SAINT JOHN BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OPEN SESSION MARCH 12, 2013, - 5:35 P.M. MULTI PURPOSE ROOM - ONE PEEL PLAZA

Transcription

1 SAINT JOHN BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OPEN SESSION MARCH 12, 2013, - 5:35 P.M. MULTI PURPOSE ROOM - ONE PEEL PLAZA PRESENT Commissioners Christopher Waldschutz, Chairman Mary-Eileen O'Brien, Vice Chairman Greg Norton Karen Keiller Staff Chief Bill Reid Deputy Chief Bruce Connell Marven Corscadden, Director of Human Resources & Finance Brian Malone, Director of Knowledge Management Inspector Glen McCloskey, Criminal Investigations Division Inspector Cy Thompson, Support Services Jackie Ferrar, Recording Secretary Absent Jonathan Franklin Mel Norton Timothy Christie Inspector Dave Parks, Patrol Services 1. Call To Order Chairman Waldschutz called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. 1.1 Commendation Presentation - Cst. Stacy Humphrey Chief Reid presented Constable Stacy Humphrey with a Certificate of Commendation on behalf of David Johnston, Governor General of Canada in recognition for her assistance at the scene of an overturned tractor-trailer on Loch Lomond Road January 24, Chief Reid stated that this is the same incident that Constables Fowler, Roy and Paris were awarded a medal of bravery from the Governor General in February. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Minutes of February 5, 2013 On motion of Commissioner Keiller Seconded by Commissioner O'Brien RESOLVED that the minutes for the February 5, 2013 Open Session meeting of the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners, be approved. (O )

2 Page 2 3. Adoption of Agenda On motion of Commissioner Keiller Seconded by Commissioner O'Brien RESOLVED that the agenda for the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners meeting, be approved. (O ) 4. Disclosure of Conflict of Interest 4.1 Declaration of members in conflict of interest with any item on the agenda 5. Consent Agenda None 6. Delegations/Presentations 6.1 Internet Child Exploitation Deputy Chief Connell introduced Corporal Tonia Williams, a member of the R.C.M.P.'s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and Cst. Gordie Redfurn from the Saint John Police Force's Family Protection Unit. Corporal Williams, a fully trained ICE investigator informed everyone that she is a member of the Codiac ICE Unit and is also assigned to the R.C.M.P. J Division Headquarters. Cst. Redfurn stated that he is a fully trained ICE investigator as well, pointing out that Corporal Williams and he are the only two in New Brunswick out of a total of six investigators. He explained that ICE investigations are very complex and can involve working with investigators from all over the world because child exploitation has no borders - it is a global issue. The presentation commenced with a video illustrating what our youth are going through in today's society. Corporal Williams stated that ICE investigators refer to child pornography as child sexual abuse images because they are an image of a crime scene that becomes a permanent record on the internet. She noted the abuse can also be in a text format. Statistics from 2011 were reviewed which indicate a definite increase in this form of exploitation due to advances in technology and the creation of new internet devices. Referring to a graph depicting confirmed child sexual abuse websites, Corporal Williams informed everyone that North America and Europe have the highest number of websites. Continuing, Corporal Williams provided an overview of the process for ICE investigations pointing out that they are technical in nature, involving numerous law enforcement agencies, and can take anywhere from six months to several years before going to court. Citing one example that began in Texas entitled "Landslide", she advised that due to the size of this particular investigation a triage unit was created at the RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa - National

