PC August 25, 2011Police Commission Meeting -August 25, 2011
Present: Taz Tyrone, James Holt, Lorraine Robinson
Absent: Willis Mondy, Phillip Carter
Others Present: Tracy Catt, Donald Oakes (Police Dept.) and Ralph
Hardin (Evening times)
(~?L~ BUSINESS
Chief Oakes presented a video disproving alleged police brutality to
Mr. Crawford, 821 Holiday, West Memphis, AR, that arresting officers
cuffed Mr. Crawford's wrist too tight as he had a shunt in his arm for
dialysis treatment. Mrs. Doris Doris Crawford and her daughter also
complained that one of the officers was very rude and used profanity.
The video showed that the officers were not rude, they used 'yes sir',
and 'no sir' during the investigation. The video also showed that when
Mr. Crawford complained of pain to his wrist, the ofhcers un-cuffed
him from behind within 30 seconds of his complaint and re-cuffed him
in front. The video showed Mr. Crawford was not mistreated by
arresting officers. (listen to audio minutes for more details) According
to Chief Oakes, this is how 80% or more of these complaints work
out.
Chairman Tyrone suggested that before we refer citizens to the Police
Commission; please refer them to Internal Affairs, City Attorney, or
Police Department. If there is no resolve, then bring them before the
commission to listen to their complaint. (listen to audio minutes for
more details)
NEW BUSINES
POLICE HIRE UPDATE
There is one position still opened, two officers are at the academy,
and three are ready to go to the academy.
SECTRETERIAL POSITION
The Police Department advertised for a secretarial position, as long
time secretary Diana Ramsey (sp) is retiring when Chief Paudert
leaves. There was a real good turnout of highly qualified applicants
for that position.
POLICE CARS
All ten new cars are in service and all ten new cameras are working.
Chief Oakes stated that he hopes to find money to replace new
cameras for the five old cars that are still in service.
FBI INVESTIGATION
Trail is set for November.
Chief Paudert last day is Wednesday, August 31, 2011.
Meeting adjourned at 12:27 p.m.
Taz Tyrone, Chairm
James Hof
Lorraine~Ro. b~rfson, Secreta
Date: ~ " Z Z ` ~