Item B: Police Commission Annual Report and Work Plan

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II. Accomplishments A. Improving Communication and Understanding of Police Practices and Resource Issues One of the most important Police Commission functions is to provide a forum for discussion on a range of policing issues in a public meeting setting. This year’s meeting schedule provided numerous opportunities for community involvement in the commission’s work. In addition to the eleven regular monthly police commission meetings, the commission sponsored over a dozen committees or task group meetings. One new activity this year was participation in a Police Operations Academy, a nine-week training based on the Citizen’s Police Academy curriculum taught by the department. Several informational work sessions were also conducted throughout the year, which broadened opportunities for public participation and understanding of other policing issues. For example, in February 2008, the Police Commission and the Human Rights Commission held a joint meeting to discuss relevant issues affecting both bodies, and welcomed input from the public on possible joint ventures. One of the major ongoing projects the Police Commission engaged in from the FY08 Work Plan was the Long-Range Staffing Plan. From February through June, the commission reviewed the Magellan Comprehensive Staffing Report and held discussions with EPD division managers regarding staffing concerns and complications relevant to this report. As a result of this research, the commission decided to take further steps and engage the public in an open discussion on resolutions. This is incorporated into the proposed FY09 Work Plan. Other work sessions and information items included the Public Safety Coordinating Council’s Report Card on the criminal justice system, a progress update on the Police Auditor’s work, a vehicle/pedestrian safety report, the FY09 Police Department budget proposal, a tour of the Lane County Jail, and an overview of the department’s Volunteers in Policing program. In addition, a review of the policy development process of the Police Operations Manual (POM) was conducted by EPD staff to help bring the new members up to speed, and help reinforce the commission on the protocol for revising policies. In December 2007, the City of Eugene sponsored a Boards and Commissions Training for all new City Council appointees to learn about volunteers’ roles, responsibilities and procedures. This was extremely helpful as this training hadn’t been offered in several years. Internal Affairs case summaries, which help illustrate the types of complaints received and their resolution, were provided on a regular basis. The dissemination of this information began on a quarterly basis, however with the assistance of a new data management system the Internal Affairs Office was able to develop a monthly reporting system. The commission also continued to receive department strategic plan quarterly reports. These reports helped the commission stay abreast on department projects outside the purview of the Police Commission and provide an opportunity for the community to receive more information and comment on Police Department operations. The quarterly reports were included in the meeting packets as supplemental material to allow adequate meeting time for other agenda items. Page 3 of 7 2008 Police Commission Annual Report