3 Page 3 Child Exploitation Co-ordination Center. She reported that this investigation resulted in charges being laid, pointing out that 50 suspects were also identified in New Brunswick. Referring to a graph illustrating the number of child pornography detection sites in the City of Saint John over the past year, Corporal Williams advised that 441 detections were identified. Continuing she explained that 94% of Canadian youth now have internet usage at home and expressed alarm advising that 25% ask to meet an individual online, and of this 25%, 21% have actually met the person they talk to online. Additional statistics were reviewed with Corporal Williams stating that there are endless realms on the internet where luring predators wait, such as chat rooms. Cst. Redfurn pointed out that these chat rooms can even take place on social media sites such as Kijiji or Craigslist. Corporal Williams spoke briefly regarding the training requirements for an ICE investigator advising that it is expensive and normally takes approximately 2 years. She explained that basically it is ongoing because an individual must keep themselves updated as new technology comes online. The presentation concluded with a video of children from all over the world asking for support, not money, and Corporal Williams and Cst. Redfurn stressing the importance of monitoring children whenever they are online. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Keiller, Cst. Redfurn expressed the opinion that the cost for training ICE investigators could be one of the reasons why there are not more fully trained investigators, but noted that software and devices are constantly changing and an individual must try to stay updated on new technology. Commissioner O'Brien questioned if there was a sufficient need for an ICE unit in Saint John, to which Cst. Redfurn advised that there are presently three individuals in the Family Protection Unit, but he is the only individual that investigates the ICE files. Concerns were expressed by Commissioner O'Brien with respect to wellness for the employees and if the proper level of support is in place for those who work in this field. Responding, Cst. Redfurn explained that basically he works on the most urgent file first, noting the key role that integration plays when carrying out an investigation. He commented further that he believes an individual will know when they need to make a change to another area and assured everyone that investigators are trained to look at the evidence and not what has actually happened. Chairman Waldschutz expressed his thanks, on behalf of the Board for a very informative presentation. Mr. Jeffrey Roach of Sociallogical Connectivity Inc. entered the meeting. 7. Committee Reports 7.1 Communications Committee Update Commissioner O'Brien stated that she invited Mr. Roach to comment this evening on how the social media training that is presently underway for nine officers might merge with what the Communications Committee has in mind for the Police Commission. Referring to a previous meeting with Mr. Roach, Commissioner O'Brien explained that it gave her and Commissioner Keiller an opportunity to discuss the vision and components of the communication plan. The

4 Page 4 following topics were also discussed - the importance of having a webpage containing information on the Police Commission, increasing the capacity and competency of communicating to the public - who and what we are, as well as designing a better way for the Commissioners to communicate electronically with each other. Mr. Roach explained that his company helps organizations integrate social media practices and tools into what they do. He noted that the nine Police Officers participating in the social media training will certainly be able to assist the organization on the best way to use these tools to work with the public. Referring to his meeting with Commissioners O'Brien and Keiller, and the strategies that were reviewed, he advised that a branding strategy would basically be deciding how the Commission wants to represent itself - what is the personality and tone of voice. He explained further that a content strategy would involve looking at the various channels that would be used by the Commission - twitter, facebook or Google +, and how they would be used. Continuing, he suggested that the Board also examine what information they will share, what news items are going to be the Board's, and what items created by others in the community will be echoed by the Board. Responding to a question regarding the online training course, Mr. Roach advised that it is a curriculum which helps people understand what the social business is and consists of three chapters. The first chapter provides an understanding of the history of social media and what it is. Chapter two examines the various social media tools, and chapter three looks at what is a social business for an organization, such as the Police Commission. Mr. Roach stated the course can be taken online and would take approximately three months to complete. The cost is $1,500 for the first person and $425 for each additional person. Commissioner O'Brien stated that both she and Commissioner Keiller are on facebook, and proposed that a private group be set up for the Commissioners to communicate. Referring to the website she offered to do the writing for it, advising that she will send out a form for each Commissioner to complete which is basic information that she will script into a bio. Concluding her remarks she encouraged all members of the Board to participate in this endeavor. A discussion followed with Chief Reid reminding everyone that bilingualism is a requirement for the current website and should be kept in mind for any work related to a website. Commissioner G. Norton expressed the opinion that he would prefer a SharePoint site rather than facebook for communicating purposes which can be set up internally. He noted that he would not require any training related to facebook. It was also pointed out by Chief Reid that SharePoint is a secure form of communicating. Commissioner O'Brien reiterated the importance for the Commission to have a communication strategy that would involve the following steps explain to the public who we are, 2 - have the capacity to use social media to support the Police Force, and 3 - have a site where Commissioners can communicate. Commissioner G. Norton asked if the Communications Committee could send each Board member an outline of the training curriculum as well as an overview of the content that Mr. Roach spoke of, noting that he would not have to participate but could follow along. Commissioner O'Brien inquired if there was a consensus on the appropriateness and the necessity of training. Responding, Commissioner G. Norton stated he could not provide an opinion at this time because he is not aware of what the curriculum is nor the subject matter.

