HomeMy WebLinkAboutn - July 20, 2019 COW special SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING July 20, 2019
The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 9:00 a.m.
in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None.
Presentation by Hillard Heintze, LLC on reports of the Independent Professional
Standards Investigation regarding an Administrative Review of the Encounter with Decynthia Clements and Critical Incident Policies Review
Shirley Colvin, Senior Investigator, Carl Dobrich, Senior Analyst, and Debra Kirby, Chief Legal
Officer, for Hillard Heintze LLC, presented the report of the administrative review and critical
incident polices review. Shirley Colvin, provided information regarding the investigation process including the materials that were reviewed. Carl Dobrich provided an overview of the
findings that were included in the administrative review report. Debra Kirby provided
information on the critical incident policies review and the specific standard operation procedure
(SOP) recommendations. Recommendations for changes to the standard operating procedure
(SOP) were in the areas of: use of force, command and control, and engaging with a person with mental health issues.
The City Council asked questions of the presenters and discussed the Hilliard Heintze reports.
Questions and discussion topics included: the body worn camera policy, the state law regarding body worn cameras, and disciplinary processes. Other questions regarding training on the use of
shields, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, and the role of an ambulance when called to the
scene. The recent training and policy changes were discussed including the continued training in
crisis intervention and the creation of the Collaborative Crisis Services Unit (CCSU).
Questions and discussion specific to the event of March 2018 included the type and duration of
the negotiations with Ms. Clements, when body worn cameras were deactivated, and the
assessment of the threat.
The Council held a recess from 11:10 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.
Discussion
Karina Nava, Management Analyst, and Laura Valdez-Wilson, Assistant City Manager, read the questions submitted by residents present at the meeting. Question topics included incident
details, body camera policies and procedures, and disciplinary procedures.
Committee of the Whole - Special
July 20, 2019
Page 2
Public Comment
Danielle Hansen and Tish Calhamer, invited the public to a town hall discussion being hosted by Elgin City of Peace, at the Gail Borden Public Library, the afternoon of July 24, 2019.
Charles Clements stated his concern regarding the reports presented by Hillard Heintze and
what is shown in the body worn camera videos.
Alton Jones stated his concerns regarding the findings presented by Hillard Heintze.
Earl Silbar stated his concerns regarding the findings presented by Hillard Heintze.
Jose Bosque stated his concerns regarding Lieutenant Jensen’s training and the Police departments’ body worn camera policy.
Statement by Police Chief Lalley
Police Chief Lalley read a statement regarding the incident, its impact on the community and
how we can all move forward.
Adjournment
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell,
Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis August 14, 2019
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved