Item B: Annual Meeting with Police Commission

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commission participated in a full day scenario-based training covering ‘shoot/don’t shoot’ situations. This training was not only an excellent hands-on learning experience, it provided an opportunity for team-building for the new group. While the original work plan was somewhat modest in its design, the two motions passed in January propelled the group into a much moredemanding pace, with three committees meeting routinely in addition to the work underway at the full commission level. New commissioners assumed both a steep learning curve and a time-intensive meeting schedule, while “seasoned” commissioners quickly assisted with the transference of institutional knowledge and responsibility. For example, the commission has established a transitional leadership team in preparation for the completion of CommissionersDenner and Sifuentez’ terms. Joe Alsup was elected as Vice Chair, effective July 1, and Tamara Miller was elected Chair-elect, effective November 1. The commission held a process session and workplanning meeting in June, in large part to trouble-shoot any procedural issues encountered by new membersover the past few months and to transfer workplan ownership to those who would be responsible for its implementation. Two central themes emerged throughout the day. First, a more organized board member training was recommended for all new City Council appointees to provide consistent information about volunteers’ roles, responsibilities and procedures. The second theme revolved around work plan management to meet the obligations delineated in the plan using a thorough, deliberative and inclusive process while retaining some flexibility to address emerging issues. The proposed FY08 work plan recognizes this intent by bringing the projects initiated last year to fruition and limiting new activities to a few high priority items. Even so, the commission’s involvement in police policy development, best practice review, and resource discussions will keep the group very engaged for the foreseeable future. A common thread between the two themes is the strong commitment to maintaining a highly productive and effective policy body with a future-oriented focus that seeks continual improvement and addresses potential obstacles.The Police Commission will be considering new procedures to better engage the public in an informed dialogue on public safety and police policy issues. It is encouraging a city-wide orientation session for the benefit of all new board members and will be seeking other opportunities to establish positive working relationships and facilitate group cohesiveness. Further, there will be a major effort to attract new volunteers who can become quickly emerged in the on-going work and bring forth new ideas to further the group’s efforts. As shown in this Annual Report, thecommission has shown due diligence in meeting its work plan objectives and devising strategies to overcome the challenges encountered along the way. Page 8 of 8 2007 Police Commission Annual Report