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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 7, 2020 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020 A. Roll Call by City Clerk An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, January 7, 2020, commencing at 7:05 a.m. Present: Council Member Mounce, Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne Absent: Council Member Chandler, and Council Member Johnson Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and Assistant City Clerk Farris NOTE: Council Member Mounce participated in the meeting via teleconference. B. Topic(s) B-1 Receive Presentation Regarding 21st Century Policing and Investigations by Police Department (PD) Police Chief Tod Patterson provided an overview of the upcoming presentation and introduced the presenters. Corporal Mitchell LeStrange provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding advancing 21st Century policing. Specific topics of discussion included a community message and addressed the six pillars of Building Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Community Policing and Crime Reduction, Training and Education, and Officer Wellness and Safety. In response to Mayor Kuehne, Corporal LeStrange stated all officers have a duty to intercede in the case of excessive force. Chief Patterson further stated that officers receive weekly training through the use of different scenarios and that the training is tracked and monitored. In response to Mayor Kuehne, Chief Patterson stated he was not aware of any incidents of excessive force but will look into it. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, Corporal LeStrange stated that officers receive eight to ten hours of training each year on dealing with people with mental health issues. City Attorney Magdich further stated that POST training also includes this now. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, Chief Patterson stated that the anti-gang program is provided to four or five schools each year. Lieutenant Shad Canestrino provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Lodi Police Department's Investigations Division. Specific topics of discussion included Code Enforcement; guns; drugs; gangs; homicides; officer-involved shootings; Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit, Child Protective Services, and U/T (non-immigrant) visas; sex, arson, narcotic, and gang registration; training and equipment; community outreach; and 2020 and beyond. In response to Mayor Kuehne, Lt. Canestrino stated that following the homicide on Louie Avenue in 2018, two arrests were made immediately, a third arrest was made two weeks later, a fourth arrest was made recently, and they are looking for a fifth suspect. In response to Mayor Kuehne, Lt. Canestrino stated that the Lodi Police Department does not usually get involved in human trafficking issues; those are usually handled by the Department of 1 Justice or another federal entity. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, Lt. Canestrino confirmed there are three units: General Investigations Unit (four officers), Special Investigations Unit (six officers) and Code Enforcement (two officers). Council Member Mounce stated that the Code Enforcement Unit needs more personnel; two full- time employees is not enough to keep up with the number of cases throughout the City. In response to Myrna Wetzel, member of the public, Lt. Canestrino stated that cold cases go back to the 1980's but it is difficult to account for all cases due to the changes in electronic systems over the years and some files still being on paper. Ms. Wetzel clarified that she was interested in the case of an elderly woman being killed in her home on Locust Street, which Lt. Canestrino confirmed is among the cold cases. Chief Patterson announced that one full-time officer came through the citizen academy, and he further thanked Council for Measure L. Mayor Kuehne echoed Council Member Mounce's sentiments on beefing up the Code Enforcement Division. C. Comments by Public on Non-Agenda Items None. D. Adjournment No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 a.m. ATTEST: Pamela M. Farris Assistant City Clerk 2 PRESENTED BY LT. SHAD CANESTRINO Lodi PD Investigations Division The mission of the Lodi Police Department is to ensure the safety and security of our community by reducing crime, creating strong partnerships, and investing in our employees to prepare for the future. Code Enforcement In 2019, Code Enforcement handled about 800 cases. 648 cases were closed in 2019 and 205 are currently open. Code Enforcement is responsible for enforcing Lodi City Codes, Licensing and Quality of life issues. Guns In 2018 Investigations recovered 51 crime- related guns. In 2019 Investigations recovered 63 crime- related guns. On average, the department recovers 150-200 guns annually. Drugs In 2018 Investigations seized 63 ounces of meth/heroin, 260 pounds of concentrated cannabis and 6,200 pounds of marijuana. In 2019 Investigations seized almost 200 ounces of meth/heroin, 30 ounces of concentrated cannabis and about 50 pounds of marijuana. Gangs In 2018 Investigations made 21 gang-related arrests. In 2019 there were 13 gang-related arrests made by Investigations. Homicides In April of 2019, we arrested Santana Rodriguez, the second suspect, in a 2018 double homicide in the 200 block of S. Cherokee Lane. In December of 2019, we arrested an 18 year old male who was the