B A K E R S F I E L D

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1 B A K E R S F I E L D Staff: Chris Gerry, Administrative Analyst III Caleb Blaschke, Management Assistant Committee Members: Councilmember, Chris Parlier - Chair Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan Councilmember, Willie Rivera REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE of the City Council - City of Bakersfield Thursday, October 15, :00 p.m. City Hall North Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA A G E N D A 1. ROLL CALL 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 3. ADOPTION OF FEBRUARY 19, 2015 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 4. REPORTS A. Report regarding Gang/Graffiti Enforcement Williamson B. Report regarding Safe Streets Partnership Efforts - Williamson 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion regarding Efforts to Address Human Trafficking Williamson 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 7. ADJOURNMENT

2 B A K E R S F I E L D /s/ Chris Gerry Staff: Chris Gerry Administrative Analyst Committee Members Chris Parlier, Chair Jacquie Sullivan Willie Rivera The meeting was convened at 12:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Councilmember Sullivan was absent. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Thursday, February 19, :00 p.m. City Hall North Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA Committee members: Councilmember, Chris Parlier, Chair Councilmember, Willie Rivera AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT City staff: Steve Teglia, Assistant City Manager Chris Huot, Assistant City Manager Chris Gerry, Administrative Analyst City Manager s Office Caleb Blaschke, Management Assistant City Manager s Office Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Richard Iger, Associate City Attorney Tom Geddes, Associate City Attorney Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Lyle Martin, Assistant Chief of Police Captain Joe Bianco, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Joe Mullins, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Greg Terry, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Jeremy Grimes, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Jason Townsend, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Dennis West, Bakersfield Police Department Christi Tenter, Human Resources Manager Anthony Gonzales, Human Resources Supervisor Additional Attendees: William Haywood, Ebony Counseling Center Members of the media

3 Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 19, 2015 Page 2 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 3. ADOPTION OF MARCH 20, 2014 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The Report was unanimously adopted as submitted. 4. REPORTS A. Update regarding Gang/Graffiti Enforcement Lieutenant Mullins reported that, year to date, there have been seven gang-related shootings, most of which were in the metropolitan area, and none of which resulted in homicides. Most of the guns seized by the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) were from the east side. To date, the graffiti unit cleared 219 offenses, and submitted for $16,784 in restitution. B. Update regarding Safe Streets Partnership Efforts Lieutenant Mullins reported that in the last two months, two peace walks were held in areas known for a high level of gang activity and drug sales. There was a good community response. These walks were in addition to the gang call-ins and suppression efforts. 5. NEW BUSINESS Committee Chair Parlier stated that he attended the peace walk on Gorrill Street, and there was a lot of community involvement. He said it was great seeing people pushing back against the criminals in their neighborhood; and the more that s done, the sooner it will bring the community atmosphere back. He thanked Lieutenant Mullins. Assistant Chief Martin was recognized for his attendance at the peace walk. A. Discussion regarding Diversity Recruitment Efforts for Police Officers Police Chief Williamson referred to the memorandum that was included in the meeting packet. Lieutenant Townsend was introduced and gave an oral report on the efforts to attract more minority and female officers. For the previous three recruitments, six banners were posted, two of which were in Spanish, throughout the City, with a focus on areas where there is a higher minority population. Digital billboards were also utilized, as were commercials at local movie theaters, and television and radio stations, including the Spanish radio station. Outreach was done at the Regional Occupation Center, where Police staff gave lectures and performed mock interviews in order to prepare interested students for a law enforcement career. It is estimated that the school consists of approximately 75% minority and female students. Staff has also attended various job fairs, and officers are guest speakers at the local colleges in the criminal justice classes.

