CC Minutes - 06/22/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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was a systems issue, but it also reflected the normal dynamic tension between line operations and central service functions that were more regulatory in nature. In response to a question from Mr. Pap6, Chief Lehner pointed out that action item #9 addressed a partnership with Human Resource to develop a new hiring and screening process, as did # 13 to expand and enhance the background investigation program. City Manager Taylor added that the action plan also required that all processes and functions be formalized. Mr. Pap6 remarked that reports indicated the community did not trust the Internal Affairs process and it was possible the same distrust existed within the organization. Chief Lehner said a new structure for the Office of Professional Standards that would include new and additional supervisory and investigative staff was being examined. He said the ultimate nature of structural changes was dependent on the outcome of the Police Commission's work and recommendations. Mayor Piercy called for a second round of questions and comments. Mr. Kelly requested a formal response from the Police Chief and City Manager on programs to encourage police officer residency in the community and improve neighborhoods through a housing subsidy for officers who choose to live in the City. City Manager Taylor replied that there was a program through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development that provided housing incentives for police officers and teachers. Mr. Kelly expressed an interest in finding funding for such a program during the next fiscal year. He said an issue that continued to weave through the community was that of profiling and targeting of minorities, the homeless and youth. He asked how the department would approach that challenge. Chief Lehner replied that some of the work the Police Commission was doing related directly to that issue through monitoring and oversight. He said that the subject of law enforcement profiling activities would continue to be the subject of national discussion and debate for a long time. He said that an initiative to improve the department's cultural competence was a mid- to long-term action item. Ms. Bettman agreed with Mr. Kelly's remarks regarding a housing incentive program. She said that other communities had developed programs to subsidize housing for officers to encourage them to live in neighborhoods, particularly troubled neighborhoods. She noted that the resources allocated by the Budget Committee, both bridge and ongoing funding, were specifically targeted to certain areas and asked for clarification that the group reviewing allocation of resources would adhere to that direction. Chief Lehner acknowledged that the special project funds were limited to three affected neighborhoods and would not be allocated elsewhere in the community. Ms. Bettman asked if there had been a change in the hiring decision-making authority as a consequence of the ICMA-PERF recommendations. Chief Lehner replied that it was a systems issue and while the formal written policy that placed the responsibility with the City Manager had not changed, in terms of practice there had been a change. Mr. Pap6 commented that there might be a perception inside the department that in the past investigations and discipline were handled somewhat differently for line personnel than for management in the organiza- tion. He said that things needed to be fairly investigated across the board and discipline consistently MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 22, 2005 Page 7 Work Session