WMPC July 24, 2008West Memphis Police Commission
July 24, 2008
Attending: Councilmembers -Ramona Taylor*, Rev. Herman Coleman*, Marco
McClendon*, James Pulliaum, Mayor Johnson
Guests -Trip Cook
The minutes of the June meeting were accepted as presented.
Taylor reported that the Chief was not at the meeting because he was working a gambling
case and was waiting for representative of the ABC. He also asked that the Commission
be notified that WMPD was down 10 officers and would postpone filling some of the
positions in order to assist with the budget shortfall. In relation to the cameras in the
narcotics cars, the cameras purchased are designed for police cars and not civilian cars as
used by narcotics. He has talked with the DEA in Washington and was discouraged from
using cameras in narcotics cars by their Chief Counsel as this would allow information
for defense attorneys and expose informants. Coleman asked if other departments were
using in narcotics cars.
McClendon asked if body mikes were being used. Taylor responded that the minutes
from the June meeting reflected that Clarksenior was to respond back to that question.
McClendon expressed concerns about not wearing if that is indeed in the policy. He feels
that wearing will reduce complaints. McClendon asked why the Chief can't attend the
meeting to respond to these questions. Taylor restated that the Chief was working the
gambling case today.
Mayor expressed concern that both the cameras and mikes would jeopardize the safety of
officers and informants. McClendon stated that the lack of the Chief's presence reduces
the flow of correct information.
Coleman stated that the discussion of a community meeting regarding the appropriate
response if stopped by a patrolman requested by Ms Robinson in June should be pursued.
Taylor reminded that the focus was on helping youth. Mayor stated that he had talked
with Ms. Robinson and that both he and the Chief would be available for a meeting with
the community.
McClendon expressed concern about the perception of police in his Ward. He is not
against police but is concerned about the chief's manner in public and with the media.
He feels that more sensitivity in his approach would be better. Mayor states that it
sounds to him as if he is against the chief and he will not have the Chief come and listen
to this. McClendon denies being against the Chief. Mayor states that he has told the
Chief not to attend the meetings.
Coleman urges tact by all when expressing their opinions and that we should all
communicate more.
Mayor and Coleman discussed the possibility of notification of landlords prior to drug
busts since the landlord is not always compensated for the costs of repairs.
With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
Ramona Taylor, Secretary
* denotes Commission member