4 Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 19, 2015 Page 3 Committee Chair Parlier asked if a lateral academy is starting soon. Chief Williamson said that there is one academy in progress now that consists of 12 trainees who are scheduled to graduate and become probationary officers on March 28, Those trainees who successfully graduate and complete the tests will begin their employment on March 31, A second academy is also in progress that consists of 33 trainees who are scheduled to graduate July 2, Once they graduate, they are given conditional offers of employment, pending them passing the psychological and medical tests. Committee Chair Parlier asked if staff could provide the diversity makeup, by percentage. Human Resources Manager Tenter said that the exact information was not readily available, but, generally speaking, the numbers have been rising by 1-2% over the last three recruitments. Committee Chair Parlier asked if staff is reaching out to Bakersfield College and California State University at Bakersfield (CSUB). Chief Williamson stated that several officers, including Lieutenant Townsend, teach at Bakersfield College in the criminal justice classes, Assistant Chief Martin is a professor in the Criminal Justice Department at the University of Phoenix, and he himself has taught criminal justice classes at CSUB. Regular communication between Bakersfield Police staff and the schools administrative staffs takes place to inform them of recruitments. Human Resources Manager Tenter added that her staff ensures that job postings are also sent to the colleges career development departments, and to independent job websites. Staff also communicates with many local minority groups, either directly or through Chief Williamson s liaison group. Offers are always made for staff to speak to each group. Committee Chair Parlier asked if there is any advertising published in the Police Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) magazine. Chief Williamson said that recruitments are advertised in the California Police Officers Association (CPOA) and Police Officers Standard Training (POST) magazines. Lieutenant Townsend added that they do not advertise in the PORAC magazine, as they require too long of a lead time. Human Resources Manager Tenter said that advertising recruitments is typically focused locally or within the state to ensure POST requirements are met. There is no lack of applicants, as approximately 800 to 1,000 applications are received each time.

5 Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 19, 2015 Page 4 Committee member Rivera noted that the discussion was inspired by the recent International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) study. He asked if the study provided any concrete recommendations other than creating a liaison officer position. Chief Williamson said that there is one community liaison officer, and the goal is to have one assigned to each zone, for a total of six. These officers would work directly with the Community Relations staff in the Public Information Officer s (PIO) office, and would report directly to the Lieutenant in command of each zone. Committee member Rivera asked where the one existing community liaison officer is focused. Assistant Chief Martin said that the officer responds wherever needed, but primarily works with Lieutenant Mullins. Committee member Rivera asked for clarification about the 1-2% increase in trainees who successfully complete the process. Human Resources Manager Tenter said that it is a 1-2% increase in those individuals who apply for positions. Committee member Rivera asked about the demographic breakdown of the applicant pools, and those who eventually become sworn officers. Human Resources Manager Tenter said that the majority of those hired are white. Approximately 6% of the applicants from the last recruitment were classified as black, 9.5% of which were hired. Approximately 52% of applicants from the last recruitment were classified as Hispanic, 5.2% of which were hired. The goal of the City s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) is to ensure that the work force is representative of the County s demographic makeup; and while the focus of recruitment may be on those groups, it does not guarantee that the applicant pool will be as well represented by minorities or females as preferred. Committee member Rivera asked for clarification of the term, target. Human Resources Manager Tenter said it means to directly reach out to them to ensure they have all of the necessary job recruitment information so that they can apply for the positions. For example, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce receives notices, and officers speak to local organizations, clubs, high schools and colleges about the recruitments. Committee member Rivera asked what kind of outreach there had been to Churches and faith-based organizations.

