Item A - Police Commission Mtg. - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

could elevate risk in a dynamic, mutual aid incident if officers cannot readily distinguish their colleagues from other professionals at the scene. Further, non-sworn uniformed personnel might be at heightened risk of injury if they are mistaken for law enforcement officers by a hostile suspect, but are unable to fully defend themselves. In reviewing these concerns and potential solutions, the task group discovered that several other cities have ordinances in place that prohibit other entities from wearing uniforms that closely resemble those worn by the police. Based on these examples, the task group drafted an ordinance for comment by potentially impacted entities (private security agencies, armored car services and UO campus security). In general, representatives participating in the forum voiced concern about potential financial impacts to their organizations and uneasiness about the vagueness of the proposed ordinance. The task group's proposal and public comments received were presented to the Police Commission at the June meeting. The commission directed the task group to move forward with the concept, but to refine the proposed ordinance to clarify what constitutes a violation of the uniform standards and who has the authority to make that determination. A discussion of the use of "tasers" as a less lethal force option was also included in the FY04 work plan. "Tasers" are becoming more common in police departments across the country as they offer an alternative to force options that require close range contact and often result in some level of suspect injury. However, the department was still in the preliminary stages of technology review and had not yet decided how to proceed. This project was carried over into next year's work plan and will involve analysis of a pilot project involving "tasers" and policy development for their use. The Police Commission continues to review and comment on the department's budget priorities by reviewing both the Multi-Year Financial Plan and the budget proposal to the City Manager. In looking at these documents, members help ensure that the community's expectations for police services, particularly in relation to community policing initiatives, are reflected in the plans. Where possible, the commission uses liaisons to maintain involvement in other activities to promote citizen involvement in decisions that may impact public safety resources priorities and policing practices. Two members continued their work with the Racial Profiling Data Collection Task Force, while another served on the Public Safety Coordinating Council Committee studying solutions to reduce the rate of people who fail to appear in court. Lastly, a member of the Police Commission participated in the Mayor's Civic Facilities Visioning Committee. c. Poficy Issues and Community Values Several police policies were identified for inclusion in the Police Commission's FY04 work plan: 1) completion of the SWAT policy review; 2) assisting the department with developing a policy for its newly acquired drug detection dog; and 3) creating a new policy for the use of mobile video cameras in patrol vehicles. · SWAT Policy Review The SWAT policy review committee was convened in the Spring of 2003 to address the following key issues, most of which were attributable to questions and concerns raised by members of the Whiteaker community. In most cases, the discussion of the key issues led to recommended changes to department policy and procedures. The Commission did not, however, conduct a review or critique of any specific incident. Key issues identified were: 2004 Annual Report Page 6 of 10