SAINT JOHN BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 2011-5:30 P.M. 8 TH FLOOR BOARDROOM - CITY HALL PRESENT Commissioners Christopher Waldschutz, Chairman David Emerson, Vice Chairman Mary-Eileen O Brien, Secretary Timothy Christie Ivan Court Jonathan Franklin Peter McGuire Staff Chief Bill Reid Deputy Chief Bruce Connell Bill Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Marven Corscadden, Director of Human Resources & Finance Brian Malone, Director of Knowledge Management Inspector Dave Parks, Patrol Services Jackie Ferrar, Recording Secretary ABSENT Inspector Glen McCloskey, Criminal Investigations Division Inspector Cy Thompson, Support Services 1. Call To Order Chairman Waldschutz called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Opening Remarks 3. Confirmation of Agenda Chairman Waldschutz advised that there was one item to be added to the agenda this evening - item 7.5 Update on the Board s Retreat from Commissioner O Brien. RESOLVED that the agenda for the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners Public Meeting - December 6, 2011, be approved with the addition of item 7.5 - Update on Board s Retreat by Commissioner O Brien. (O1112-01)
Page 2 Question being taken the motion was carried. 4. Presentations 4.1 Risk Management - Recruitment Process Through a computer-aided presentation, Mr. Corscadden provided an overview of the recruitment process from a risk management perspective advising that risk management begins when an individual is hired. He explained that a typical career for a new recruit is 30 years, which means that over $3 million will be invested in this individual in wages and benefits, in addition to training, throughout their career. Mr. Corscadden reviewed the following steps of the recruitment process which normally takes 12-14 weeks and involves 6 to 10 staff members. 1. Predictive Index Survey - survey based on personality 2. Security Clearance 3. Medical Examination 4. P.A.R.E. Test - physical ability requirement evaluation test 5. Psychological Testing an individual assessment and a group assessment is done 6. Staff Panel Interview 7. Integrity Interview 8. Extensive Background Investigation 9. Orientation Program (2 weeks) - for those candidates who are offered employment, includes Firearms Qualification and Use of Force Training 10. Coach Officers Program (6 months) - (Supervision Level 1) recruit is assigned to a primary officer Referring to the Coach Officers Program, Mr. Corscadden introduced Staff Sgt. Mike King, the co-ordinator for this Program. Staff Sgt. King explained that officers volunteer for this Program which he delivers over a two day period. The training for officers focuses on coaching processes and how to track the recruits progression through the probation period using the performance management system. During the discussion Mr. Corscadden pointed out the importance of the Supervision Level I Course as part of the recruitment process. Mr. Corscadden and Staff Sgt. King responded to questions noting the significance of documentation during this process which involves maintaining a record of any concerns raised and following up with the recruit, as well as reviewing their progress. The presentation concluded with Chief Reid informing everyone that approximately 85% of the Force s recruits are hired through the Atlantic Police Academy who begin with a ten week on the job training program during which time they are assigned to a Coach Officer. On motion of Commissioner O Brien RESOLVED that the presentation regarding Risk Management Recruitment Process, be received and filed. (O1112-02)
Page 3 5. Confirmation of Minutes 6. Business Arising from the Previous Minutes 7. Consideration of Reports 7.1 Internal Monthly Report Chief Reid reported that during the month of November there was one complaint, seven complimentary correspondences and no grievances. On motion of Commissioner Court Seconded by Commissioner Christie RESOLVED that the Internal Monthly Report for the period October 27 - November 30, 2011, be received and filed. (O1112-03) 7.2 Confirmation of Resolutions from November 28 th - Closed Special Meeting On motion of Commissioner Emerson RESOLVED that the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners acknowledge and confirm the following resolutions adopted at the November 28, 2011 Closed Special Meeting. (O1112-04) a) RESOLVED that the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners approve the proposal of Sagem Sécurité Canada/Morpho Trak for the supply of a LiveScan Station Desktop and associated technology at a cost not to exceed $59,430.00. b) RESOLVED that the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners approve the award of the tender for the supply of two (2) 2012 Fusion SE Fords to Downey Ford Sales Ltd., of Saint John at a total cost (excl. HST) of $47,076.00. 7.3 SJPF Risk Management Processes Referring to his submitted report, Chief Reid commented with respect to the risk management processes for the Saint John Police Force. Commissioner Franklin expressed the opinion that the report contained a considerable amount of valuable information, which could be incorporated into the Board s Guidelines. A brief discussion ensued with Chief Reid responding to questions, and stating that further presentations will be given on the risk management processes in the coming months.