6 Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 19, 2015 Page 5 Assistant Chief Martin said that there is communication with the Southeast Ministers Association, one of the banners was posted at a Church on Madison Avenue, he personally speaks regularly with Monsignors Craig and Braun, the liaison officer has met with staff at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pastor McGee is on the liaison committee, and Art Powell from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has his own Christian radio show, where he announces the recruitments. Chief Williamson added that the Sikh community is well represented on the liaison committee, and staff has reached out to them, also. Committee member Rivera asked what the primary reason may be as to why so few minorities are successfully completing the hiring process and if staff is legally allowed to assist candidates before they are disqualified. Chief Williamson noted that in addition to being available to the students in the classes staff teaches, candidates are encouraged to participate in the ride along program or spend a day in the Communications Center to ensure they are aware of what the job entails. Additionally, Command staff distributes business cards to offer their availability to meet with any applicant, their parent(s) or minister(s) and answer questions. Human Resources Manager Tenter said that most disqualifications are made by applicants who fail the written exam, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Human Resources staff is working closely with Police staff to determine what else can be done, such as additional practice written tests or perhaps a different written test. Practice agility tests are already in place. Committee member Rivera asked where that process stands. Human Resources Manager Tenter said that a meeting is taking place within the next week. A change in the recruitment method may require a change in the civil service procedures, so it may take one to two months to conclude the process. The Human Resources staff is already certified to administer another test, and has reviewed the security agreement with POST to determine if there are optional testing methods. Committee member Rivera asked if the candidates know why they fail. Human Resources Manager Tenter said that they have the opportunity to call and find out, but they are not notified of what area in which there was a deficiency. Committee member Rivera requested to receive a copy of the notice that is sent to those who did not pass a test. He asked if a list of those Hispanics who do not pass can be sent to those who teach the criminal justice courses at Bakersfield College and CSUB.

7 Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 19, 2015 Page 6 Human Resources Manager Tenter said that as it is a confidentiality issue, the candidate would have to give permission to release the information. Committee member Rivera asked if a form could be provided at the onset of the recruitment process that candidates would sign, indicating their approval or disapproval. He also asked if any of the candidates who initially did not pass, reapplied. Assistant Chief Martin said that there are many individuals who reapply. Some will reach out to Human Resources staff or the Police training staff. The discussion might involve their educational history, and what information is available in the library or online, or on the POST website. Committee member Rivera requested that staff make it as comfortable for these individuals as possible, that staff provide him with a copy of the notice, and to keep him posted on when staff plans to start implementing practice tests or exams and continuous recruitments. Committee Chair Parlier asked about the percentage of applicants who drop out during the probationary period, what their reasons might be, and if there is any disparity amongst the groups. If there is a disparity, perhaps additional training is called for. Human Resource Manager Tenter said that she will look at the data, but she believes it will not show any disparity. B. Discussion and Committee Recommendation regarding Adoption of the 2015 Committee Meeting Schedule The 2015 Committee meeting schedule was unanimously approved. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee member Rivera asked about the status of the wall at 600 South Union Avenue. Chief Williamson said that the Code Enforcement process has begun. If the property owners do not abate the nuisance, the Police Department will work with Code Enforcement to obtain a court order to remove the wall. The process may take approximately 60 days. Assistant City Manager Teglia said that Code Enforcement efforts include reaching out to service providers and the homeless collaborative. Initial reports are that some of the individuals living there are hesitant to accept those services. Committee member Rivera requested that staff monitor the situation. He asked what happens when these individuals are told they have to leave.

8 Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report February 19, 2015 Page 7 City Attorney Gennaro said that the process involved depends on the type of situation that exists. Three examples are: 1) homeless encampments along the riverbed, which is public; 2) the homeless people living behind Clinica Sierra Vista, which is privately owned, with a cooperative owner; and 3) 600 South Union Avenue, which is privately owned, but the owner is not cooperative. They cannot all be treated in the same manner, as the legal issues are different. When the owner is cooperative, the Police Department can enforce the No Trespassing ordinance. As the property owner of 600 South Union Avenue is not cooperative, a court order must be obtained. The plan for this property is to continue with the Code Enforcement process and ensure that due process is followed and no civil rights are violated. Chief Williamson stated that being homeless is not against the law, so the Police Department is working with the homeless collaborative to inform the homeless people living at that location about the services available to them, and encourage them to accept those services. If any laws are violated, then a warrant for arrest can be issued. An officer s best discretion is used in these instances, whether to issue a citation and let them go on a promise to appear or take them to jail. Assistant City Manager Teglia said that it is best to coordinate with the service providers because there is a better end result if they accept services, rather than moving the encampment to another location. It is ultimately a choice for those individuals. Assistant Chief Martin added that when officers are faced with issuing citations to homeless individuals, they must consider that these individuals do not have any money to pay fines, and it would involve court and staff time to follow that process through to completion. Committee member Rivera asked to be kept informed. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:38 p.m.

