WMPC February 28, 2008w
West Memphis Police Commission
Minutes
February 28, 2008
Attending: Rev. Herman Coleman *, Clarence Davis*, Ramona Taylor*, Marco
McClendon*, James Pulliam, Chief Paudert, Billy Sanders, Donald Oakes, Andrew
Clarksenior (WMPD), Trip Cook (Evening Times),
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Coleman. The minutes were accepted as
presented.
There was discussion regarding the fitness of officers. The Chief reported on the Health
and Wellness Program organized by Crittenden Regional Hospital and the Delta Area
Health Education Center. There are 33 officers participating to dte.
The Chief raised a concern on the recruitment and retention of officers. The WMPD is
losing 3 more officers to Memphis. There was discussion on changing the residency
requirement for living within the county; could require to live within one hour driving
distance; comment that lower pay was more significant; comments for maintaining the
Crittenden County residency requirement; concern expressed about making a quick
decision without evaluating Southaven's change to requiring a 2 hour diving distance.
There was a question about the feasibility of hiring reserve officiers; response -they
generally are already making more money than the police salary. Clarksenior stated that
his research indicates blending all of the suggestions would have the most impact. Chief
states that it costs approximately $10,000 to train a new officer and that he would like to
see WM become a model of how to recruit and retain officers instead of just following
what other departments do. He stated that his sense of the problems are linked to a lack
of perceived Council support by the Department; Memphis is actively recruiting an
additiona1500 officers; change in sentiment of new recruits -that it is just a job.
Comment was made that it is ok to disagree but can still support the WMPD.There was a
question of how long has recruitment/retention been a problem. Response -the last year
has been the worst. A work session with the full Council was suggested.
Pulliam has requested help from the Department of Human Services to address gang
activity. McClendon stated there would be a public forum on 3/3 at 6 PM to address
Youth/Gang violence and requested that the WMPD be represented.
The Chief explained the testing process for officers. The first test was voided due to
incorrect questions and applicants will be re-tested.
There was a question regarding the status of the firing range. Response -still waiting for
additional funding. Question about borrowing from Utility and paying back over 5 years.
Question -has WM School District paid their one-half of the 3 School Resource
Officers? No answer.
Question of the high courtroom expense to WMPD; suggested to talk with City Attorney
at the next meeting.
Clarksenior report for Internal Affairs for February;
3 officers and 1 dispatcher have been hired; no dismissals; no suspensions; no
promotions; 1 resignations.
Officer Presley is scheduled to graduate from ALETA in March. There are 7
officer positions available and testing will begin soon.
The WMPD received 7 misconduct complaints, each was investigated and none
were found to have merit.
The Chair reminded that the next meeting will be Thursday, March 27 at noon.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
* Commission Members
Ramona Taylor, Secretary