5 Page 5 Commissioner Keiller advised that this information could be distributed. Commissioner O'Brien stated that a photo of each Commissioner will be required for the webpage that will accompany the bio's. The discussion concluded with Commissioner O'Brien advising that a form will be distributed to everyone for the bio information and a description of the online course. Mr. Roach pointed out that he would provide the course details free of charge. Commissioner Keiller expressed interest in exploring SharePoint to determine if the Commission could have a space that would be secure, to which Commissioner G. Norton reported that members of Common Council have found it to be a secure way to communicate. Mr. Roach withdrew from the meeting. 8. Consideration of issues Separated from Consent Agenda None 9. General Correspondence 9.1 Internal Monthly Report Chief Reid reported that during the month of February 2013 there were no complaints, nine complimentary correspondences and no grievances. On motion of Commissioner O'Brien Seconded by Commissioner Keiller RESOLVED that the Internal Monthly Report for the period February 1 - March 7, 2013, be received and filed. (O ) 9.2 Council Resolution of Oct agencies, boards and commissions appointed by Council Consideration was given to a letter from the Common Clerk's Office dated February 13, 2013 advising of a resolution adopted by Common Council on October 29, 2012 with respect to appointments, accountability, and reporting for all agencies, boards and commissions appointed by Council Commissioner O'Brien noted that the Council resolution contradicts the Board's By-laws. The first one being point #2 - "All appointments made by Council for all ABC's will be for a period of three years with the possibility of one re-appointment term of three years which would allow an individual to serve a total of six years". Also item # 6 - "Only one elected representative should be appointed to each ABC if required and/or only one member of senior staff should be appointed to each ABC if required": Continuing, Commissioner O'Brien stated that the Board will have to decide if they are going to amend their by-laws, or seek some form of distantiation from this resolution. A brief discussion followed with Commissioner O'Brien suggesting that where the Board's by-laws are different, perhaps Council should be informed of this and asked if they are acceptable. The other option for the Board would be to amend its by-laws.

6 Page 6 On motion of Commissioner Keiller Seconded by Commissioner O'Brien RESOLVED that the letter from the Common Clerk's Office dated February 13, 2013 advising of a resolution adopted by Common Council on October 29, 2012 with respect to all agencies, boards and commissions appointed by Common Council, be tabled until the Board's April 3, 2013 meeting. (O ) Question being taken, the motion was tabled Council Resolution of Feb. 18, posting of pay scales and salary ranges by position/title for management and uniformed officers Referring to the submitted letter from the Common Clerk's Office regarding a resolution adopted by Common Council on February 18, 2013 which stated "RESOLVED that Council refer to the Saint John Police Commission the posting of pay scales and salary ranges by position/title for management (e.g. Inspector) and uniformed officers (e.g. Constable 1) to the Saint John Police Force website", it was agreed by the Board that if this information is not posted on the website, then it should be. Chief Reid stated he would follow-up on this matter advising that it is presently not on the website. Commissioner G. Norton stressed the importance for this information to be easily accessible on the website with no barriers or challenges. Chief Reid responded assuring everyone that it will be easily accessible. On motion of Commissioner O'Brien Seconded by Commissioner Keiller RESOLVED that Chief Reid have the pay scales and salary ranges by position/title for the management and uniformed officers of the Saint John Police Force posted on the Saint John Police Force's website. (O ) 9.4 Saint John Police Force - Business Plan Report Card Chief Reid commented briefly regarding the submitted Report Card for the Force's Business Plan advising that a new Business Strategic Plan will commence later in the summer. Commissioner O'Brien noted that she would like to be part of this Committee. Commissioner Keiller stated she has examined software to help manage strategic plans and suggested they may be beneficial in this regard. 10. Adjournment The Open Session meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. for Closed Session. Chairman Secretary