fourth suspect in a 2018 homicide on Louie Avenue.ARRESTED Homicides Lodi PD Detectives have made four arrests in connection with the shooting death of Dr. Thomas Shock that occurred on August 1st, 2018. In July of 2019 the first of the four suspects went to trial. The getaway driver, Raymond Jacquett, was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. The remaining three suspects should go to trial in 2020 and will likely receive substantially more prison time. CONVICTED Homicides 2018 / 2019 In 2018 the City of Lodi had 9 homicides. Of those 9 homicides, arrests have been made in 7 and prosecution has occurred or is imminent. For the remaining 2 homicides, possible suspects have been identified, but at this time there is insufficient probable cause to make an arrest. In 2019 the City of Lodi had 3 homicides. Arrests have been made in 2 of those cases and prosecution is occurring. In the remaining case a suspect has been identified but there is insufficient probable cause to make an arrest at this time. Officer Involved Shootings Suspect Marco Aquino fired at an LPD officer on November 5th of 2019. CASA, CPS, APS and U/T Visas Investigations includes the Child Abuse and Sexual assault unit. In 2019 there were over 70 child abuse and sexual assault cases investigated. Investigations handles all CPS and APS reports. In 2019 there were about 400 initial CPS and APS reports that were reviewed. About 15% of those require some type of follow-up. In 2019 there were 20 requests for U/T visa certification. Those requests are processed by Investigations. Sex, Arson, Narcotic and Gang Registration Some people, as a result of their criminal offenses, have to “register” as an offender. Investigations processes all of these registrations and also coordinates the follow-up with these registrants. In 2019, the city had approximately 90 sex offenders, and 12 arson offenders. Training and Equipment January (Mon-Tues) 1/15 (Thurs-Fri) 1/23 CLETS Sexual Assault Investigations Review Child Protective Services NIBRS Pursuit Policy Review Family Law/Child Custody Order training Equipment Check *(Taser 7 training/Issuing new tasers) February (Mon-Tues) 2/12 (Thurs-Fri) 2/19 Defensive Tactics/Arrest Control Training BWC Policy Review March (Mon-Tues) 3/11 (Thurs-Fri) 3/18 MFF training Scenarios April (Mon-Tues) 4/8 (Thurs-Fri) 4/15 Range May (Mon-Tues) 5/6 (Thurs-Fri) 5/13 County Memorial EVOC (1st session/14 max) June (Mon-Tues) 6/3 (Thurs-Fri) 6/10 Principled Policing July (Mon-Tues) 7/1 (Thurs-Fri) 7/8 RIPA Act Reporting Project Life Saver ASD Training DUI Investigations August (Mon-Tues) 7/29 (Thurs-Fri) 8/5 Health & Wellness Day September (Mon-Tues) 8/26 (Thurs-Fri) 9/2 EVOC (2nd session) EVOC (3rd session/start @1400) October (Mon-Tues) 9/23 (Thurs-Fri) 9/30 Range November (Mon-Tues) 10/21 (Thurs-Fri) 10/28 Defensive Tactics/Arrest Control training December (Mon-Tues) 11/18 (Thurs-Fri) 11/25 Mock Interviews The majority of training for the entire department is coordinated and proctored by the Investigations Division. We also maintain training records. The majority of all department issued equipment is procured, distributed and tracked by the Investigations Division. Community Outreach Community Outreach Most Community Outreach for the department is organized by the Investigations Division. Some requests are planned months in advance and many are more spontaneous. In 2019, Investigations participated in over a dozen “Coffee with a Cop” events throughout the City. In addition we annually participate in National Night Out, Lodi Hero Fun Run, as well as providing gang and drug related training for the community. 2020 and beyond…. 2020 looks to be a good year for the Investigations Division as we anticipate filling most, if not all, of our vacant positions for the first time in almost a decade. We have several operations planned including at least 4 massage parlor/prostitution stings, 1 child sexual predator sting, at least 1 street prostitution sting, and several package theft sting operations. Cold Cases, at the direction of the San Joaquin County Grand Jury, we have partnered with the SJDA’s office to establish a “cold case” policy and form a cold case task force. We have already identified 14 “cold case” homicides of which, one of which had been cleared already. Questions? Lt. Shad Canestrino scanestrino@lodi.gov 209 333-5519 We would also like to thank the Lodi City Council and the City Manager’s office for their continued support, including backing Measure L, as it pertains to giving the police department the resources we need to be successful. LODI POLICE DEPARTMENT: POLICING IN THE 21ST CENTURY “IT’S A MARATHON NOT A SPRINT” -CHIEF PATTERSON THE PRESIDENT’S TASK FORCE ON 21ST CENTURY POLICING MAY 2015: •COMMUNITY MEMBERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, ACADEMICS, CIVIL LEADERS, ADVOCATES,RESEARCHERS AND OTHERS. •CREATED TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY POLICING AND TRUST AMONG LAW ENFORCEMET OFFICERS AND THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE. •90 DAYS TO IDENTIFY BEST POLICING PRACTICES AND OFFER RECOMENDATIONS ON HOW THOSE PRACTICES CAN PROMOTE EFFECTIVE CRIME REDUCTION WHILE BUILDING PUBLIC TRUST. •RECOMMENDATIONS WERE ORGANIZED INTO SIX “PILLARS”. #1 BUILDING TRUST AND LEGITIMACY #2 POLICY AND OVERSIGHT #3 TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA #4 COMMUNITY POLICING AND CRIME REDUCTION #5 TRAINING AND EDUCATION #6 OFFICER