WMPC January 29, 2009West Memphis Police Commission January 29, 2009
Attending: Council members -Herman Coleman`, Ramona Taylor'k, N~Iarco
McClendon*, Willis Mundy; Mayor Bill Johnson; WMPD -Andrew Clarksenior, Eddie
West, Joel Johnson, Bryn Ridge; Evening Times -Trip Cook
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Herman Coleman. The minutes of the
December. meeting were accepted as presented. The January meeting was changed to the
fifth Thursday to accommodate the changes in the Council meeting dates to
accommodate the Arkansas Municipal League meeting.
Ridge presented information on the CAD system to be purchased with Homeland
Security grant funds. The cost is approximately $45,000. He will present to the Council
with a request to waive competitive bidding. This system is compatible with the current
reporting system.
West presented the Mutual Aid Agreement with other law enforcement agencies within a
60 mile radius. Formalization of the agreements is required by Homeland Security. He
also presented a Policy & Procedure for the entry, removal, and validation of information
in the ACIC system. West presented a quote form John Mullins for $8,000 to create
secure evidence storage needed to meet new State requirements.
.Clarksenior reported that 2 officers were hired since the December meeting; there was
one dismissals, no suspensions, 2 promotions to sergeant, and one resignation. There
were 9 misconduct complaints with one confirmed and 8 founded.
Currently there are 9 patrol vacancies; testing was conducted on 1/27/09 with seven
passing and are now undergoing a background investigation. He also reported an
opening for afire/police dispatcher and has received 49 applications. One officer is
attending the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Camden and will graduate in late
March.
Coleman asked if all misconduct complaints are investigated. Clarksenior responded yes.
Coleman also asked the number of officers. Clarksenior responded there are 72 sworn
officers and 10 openings. The question was asked about the racial breakdown of officers.
After calling the WMPD for clarification, it was reported that 17 were minorities.
McClendon requested that the Commission discuss reducing the number of approved
positions from 82 to 72 and deleting one inspector position and reallocate that salary to
provide retention bonuses. There was discussion between the mayor and McClendon as
to whether this would be an administrative or legislative action. The issue will be
discussed further at the next Commission meeting.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Ramona Taylor, Secretary
* denotes Commission member