WMPC March 27, 2008
West Memphis Police Commission
March 27, 2007
Attending: Councilmembers -James Holt, Ramona Taylor*, Marco McClendon*,
Clarence Davis*, James Pulliam
WMPD - Chief Paudert, Billy Sanders, Andrew Clarksenior, Mike Allen
Visitors -Mayor Bill Johnson, David Pike, Laura Smith (Evening Times)
Acting Chair Marco McClendon called the meeting to order. Minutes from the February
21, 208 and March 20, 2008 called meetings were presented. Corrections for the 3/20/08
minutes were made to reflect the Clarence Davis was present and seconded the motion to
accept the Ross Ford bid. Both were approved unanimously. The minutes for the
February 28, 2008 regular meeting were approved as presented.
The Mayor stated that the West Memphis School District was paying 25% of the 3
School Resource Officers hired under a grant even tho the grant has expired. McClendon
sated that he thought the District should pay one-half of the salaries. A motion was made
by Taylor and seconded by Davis to request the District increase their portion of the 3
salaries and fringe to 50%. Motion passed 2 to 1.
Chief Paudert presented information on the Memphis PD offering a $10,000 signing
bonus for new officers. Holt requested that the residency requirement by changed for
officers and that another full Council work session be held. There was discussion about a
local recruitment package that might include a $5,000 signing bonus. The Chief would
prefer to give a retention bonus; he states benefits are good and that the salary is decent.
Allen discussed that officers top out at 5 years and that perhaps incentive raises/incentive
raises after that period of time. Chief is meeting with all officers and feels that we need
to let him complete that process over the next few weeks so that the true problem can be
determined. He expressed concern over losing veteran officers. McClendon encouraged
the active recruitment of local talent and Chief brought up the problem that local officers
sometimes have trouble policing individuals that they grew up with.
The Chief noted there is currently one Communications Supervisor. He requests the
creation of two additional Communications Supervisors for a supervisor for each shift.
The total additional cost will be $30/month. This will be referred to the full Council.
The Chief noted that the Street Crimes Unit has been reinstated with a number of arrests.
Allen requested that the Commission reject the Ross Ford bid and accept the State
Contract bid for 4 Crown Victorias at $21,451 each and 2 Dodge Chargers for $19,435.
The WMPD will evaluate the Chargers for future additional purchases. The total for the
6 vehicles is $124,674 which is $10,000 less than the Ross Ford bid. The original State
Contract bid was thought to not meet secs but it was later determined that it does. Motion
by Taylor to reject Ross Ford and accept State Contract; second by McClendon; ayes
votes; 0 no.
McClendon questioned why the ameras have not been installed in the narcotics cars.
Sanders stated by special racks and camoflague. Hopes to have completed by March
meeting.
Sanders reported the WMPD is trying a new siren on cars called the Rumbler in order to
avoid accidents.
Clarksenior distributed his report from Internal Affairs:
1 Officer hired; no dismissals; no suspensions; no promotions; one resignation; 7
openings. 13 applicants will undergo testing on 4/1/08. There were 10 misconduct
complaints; 8 were found to be without merit and 2 are ongoing investigations.
The meeting was adjourned.
Ramona Taylor, Secretary
* denotes Commission member