WMPC April 24, 2008~-
West Memphis Police Commission
Apri124, 2008
Attending: Councilmembers -Ramona Taylor*, Marco McClendon*, Clarence Davis*,
Rev. Herman Coleman*
WMPD -Andrew Clarksenior
Visitors -Trip Cook (Evening Times)
Chair Herman Coleman called the meeting to order. Minutes from the March 27, 2008
meeting were presented. Corrections were to change the date to reflect the date of the
meeting was 2008 and on page 2 changed from March to April the date that cameras were
to be installed. The minutes were approved as corrected.
McClendon questioned if the cameras have been installed in the narcotics cars.
Clarksenior stated that it will require special racks and camouflage. McClendon pointed
out that was the same response received last month although the cameras were approved
nine months ago. The cameras appear to have stopped the complaints of excessive force
by officers but now Council members are receiving complaints of the same about
narcotics officers. McClendon pointed out that the cameras would resolve these
complaints. Clarksenior will report back in May.
Taylor brought up that she had requested that the city attorney prepare an ordinance
banning pit bull within the city at the request of the Humane Society to present at the
second meeting in May of the Council and to the hold a public hearing to get police and
public comment. There were questions about the need if the vicious dog ordinance was
enforced.
McClendon stated that Channe124 was at this house as he was leaving requesting
comments on the death of a jail inmate who had been Tasered and arrested by the WMPD
last night. Clarksenior stated that the Chief was investigating and he did not have exact
details but would inquire and respond back by phone. McClendon asked about the
Tasering policy. Clarksenior will report back.
Coleman questioned the Chief linking a recent shoplifting incident back to the DeAuntae
Farrow fairly. McClendon questioned how often the WMPD called the media to give
them names of those arrested and their relationships to others? Clarksenior does not
know.
Coleman inquired about a call he received where the WMPD had confiscated a car.
Clarksenior was familiar with the incident and that the seizure was ordered by the
prosecutor as the car had been used in several drug sales which is allowed by law.
McClendon asked about any plans for prevention activities or supportive services for
released felons such as the Second Chance program in Memphis that help them become
productive citizens. Could Narcotics funds be used for this? Clarksenior is unsure.
McClendon asked about cultural sensitivity training for officers in order to prevent
misunderstanding that could escalate. Clarksenior will discuss with the Chief the
possibility of requesting the MPD to conduct.
McClendon expressed appreciation of Clarksenior on the diplomatic approach and
patience that he has with the Commission.
There was a question as to why experienced officers were leaving. Clarksenior believes
that dollars were the primary reason. Memphis provides officers a higher salary and the
opportunity to accumulate significant overtime.
Clarksenior distributed his report from Internal Affairs:
No officers hired; no dismissals; no suspensions; no promotions; one resignation; 7
openings. 13 applicants were tested on 4/1/08 with 7 passing. There were 12 misconduct
complaints; 10 were found to be without merit and 2 are ongoing investigations.
Officers Evans, Peeler, Burch, and Miller reported to ALETA for basic recruit training on
3/29/08 and will graduate in June.
The meeting was adjourned.
Ramona Taylor, Secretary
* denotes Commission member