CC Min 1998-01-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

. . . . . .. that the Council had used to determine how much additional police staffing was needed. We were looking at statistical averages in order to help figure out how many patrol - officers we needed and how many traffic officers we needed. When I made the statement to the press that I thought that was a reasonable approach, which I still do, although it needs to be monitored to see if it was successful, I was speaking about one thing, and the reporter was speaking about another. When it comes to the broad new performance standards, I do have concerns about them. I am most concerned about performance standards dealing with arrests, but it is a complex issue. We need performance standards in every part of our organization, including the Police. It is not a simple issue. When a private corporation produces a product, performance standards are an easier thing because you are dealing with a product. Here when it deals with matters such as arrest, we are dealing with matters of personal ITeedom. We are dealing with much larger issues. I wanted to clarify that I do have concerns about these performance standards, especially those dealing with arrests. I want to make sure that they are not too simplistic, that if they are to be in effect, that kind of a policy is sophisticated and flexible. I have not made up my mind on the issue for the same reasons as Council Member Claire states, that this is something we need to look into carefully and evaluate it. . ." Council Member Hartnett said, "I supported the motion, but when I heard Vice Mayor Ruskin express concerns and what his goal is in terms of what kind of performance standards ought to be, he was describing the performance standards that are in place. That is, they are sophisticated and they are flexible. I do think that as we further discusses this at a later Council Meeting, we will find that we are not absolutely on the cutting edge, and we would be in the midst of police industry standards. We will find that there is no - question the standards as created in Redwood City do not, on paper or in their application, constitute a quota. We will find that as they have been created and implemented, and we will have a positive payoff for the community. It is fair for the Council to consider the matter in the ITamework of the motion that Council Member Claire has initiated, but I would not want anyone to think that in deciding to discuss it that the Council is expressing disapproval of the policies. I am not sure if every Council Member has had an opportunity to fully review them and understand them, which is why I think it is also beneficial for us to take the time at another Council Meeting to have a period of time in between when Council Members can obtain the information that would be helpful in that evaluation. In light of the public controversy, I haven't waited. I have consulted with other jurisdictions, as Council Member Claire has, and there is no doubt in my mind that we are headed in a positive direction, not a negative direction. Speaking on one of the issues and that is traffic enforcement and traffic citation, as Mayor, traffic enforcement was the biggest complaint that I received in the two years that I was Mayor ending in the third week in November. The Police Staffing Study recommended there be an additional traffic officer in recognition of the need for further traffic enforcement. That officer is not going to be immediately on board. There was further discussion and a suggestion by one Council Member that an additional traffic officer be authorized as well. That is a recognition of the public's concern on traffic enforcement, and it is rightfully a concern of the Police Department and the Council. I think it will be a good opportunity on Feburary 2 to discuss the issue, and I support the motion." - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 JANUARY 5,1998 MINUTES Page No. 147 PAGE 10