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Police Commission hears camera report, orders follow-up; mediation program shows fast case resolution
Summary
At the same meeting the Police Commission heard the Citrus evaluation of the city's camera program and also received administrative updates: OCC mediation had a 92% participation rate and faster closure times, the OCC director proposed eliminating three vacant positions to meet budget cuts, and preliminary Part I crime statistics showed a modest overall decline.
The Police Commission meeting included multiple administrative reports alongside the camera program presentation.
Director Hicks reported on the Office of Citizen Complaints (OCC) mediation program: of 197 eligible officers, only 15 refused mediation, yielding a 92% participation rate; cases resolved via mediation closed more quickly (median 67 days) than other cases (median 162 days). Hicks recommended eliminating three vacant OCC positions to contribute to required budget reductions; she estimated salary savings that would meet the 12.5% target and help toward a further contingency reduction.
Chief Fong presented preliminary Part I crime figures for 2008: the city's Part I crimes showed a modest overall decrease (about 2.5%), though categories varied. Robberies and larceny showed increases while auto burglaries and motor vehicle theft declined; the chief said a fuller, final zone-strategy report with more breakdowns would be scheduled for a later February meeting.
Commissioners discussed scheduling and transparency: they asked that the chief provide full tallies in advance of the next meeting so commissioners and the public can review data before the hearing. The commission also set agenda planning for budget and discipline items in February.
Procedural motions: the commission approved holding a closed session (executive session) in which certain disciplinary and personnel matters were discussed, reconvened in open session and voted to withhold disclosure of closed-session discussions. The meeting adjourned in memory of Patrol Special Officer Robert Hart Sr.
