WMPC August 28, 2008
West Memphis Police Commission
August 28, 2008
Attending: Council members -Ramona Taylor*, Clarence Davis*, Marco McClendon*,
James Pulliaum,
WMPD -Andrew Clarksenior; Billy Sanders, David Pike (Reserve Officer)
Evening Times -Trip Cook
In the absence of Chairman Coleman, Marco McClendon was elected to chair the
meeting.
The minutes of the July meeting were accepted as presented.
Old Business:
Cameras in narcotics cars -Sanders reported that the WMPD does not plan to install the
cameras due to advice from the DEA and concern about safety for the officers and
informants. He reported that the cities they contacted do not use in narcotics cars.
McClendon asked if narcotics officers moved to street crimes. Sanders reported that
currently the WMPD is not doing street crimes.
McClendon asked if narcotics officers would go to the department and pick up a car with
a camera if they did street crimes. Sanders responded that they would as there are
additional cars with cameras available but officers may address a crime even though they
are not in a car with cameras.
Pulliaum reminded that a motion would need to be made to withdraw the plan to place
cameras in narcotics cars but to place in other patrol cars. Davis motioned with Taylor
seconding. Three yes votes.
McClendon stated that he is receiving lots of complaints of officer misconduct. Sanders
responded that complaints are part of the role of police and that each complaint is
investigated by Internal Affairs.
Davis asked if the cameras improved the investigative process. Sanders responded yes.
Taylor asked if body mikes were being worn by all officers. Sanders will check.
Taylor asked about the community meeting that Councilor Robinson had requested prior
to school starting. Sanders will work with Ms. Robinson.
New Business -Sanders presented a request to compensate reserve officers $75/shift as
contract labor under Part-time 2 which covers less than 20 hours per week. He calculates
that overtime is $213/shift which would save the department $138.04. Davis asked if
there were any State regulations regarding the reserve officers. Sanders responded that
the WMPD was already meeting these regulations. Pulliaum spoke in favor of the
reserve officers and compensation. David Pike also spoke in favor as a way to recruit
more reserve officers. Motion by Taylor and second by Davis to implement $75/shift
compensation for reserve officers. Three yes votes. Sanders will work with the City
Attorney and Finance Officer before bringing to full Council.
Sanders asked about submitting an ordinance banning toy guns. Taylor stated that any
ordinance to that effect would need to be reviewed by the independent attorney
representing the Council in the Farrow lawsuit.
Sanders requested that the City commit to paying one half of a salary for an additional
crossing guard for the WM High School. There was a question as to whether the WM
School district was paying for the Scholl Resource Officers. Sanders responded that the
school is paying 75% with the City paying 25% of their salaries. Taylor recommended
postponing and considering through the fall budgeting process.
Sanders requested to waive competitive bidding and accept the GSA contract (state
approved as the best and lowest) for the purchase of a forensic video analysis equipment
for approximately $29,000 which is provided by a federal grant. Motion by Davis,
second by Taylor with 3 yes votes.
Sanders reported on a $192,000 equipment grant that the WMPD is expecting.
Clarksenior reported that one officer has been hired; there were no dismissals, no
suspensions, no promotions, and one resignation. There were 5 misconduct complaints
and all were found to be without merit.
Currently there are 6 vacancies with testing scheduled within the next 2 weeks. One
officer is attending ALETA.
Ramona Taylor, Secretary
* denotes Commission member