IAD; Sgt. Vince Jarmer, IAD; Sgt.
Pam Kauffman, IAD
Meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. Chair Charles Ford noted the lack of
quorum but said City Attorney Brockman has advised in past to proceed with
meeting and validate all votes at next meeting with quorum.
[Staff Note: There was in fact a quorum, based on number of currently filled
positions.]
1. Captain Bennington distributed copies of new PPB statement called
"Civilian Review of Law Enforcement."
2. Minutes of January 21, 1999 were approved as presented.
3. Case #99-01 was presented by Robert Wells. Appellant was not present.
Motion by Robert Wells to affirm PPB's handling of the case. Second: Leora
Mahoney.
Discussion: Gene Bales felt letter from Commander Kauffman to Appellant was
well written. Captain Bennington pointed out that while no misconduct by officer
was alleged, it was recommended the officers meet with their shift Lieutenant
for further discussion about the case.
Vote: Unanimous for motion.
4. Case #99-02 was presented by Bob Ueland. Appellant was present and spoke
as follows:
Appellant said basic facts as presented by the officers were correct except
that Officer "A" did call him a "retard" and did accuse him of being on drugs.
He said he had been advised in past to stay at least 15 feet away from officers
so he could not be accused of interfering and that he remained silent so
officers could not possibly misunderstand anything he might say.
CA Les Bales [?] asked appellant if he didn't think his silence would put the
officers more on guard. Appellant said he had remained silent on other occasions
and nothing happened. He felt he should "witness" any events involving police
and citizens so he could testify for citizen if asked to. He was fearful of
being hit by police if he said anything. Capt. Bennington said Commander
Kauffman had recommended "debriefing" for the officers involved, but this was
not communicated in the letter from Commander Kauffman to the appellant. Captain
Bennington apologized to the appellant and said he would forward copy of the
"debriefing" letter to the appellant.
Appellant said Officer "B" seemed to try to exclude himself from scene as
Officer "A" became more verbally abusive and actually rode away on his bicycle
only to return.
CA Les Frank asked appellant why he won't talk to police. Appellant says this
is his policy based on past experience as bartender in a gay bar where he
witnessed police beatings. CA Robert Wells advised appellant that there is a
"Sexual Minorities Roundtable" that he could attend and bring complaints to.
CA Charles Ford expressed concerns with police conduct during confrontations
in a "drug-free zone." He asked appellant what he hoped to gain by filing his
appeal. Appellant said he did not want apology, but did want copy of complaint
to be in Officer "A's" personnel file. Captain Bennington assured him it is.
Motion by Bob Ueland to lay this case on the table until next month's meeting
to allow sending of "debriefing" letter to appellant. Second - Robert Wells.
Vote: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Chairperson Charles Ford asked that letters be sent to all members not in
attendance encouraging their participation in the future.
Chairperson Charles Ford announced next meeting will be at Self-Enhancement
Building, 3926 N. Kirby.
CA Les Frank suggested all meetings should be out in communities rather than
downtown which is unhandy and somewhat threatening to appellants to come to City
Hall.
Chair Charles Ford wondered if we could hold meetings in Precinct Community
Rooms. Members thought it would be alright.
CA Gene Bales recommends asking appellant in questionnaire what it is they
want to accomplish.
5. Public Testimony
Dan Handelman says he asked City Council for status of changes to PIIAC
Ordinance. He was pleased with result of 99-02. He states he has been verbally
provoked by police officers also, and that one doesn't have to speak with them.
Mr. Handelman thinks meeting in Police Precincts would be bad PR and suggested
we publicize next month's meeting as much as possible.
Meeting adjourned at 6:44.