WELLNESS AND SAFETY BUILDING TRUST AND LEGITIMACY The Lodi Police Department engages in community policing every day to build relationships, connect with the community, and increase transparency. The Lodi Police Department works in conjunction with its residents, citizen volunteers, and the business community to reduce crime. When it comes to public safety, trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is key to the stability of our community, the integrity of our department, and the safe and effective delivery of policing services. PROCEDURAL JUSTICE The Lodi Police Department made procedural justice an important component of its training and curriculum. Lodi Police officers are learning how the process can lead to an improved perception of safety, stronger public confidence in the police, and an active more engaged community. Trainings include how to mitigate explicit and implicit biases to increase awareness and ensure respectful encounters with the community. CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY Lodi Police officers participate in many activities which allow them to connect with the community: Coffee With a Cop, Meet the Beat, Open House and National Night Out. These activities allow officers to thank community members for their active participation in crime prevention efforts. They also provide an opportunity for non-enforcement activities with the public. These events serve as another platform for dialogue to take place as questions arise from the community about crime, police policies, and tactics. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY The Lodi Police Department has established a culture of transparency and accountability to build public trust and legitimacy. The department uses interactive websites (Facebook and Twitter) to regularly post about arrests, reported crime and other law enforcement activity. In 2019, the Lodi Police Department released body-worn camera video from an officer involved shooting. Each year, the Lodi Police Department presents an Annual Report which highlights the department’s events, activities and operations. It also provides information regarding statistics, crime trends, staffing, and budget for the police department. POLICY AND OVERSIGHT The Lodi Police Department’s Policy Manual is guided by Lexipol, which is based on constitutional law and a “best practice” philosophy. Lexipol is the industry standard and is currently used by the majority of California Law Enforcement agencies. The Lodi Police Department’s policy manual is subject to frequent updates based upon changes in State or Federal laws and/or best practices. The Lodi Police Department strives to adopt Lexipol policies that provide a solid foundation for safety and effectiveness for our officers while reflecting the community values. The Lodi Police Department Policy Manual acts as a compass to guide the department as we move forward in our journey of collaborative problem solving with community members to create a better, safer City of Lodi. LPD POLICY MANUALCONSTITUTIONAL LAW STATE LAW BEST PRACTICES DISCRETIONARY AGENCY AUTHORED LEARNING WHAT THE COMMUNITY VALUES Through the Lodi Police Department’s many community events, and non-enforcement interactions, LPD has leaned what our community values, and what they want to see accomplished by their police department. These values include trust, transparency, fairness, and the sanctity of life. These values are reflected in the department’s policies, procedures, and new vision statement A.C.E: Advance, Connect and Evolve. USE OF FORCE POLICY The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern, by both the public and the law enforcement community. The Lodi Police Department recognizes and respects the value of human life and dignity without prejudice to anyone. Lodi Police officers use the use of force simulator and other methods to participate in rigorous trainings for the use of lethal and non-lethal force, shoot and don’t shoot scenarios, and de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques. All use of force incidents by a member of this department are documented. An annual report on use of force incidents is submitted to Chief Patterson to identify use of force trends, training needs, equipment needs and policy revision recommendations. TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY THROUGH COMMUNICATION The Lodi Police Department values the trust and support we've earned from our community. We strive to maintain that positive relationship by connecting with the community to encourage communication and transparency. Through constant analysis and review, we are dedicated to ensuring that our policies and procedures are as transparent as possible. In order to achieve the department’s mission statement and vision, we believe it is imperative to listen to the community and turn those valuable conversations into meaningful action. TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA The Lodi Police Department uses technology and social media to Advance our department, Connect with the community, and Evolve with policing, or A.C.E. Technology is everything from body-worn cameras to unmanned aircraft, to social media and everything in between. We use technology and social media to improve our policing practices and build community trust and legitimacy. We strive to implement the use of technology and social media without infringing on individual rights. UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) In 