WMPC January 31, 2008
West Memphis Police Commission
Minutes
January 31, 2008
Attending: Rev. Herman Coleman *, Clarence Davis*, Ramona Taylor*, Marco
McClendon*, James Pulliam, James Holt, Helen Harris, Chief Paudert, Asst. Chief Allen,
George Blair, Billy Sanders, Eddie West, Andrew Clarksenior (WMPD), David Pike,Trip
Cook (Evening Times),
The meeting was called to order by Ramona Taylor. Taylor nominated Coleman for
chair. Seconded by Davis. Unanimous vote. Coleman nominated Taylor for secretary.
Seconded by Davis. Unanimous vote.
Minutes from the November were presented for approval. Motion by Davis, seconded by
Taylor. Unanimous vote to approve.
The Chief provided details on the funeral arrangements for School Resource Rodney
Riley on Saturday, November 2 at 2 PM. Council will sit together. Wake will be Friday
night from 6 until 8 PM.
The Chief also informed the Commission that the Department has lost 17 officers since
June. Many had long service with the Department with the total service approximately
100 years. WMPD is having difficulty maintaining the required services, currently
providing a basic police department. Two more officers will be leaving in April.
Some national concerns for recruitment were that the risk is not worth the salary of
$30,000 but lose everything if a suit is brought. This past year more officers were killed
in the line of duty than in previous history.
Another concern is the residency requirement of living in Crittenden County. Southaven
allows officers to live within a 2 hour driving distance.
The cost to train a new officer is $10,784. The Chief mentioned the Jonesboro has
implemented a pay incentive program tied to physical fitness as a retention tool. The
fitness proficiency must be maintained to keep the raise. Southaven allows officers to
drive their cars home as an incentive.
The Chief reported that the crime rate was down 8% in 2007 and states his goal is to re-
instate the Street Crimes Unit which was disbanded due to staff shortage. In response to
a question, the Chief stated that the Department does actively recruit from the military
services.
In response to a question David Pike reported for the Auxiliary Police that were also
having difficulty recruiting that he attributed to the residency requirement but the did
provide 1,788 hours of service in 2007.
Clarksenior report for Internal Affairs for December and January:
2 officers and 2 dispatchers have been hired; no dismissals; two suspension; no
promotions; 7 resignations.
Officer Presley is scheduled to graduate from ALETA in March. There are 7
officer positions available and testing will by the second of February.
i+
The WMPD received 6 misconduct complaints, each was investigated and none
were found to have merit.
The Chair reminded that the next meeting will be Thursday, February 28 at noon.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
* Commission Members