WMPC March 22, 2012 Police Commission Meeting
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Present: Chairman Tyrone, Chairman
Commissioner W. Mondy and James Holt
Comm. Sec. Lorraine Robinson
Absent: Phillip Carter
Others Present: Chief D. Oakes (WMPD)
Ralph Hardin (Times)
Tracy Catt (City Council)
Chief Oakes Report
Roof on police department building is about 80% complete.
No information on truancy.
Chief Oakes reviewed curfew laws in other agencies in
Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee; they are pretty
consistent with West Memphis. Chief Oakes reported that
City Attorney David Peeples is working on a draft to put
more teeth in our current curfew law, and will present it to
the police commission for review. Chief Oakes would like to
have the revised curfew law in place before the end of the
2011-2012 school year. Office Chamberlain will be looking
at the night out list to see if they are interested in
establishing neighborhood watch meetings in their area.
Chairman Tyrone reported that he talked with Supt.
Kessinger about a truancy officer, he stated that Mr.
Kessinger said "the school truancy officer is doing a good
job. (more information on audio minutes)
Neighborhood Watch Program
Chief Oakes is working on tying the neighborhood watch
program in with the city wide cleanup and stop the violence
programs. Chief Oakes is looking at hiring personnel just to
coordinate the neighborhood watch program.
Police Staff
He also reported that one Officer resigned, and three are
attending the academy. The police department is currently
advertising for officers. (More on audio Recording)
Promotion testing has been complete.
Chief Oakes reported that the situation in the Fox Wood Area
is under control. He presented to the Commission reports of
incidents involving of Fox Wood area. Councilor Mondy
stated he had received reports of Police Abuse in the area.
Chief Oakes stated he would look into the allegations, as it
had not been brought to his attention. (More discussion on
audio recording)
Reports of incidents:
1-22 (26 year old shot 3 times) 1-30 (28 year old shot) 2-19
(21 year old shot) 2-19 (26 and 28 year old shot at) 2-20
(19 year old shot also a 20 year old was shot) at the house
where the primary complaints are coming from. Two of her
boys were shot in last month. 3-7 (17 year old shot in the
face by a 15 year old, point blank) 3-11 (20 year old shot)
3-20 (30 year old shot) The house that is involved has had
146 offense reports with those five children (more on audio
recording) Chief Oakes is working hard trying to prevent
gang wars from getting out of hand in West Memphis.
Chairman
T. 'Tyrone
Councilor Willis Mondy (/' 6/./( -.c)/fr ---Th., __/--
Secretary 011A= -- 44
,/ Lorraine Robinson
Date Signed: 7 02 Va
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