2018, The Lodi Police Department deployed its first Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The UAS is utilized to enhance the department’s mission of protecting lives and property when other means and resources are either not available or deemed less effective. Standard UAS operations will be done in accordance with constitutional and privacy rights. LPD currently has seven licensed officer pilots and two unmanned aerial systems. BODY WORN CAMERAS (BWC) In 2016, the Lodi Police Department equipped all sworn police personnel with Body-Worn Cameras (BWC). This decision came after months of research, tests, and evaluations by our advisory group. The BWC is used to improve evidence collection, strengthen officer accountability, and to enhance agency transparency. A video recording of an event or contact also enables the delivery of timely, relevant and appropriate training to maximize safety for LPD personnel and improve the delivery of police services to the community. Studies have shown the use of a BWC by an officer reduces both officer use of force and complaints by citizens. When officers and citizens are aware that their behavior is being monitored by BWC, they are more likely to behave. The increased self-awareness leads to an increased number of positive police-citizen interactions. LODI POLICE AND SOCIAL MEDIA The Lodi Police Department finds immense value in social media. The department uses Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram to connect with the community. Social media gives us a forum to provide community members with accurate, relevant, and timely information about the department, as well as create a platform for communication about events between the police and the community. To affirm trust and legitimacy, we use social media to dispel rumors and correct false information made by the public or mainstream media. We enjoy using social media to showcase the outstanding work the men and women of the Lodi Police Department do on a daily basis. Social media allows us to post pictures and stories that humanize our officers, which creates a level of respect and makes our community safer for everyone. COMMUNITY POLICING AND CRIME REDUCTION The public safety philosophy and the vision of the Lodi Police Department is deeply rooted in community policing. Community policing is the core principle that lies at the foundation of our department. Community policing requires the active building of positive relationships with members of the community for the purposes of problem solving, reducing crime, and to effectively address other public safety concerns. Community policing combines a focus of intervention and prevention. Police interventions are implemented with a strong understanding of procedural justice. Our officers are assigned to patrol designated geographic areas on a consistent basis, allowing them to invest in the areas where they work. Police officers are in the community every day, protecting, serving and earning the community’s trust. CITIZEN’S ACADEMY The Lodi Citizen’s Academy is a free community education program offered to help residents increase safety awareness. The program is designed to give the public a working knowledge and understanding of the values, goals, and operations of the Lodi Police Department. The objective of the Academy is to improve the lines of communication and help build a positive relationship between the Lodi Police Department and the community members we serve. The Lodi Police Department believes that by working together with the public, we are better able to solve problems that face our community and ultimately improve the quality of life in the City of Lodi. MENTORING THE YOUTH The Lodi Police Department connects with the youth in our community. Our School Resource Officers (SROs) teach a 13-week Gang Resistance Education and Training program (G.R.E.A.T) to all local fifth graders. G.R.E.A.T is an innovative and collaborative program to prevent and reduce youth involvement in gangs. The program also addresses the issue of distrust between the youth population and the police by working to create better lines of communication with the community and the schools. TRANSIENT INTERVENTION The City of Lodi has seen a spike in the homeless population. In 2017, the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) position was created to help and to facilitate access to services for those who are homeless or transient and want to improve their living conditions. The CLO focuses on problematic areas and looks at various solutions to help in those areas. The CLO meets with organizations, businesses, and citizens in the community to develop solutions to a wide variety of transient related problems. To accommodate the high volume of transient related calls for service, the Transient Outreach Team (TOT) was created. This team consists of uniformed officers who focus on problem persons or areas using targeted enforcement and other resources. TRAINING AND EDUCATION As the scope of law enforcement roles and responsibilities continues to expand, the need for more training throughout an officer's career is critical. Today’s officers must be prepared to meet a wide variety of challenges. The skills and knowledge required to effectively police in the 21st century requires a higher level of education as well as extensive and ongoing training in specific disciplines. Tactical skills are important, but