9 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT Gang Activity Update to Safe Neighborhoods Committee Thursday, October 15 th, 2015 Gang-Related Shootings 2015 YTD

10 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT Gun Seizures by SEU 2015 YTD (93)

11 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT Gang-related shootings are down 25% in 2015 ytd compared to October Gang activity continues to be focused primarily in economically-disadvantaged neighborhoods. BPD officers are making efforts to address long-term location-based problems through community outreach and intervention methods rather than traditional arrests and seizures. Areas that experience gun and gang violence often share some common characteristics: o High-density population (apartments and smaller homes, often with vacant units) o Smaller markets rather than large businesses o Litter and abandoned property or vehicles o Yards and homes not maintained o Graffiti o Open-air drug deals o Heavy foot traffic and loitering Community members can help by calling attention to problems before they get out of hand. o Eliminate graffiti o Maintain homes and businesses and encourage neighbors to do the same o Communicate with the police and code enforcement

12 Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership Update to the Safe Neighborhoods Committee Thursday, October 15 th, 2015 The Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership (BSSP) is a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, service providers, local government, clergy, and the community in efforts to reduce gun and gang violence. BSSP works in two primary ways: outreach and opportunity to gang members, and outreach to neighborhoods hit the hardest by gang violence. Through gang call-ins, BSSP partners engage those at highest risk of gang and gun violence. Gang members are provided with the community s message of concern and opportunity for assistance for the young men in the gangs, while communicating strong support for law enforcement and no tolerance for violence. BSSP has presented one gang call-in this year and will present another in November BSSP also focuses community resources on neighborhoods most affected by gang violence. In 2015, BSSP has presented four community outreach events at locations that had recently been the site of gang shootings. Hundreds of local residents participated and enjoyed the opportunity to receive information on local community services and to interact with police officers assigned to their neighborhoods. The Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership recently became a tax-exempt organization. The Board of Directors is: o Pastor Manuel Carrizalez, President o Lt. Joe Mullins, Secretary o Daryl Thiesen, Treasurer o Cynthia Zimmer, Esq., Board Member o David Williams, Board Member o Karen Goh, Board Member

13 The following presentation was made at the Regular Meeting of the Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee on Thursday, October 15, 2015

14 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT Prevention & Enforcement Human Trafficking & Prostitution

15 Human Trafficking Defined Occurs when a pimp or trafficker uses force, fraud, and/or coercion to maintain control over an adult and cause him or her to engage in commercial sex acts. When the individual providing commercial sex is under the age of 18, force, fraud, and coercion do not need to be present for the situation to be considered trafficking. Prostitution Defined The practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment.

16 In November 2012, Proposition 35 was approved by the voters in an effort to: Increases prison terms for human traffickers Requires convicted sex traffickers to register as sex offenders Requires criminal fines from convicted human traffickers to pay for services to help victims Mandates law enforcement training on human trafficking Requires all registered sex offenders to disclose their internet accounts

17 Human Trafficking Investigations Investigations are conducted by Patrol Officers and detectives from the Special Victims Unit (SVU) and the City/County Joint Vice Task Force (JVTF) When a suspected victim of human trafficking is discovered an investigation is initiated. Human trafficking victims are discovered through a variety of means: Calls for service Vehicle stops Prostitution enforcement

18 Department Wide Statistics YTD 700 Arrests YTD Human Trafficking Prostitution Arrests YTD Total Human Trafficking Prostitution ,460

19 Human Trafficking Investigations human trafficking related investigations 4 arrests for human trafficking 5 arrests for related offenses human trafficking related investigations 4 arrests for human trafficking 1 arrests for related offenses 2015 YTD 5 human trafficking related investigations 3 arrests for human trafficking 1 arrests for related offenses

20 Human Trafficking Investigations 9 Human Trafficking Investigation YTD Investigations Arrests Arrests for related offenses

21 Human Trafficking Investigations Juvenile Rescues 2014 (3 Cases) 16-year old female from out-of-town. Contacted by BPD and transported to the Jamison Center. 15-year old female attempted force into human trafficking. Suspect arrested. 16-year old reported runaway from another city. Located and transported to the Jamison Center YTD (2 Cases) 17-year old female transported from Fresno. Located by undercover officer. Transported to Jamison Center. 15-year old female involved in prostitution in Madera. Located here and transported to Jamison Center. Human trafficker arrested.

