Date: 4/9/2009
Title: City Hall, 165 Church Street, Second Floor, Meeting Room #1
Description: CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 9, 2009
CITY HALL
165 CHURCH STREET
SECOND FLOOR, MEETING ROOM #1

The meeting was called to order by Barbara Carroll at 6:01 p.m.

A. Roll Call/Attendance: 11 Present,4 Absent and 1 Vacancy

B. Opening Remarks

Reginald Thomas, CRB Coordinator, was called back on a part-time basis (19 hours/week); however, he had another commitment, and was unable to attend the meeting.

C. Approval of Agenda

Motion to accept agenda made by Cathy Gootkin, seconded by Reverend Johnson; unanimous approval.

D. Coordinator's Report Review

No Coordinator's Report due to IA computer issues.


E. Internal Affairs (IA) Remarks

Captain Peterson read statistical report from IA's hard copy. From March 1st - April 7th, there were 14 new cases. 5 were "I" cases. Working on three major "I" cases:

1. Firefighter that was handcuffed at an incident
2. Willoughby case in court and on the news
3. Mayo case, in court

May lose sergeants because of loss of benefits in contract negotiations.

F. Open Floor

Barbara Carroll reported on reading of cases at NHPD. Several issues were mentioned to Captain Peterson after reading:

1. Arrest report missing from some files. Captain Peterson said this would/should be mandatory as part of the file.
2. Log needs to be more specific with phone call attempts - has been instituted.
3. Resolution and/or close out letter to complainant to be part of the file going forward.


G. Subcommittee Reports

None


H. Unfinished Business

Roderick Williams, Assistant Corporation Counsel, distributed Disclosure Forms. City Board and Commission members must complete an Annual Disclosure Form as required by City Charter, Chapter 12 5/8 of the New Haven Code of Ordinances.

I. New Business

Mary Blair announced she will be staying on as a Mayoral Appointee but stepping down as Secretary. After discussion regarding Bylaws, nominations for Secretary will be at the May meeting with election at the June meeting. Corporation Counsel thought a Secretary could be appointed pro-tem, but members objected.


Bob Spirito and Barbara Carroll had case reports that were Sent to Chief.

Frank Cochran reported that he read cases and had suggestions. He questioned why some of the cases were not investigated that were labeled non-pursued.

Captain Peterson keeps records for four years, although is required to keep them for only three years.


Present: Mary E. Blair, Barbara Carroll, Catherine Gootkin, Frank Cochran, Wayne Hobbs, Reverend Walter Johnson, Jr., Sarah McIver, Maureen O'Sullivan, Robert Spirito, Ann Tramontana, Juanita Wright

Absent: William Bixby, Evelise Ribeiro, Kathleen Smith-Bogan, Shirley Wayne-Washington

Vacancy: Board of Aldermen

Staff: Roderick Williams, Assistant Corporation Counsel

Guests: Captain Joann Peterson, OIC, Internal Affairs


Motion to adjourn made by Ann Tramontana; seconded by Frank Cochran; approved unanimously.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Civilian Review Board is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2009, at New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, Second Floor Meeting Room #2, at 6:00 p.m..


Prepared by Wayne Hobbs and submitted by Barbara Carroll.