Page 4 RESOLVED that the report regarding SJPF Risk Management Processes, be received and filed. (O1112-05) 7.4 Development of Autism Registry Chief Reid introduced Staff Sgt. Tanya LeBlanc and 4 th Year Nursing Students Gabby Smith and Amanda Myers and acknowledged Inspector Glen McCloskey who is also involved in the development and implementation of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Law Enforcement Harm Reduction Registry for the Saint John Community. Staff Sgt. LeBlanc addressed the Board advising that the Saint John Police Force and the University of New Brunswick Saint John, Department of Nursing & Health Sciences, have partnered to develop an Autism Registry which will be implemented at a later date in the Saint John Police Force. Staff Sgt. LeBlanc explained that individuals with ASD are seven times more likely to have encounters with police and many times there is no criminality involved. She noted there are various triggers for those people with ASD which can result in the individual behaving in an inappropriate manner because they perceive this trigger as a threat, for example a police officer s uniform or the police vehicle with lights and siren. Development of the Autism Registry will take approximately two years and involve a technology acquisition and implementation phase in addition to education and training for police officers. Staff Sgt. LeBlanc explained further that Ms. Smith and Ms. Myers, in collaboration with the Police Force, will participate in the implementation of the registry program with all work completed becoming the property of the Saint John Police Force. Staff Sgt. LeBlanc was very pleased to inform everyone that a grant in the amount of $25,000 was obtained from Autism Speaks Canada for the development and implementation of an ASD Law Enforcement Harm Reduction Registry for the City of Saint John, including both the educational and technological components. Concluding her presentation Staff Sgt. LeBlanc referenced the draft copy of a brochure in the meeting packet which has been developed by Ms. Smith and Ms. Myers regarding the formation of a regional autism registry. This brochure will be distributed publicly to schools, hospitals, doctor s offices, the Department of Social Development, etc., and will be launched into a facebook page. A link will also be created on the City s website. Chairman Waldschutz extended thanks, on behalf of the Board, to Inspector Glen McCloskey, Staff Sgt. Leblanc, Ms. Smith and Ms. Myers for their work on this project. RESOLVED that the submitted report regarding the development and implementation of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Law Enforcement Harm Reduction Registry for the Greater Saint John Community, be received and filed. (O1112-06)
Page 5 7.5 Update on Board s Retreat Chairman Waldschutz thanked Commissioner O Brien for organizing and hosting the retreat at her office, and Commissioner Emerson for arranging to have Peter McGill facilitate the session. Commissioner O Brien commented briefly advising that a private meeting was held for the Board to discuss how to create a contemporary and comprehensive policy process for the Board as there is no policy manual at the present time. She noted that the Board worked on customizing a policy document which had been offered by the Department of Public Safety. Commissioner O Brien reported that action plans were developed, and with the assistance of Mr. McGill who is experienced in this regard, strides were certainly made in moving the process forward. It was also pointed out that the group is embarking on developing a strategic plan for the Police Commission. 8. Communications 8.1 Letter from Common Council Consideration was given to a letter from the Assistant Common Clerk, Jonathan Taylor, advising that the following resolution was adopted by Common Council on November 7, 2011. RESOLVED that the submitted report from the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners entitled August 2011 Financial Results be received for information. 9. Next Meeting Tuesday, January 10, 2012-5:30 p.m. 8 th Floor Boardroom - City Hall 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Chair Secretary