attitude, tolerance, and interpersonal skills are equally so. From cadets, to academy recruits, to experienced officers, everyone within LPD is trained on areas such as community policing, bias awareness, mental health issues, and crisis intervention. The goal of the Lodi Police Department is not only effective, efficient policing, but also procedural justice and fairness. All training outlines are reviewed to ensure that every topic is carefully constructed to conform with the department's overall mission, policies, goals, and values. FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM The Field Training Officer (FTO) Program is intended to provide a standardized program to facilitate an officer’s transition from the police academy to the actual law enforcement duties of the Lodi Police Department. The FTO/Corporal has the critical responsibility of imparting the organizational culture to the newest members of the department. The FTO/Corporal is responsible for providing daily evaluations that reflect the trainee’s performance and develop strategies to mitigate any weaknesses. New officers are encouraged to think with a proactive mindset, enabling the identification of and solution to problems within the community. POLICE CADETS The Lodi Police Department has established a volunteer Police Cadet Program for persons ages 16-24 years old who wish to explore the field of law enforcement. One goal of the Cadet program is to encourage and mentor youth toward becoming an officer with the Lodi Police Department. Cadets learn police procedures, receive related training, and assist officers with their duties. Lodi Police Cadets broaden their understanding and receive firsthand knowledge of the challenges and job skills that make up the Lodi Police Department. REALITY-BASED TRAINING The Lodi Police Department believes in the effectiveness of Reality-Based Training (RBT). RBT is any manner of training that utilizes tools, techniques, or methodologies in a training setting that might occur in “The Real World.” LPD participates in active shooter trainings on the campuses of our local high schools in conjunction with school officials, Lodi Fire, and AMR. These trainings involve live role players including the “shooter(s)” armed with airsoft guns to add stress to the responding officers. By placing officers in stressful training situations, we train our officers to make better decisions and perform skills under stress. Other reality-based trainings conducted at LPD include de-escalation, tactical retreating, and the utilization of any force option from verbal commands, to less-lethal weapons, to firearms. OFFICER WELLNESS AND SAFETY Physical, mental, and emotional injuries plague many law enforcement agencies; the “bulletproof” cop does not exist. The Lodi Police officers who protect us must be protected against physical, emotional, and mental health problems as well as against the hazards of the job. Law enforcement officers walk into risky, stressful situations and encounter tragedy almost every day. The wellness and safety of law enforcement officers are critical to the overall success of public safety in the twenty-first century. In 2018, LPD selected a nine-person committee to develop a program that promotes a culture of health and wellness within the workforce and to elevate empathy toward our community. BEING COMMITTED TO FITNESS A common cause of injury and death for police officers is due to adverse physical health from poor nutrition and a lack of exercise. The facilities at the Lodi Police department have a full kitchen where officers can prepare healthy meals. There is a gym stocked with machines, free weights and cardio equipment. Officers who work a 10-hour shift are given a 1-hour lunch break where they can change out of their uniform and use the PD gym. We believe the success of a health and wellness program requires buy-in from our leaders and that they should model the behavior they encourage. All Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Captains receive a fitness incentive for successfully passing the POST physical fitness test once a year. SAFETY EQUIPMENT Lodi Police patrol officers respond to over 35,000 calls for service a year. Officers were assaulted an average of 22 times a year from 2015-2018. Although our officers receive extensive training on dealing with combative persons, it is also important they are provided with proper protective equipment. In 2019, a policy was approved allowing officers with the option to wear a load-bearing vest which significantly reduces hip and lower-back pain. All patrol officers are assigned a ballistic helmet which provides additional protection during high-intensity situations. OFFICER’S MENTAL HEALTH Law enforcement officers are subject to more stress than the general population due to the nature of their job. Ignored or poorly managed stress can lead to alcohol abuse, depression, and even suicide. For the third straight year, police suicides outnumber line-of-duty deaths. And though depression resulting from traumatic experiences is often the cause, routine work and life stressors are frequent motivators too. Law enforcement officers must receive the tools and resources they need to protect their own health and safety. LPD is in the beginning stages of implementing an officer wellness program to provide officers with support and mental health strategies to reduce stress and trauma. Some strategies include peer support and professional help.