United City of Yorkville Public Safety Committee met Sept. 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Note: This meeting was held in accordance with Public Act 101-0640 and Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation issued by Governor Pritzker pursuant to the powers vested in the Governor under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, The United City of Yorkville is encouraging social distancing by allowing remote attendance for the Public Safety Committee meeting.
In Attendance:
Chairman Seaver Tarulis, in-person
Alderman Joel Frieders, remote
Alderman Daniel Transier, remote
Alderman Jackie Milschewski, remote
Other City Officials in Attendance:
City Administrator Bart Olson, remote Police Chief Jim Jensen, in-person
Others in Attendance: None
The meeting was called to order at 6:01pm by Chairman Seaver Tarulis who called the roll. Frieders-yes, Transier-yes, Milschewski-yes, Tarulis-yes. A quorum was established.
Citizen Comments: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: July 2, 2020
The minutes were approved as presented.
New Business:
1. PS 2020-20 Monthly Report Review for June and July 2020
Chief Jensen recapped the June reports including overtime hours, community involvement, traffic enforcement, number of tickets/warnings issued and crisis intervention calls. He said the June calls were down from June of 2019.
For July, he summarized overtime hours, policing initiatives, police training hours and thanked Tim Evans for his work on the July 4th parade. He noted the traffic speeds on the Cannonball Trail curve were minimal. Chairman Tarulis thanked the Chief for the important community policing initiatives.
2. PS 2020-21 Adjudication Reports for July and August 2020
The hearings have been minimal and Chief Jensen summarized the types of cases. Alderman Frieders inquired about a violation at Lenny's Gas n Wash. It was thought to be a watering violation and Chief Jensen will research and advise the committee.
3. PS 2020-22 Goal Updates
Chief Jensen reviewed and summarized each of the four 2020 goals.
1. Reduction of Crashes
He reported the number of crashes so far in 2020, the projected totals for the year and noted two fatal accidents this year.
2. Part I and II Crimes
The Chief reported the number of crimes in each category and he said the domestic calls increased greatly.
3. Social Media/Public Communication
Facebook stats were reported, officers will be posting more comments and Instagram will be initiated.
4. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
The goal was to have 19 officers certified, however, classes were cut due to the Covid, so the new goal is 17. Policy is being identified with the focus on follow-up services to persons/families involved in involuntary committals, suicide, autism and dementia. It is hoped to have the program ready for 2021.
4. PS 2020-23 Recruitment and Training Plan
Chief Jensen reviewed the current policy of recruitment and retention. He said there are 123 people who have signed up to take the test in September. He said a short survey will be given to them to determine how the applicants heard about the job.
The Chief has recently had conversations regarding the current civil unrest and has asked Keith Cross (African American) from the Aurora Police Department to provide education and info on relationships and attitudes towards law enforcement, etc. Chief Jensen said the public will have access to department policies and the policies will be reviewed yearly to insure they are current. There will be a reporting mechanism to allow tracking of number of stops and other data. He said all incidents involving force are reviewed on 4 levels. He shared information about other training that will occur and an annual report to be done in February.
A Citizens Police Academy will begin in September and a high school police academy is being looked at to possibly recruit future officers. A Website revamp, coordination with the schools and purchase of body cams are all being considered. He said the officers want body cams in the event of complaints and they would like to initially purchase 15.
Alderman Frieders asked how the police department is insuring that all officers understand the importance of and are educated about recent cases in the news regarding racism, mental health, etc. Chief Jensen noted that discussions are held at roll call, meetings and other instances. Mr. Frieders expressed frustration because there is no race diversity on the department.
Alderman Transier discussed de-escalation of certain situations and suggested actually making an arrest on a different day to promote that de-escalation. The offender's information can be obtained and forwarded to the State's Attorney with an arrest to follow. Chief Jensen said the CIT Crisis Intervention Training program and other programs include de-escalation training.
Alderman Milschewski asked what assistance the police department has for officers who may develop mental health issues due to the pressure they face. The Chief said a 2021 goal is to offer various mental health and wellness programs and civilian employees will be included. Ms. Milschewski suggested reaching out to the Kendall County Health Department. Chief Jensen said the department will be paying close attention to the department personnel to determine if assistance might be needed.
5. PS 2020-24 Meeting Schedule for 2021
A motion was made by Ms. Milschewski and seconded by Mr. Transier to approve the meeting schedule as presented and it was approved on a voice vote.
Old Business: None
Additional Business None
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 7:06pm.
https://www.yorkville.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3737
Alerts Sign-up