22 Human Trafficking Collaboration with Community Groups Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking (KCAHT) Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Magdalene Hope Ministry A non-profit organization that reaches out to those who work in the sex trade (either by choice or force)

23 Human Trafficking Collaboration with Multi-Agency, Multi-Disciplinary Team providers Kern County District Attorney s Office Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

24 Prostitution Enforcement The JVTF conducts prostitution enforcement on a variety of different fronts, including: Street enforcement John sting operations Out-call operations Prostitution acts in massage establishments

25 Prostitution Enforcement Street Enforcement Undercover detectives pose as Johns Arrestees are typically arrested for Solicitation of Prostitution and Loitering for the Purposes of Prostitution

26 Prostitution Enforcement Street Enforcement street enforcement operations 1 felony arrest 420 misdemeanor arrests street enforcement operations 7 felony arrests 213 misdemeanor arrests 2015 YTD 26 street enforcement operations 5 felony arrests 211 misdemeanor arrests

27 450 Prostitution Enforcement Street Enforcement YTD Street Enforcement Operations Felony arrests Misdemeanor arrests Prostitution Street Enforcement YTD Total Street Enforcement Operations Felony Arrests Misdemeanor Arrests

28 Prostitution Enforcement John Sting Operations operations 1 felony arrest 88 misdemeanor arrests operations 43 misdemeanor arrests 2015 YTD 1 operation 23 misdemeanor arrests

29 100 Prostitution Enforcement John Sting Operations YTD Operations Felony arrest Misdemeanor arrests John Sting Operations YTD Total Operations Felony Arrest Misdemeanor Arrests

30 Prostitution Enforcement Out-Call Operations Websites house ads for escort services Some are in-call, meaning the customer or John goes to them Some are out-call, meaning the prostitute comes to the John

31 Prostitution Enforcement Out-Call Operations operations 1 human trafficking related arrest 36 Solicitation of Prostitution arrests operations 44 Solicitation of Prostitution arrests 2015 YTD 2 operations 14 Solicitation of Prostitution arrests

32 Prostitution Enforcement Out-Call Operations Operations Solicitation of Prostitution arrests Human Trafficking related arrest Out-Call Operations YTD Total Operations Human Trafficking Related Arrests Solicitation of Prostitution Arrests

33 Prostitution Enforcement Massage Establishment Operations The JVTF receives complaints of suspicious activities at some massage establishments Investigations have shown that masseuses will attempt to engage in sex acts with customers for additional money Undercover detectives will obtain a massage and make arrests for solicitation of prostitution where appropriate

34 Prostitution Enforcement Massage Establishment Operations operations 6 Solicitation of Prostitution arrests operations 4 Solicitation of Prostitution arrests 2015 YTD 17 operations 9 Solicitation of Prostitution arrests

35 Massage Establishment Operations Operations Solicitation of Prostitution arrests Massage Establishment Operations YTD Total Operations Solicitation of Prostitution Arrests

36 700 Calls for Service YTD YTD Calls for Service YTD Total Prostitution ,283

37 Prostitution Enforcement Calls for Service YTD Prostitution (1,283)

38 Human Trafficking Calls for Service YTD YTD Calls for Service YTD Total Human Trafficking

39 Human Trafficking Calls for Service YTD Human Trafficking (27)

40 Prostitution and Human Trafficking Calls for Service YTD Prostitution (1,283) Human Trafficking (27)

41 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT Questions?