Chairman – Commissioner Vale nominated William Dodaro for the position of Chairman. Commissioner Hejl seconded the nomination. Commissioner Dodaro called for any other nominations, but no further nominations were received. All commissioners then cast a unanimous vote for William Dodaro as Chairman of the St. John Police Commission for the Year 2004.
Vice Chairman – Commissioner Long nominated Ronald Vale for the position of Vice Chairman. Commissioner Hejl seconded the nomination. No further nominations were received. All commissioners then cast a unanimous vote for Ronald Vale as Vice Chairman of the St. John Police Commission for the Year 2004.
Secretary – Commissioner Vale nominated Rose Hejl for the position of Secretary. Commissioner Long seconded the nomination. Commissioner Dodaro called for any other nominations, but no further nominations were received. All commissioners then cast a unanimous vote for Rose Hejl as Secretary of the St. John Police Commission for the Year 2004.
Regarding “Community,” Commissioner Long questioned if there is anything that the Police Department does to bring awareness to the Police Department, such as an Open House for the children (similar to the Fire Department’s Open House). Some discussion ensued. Chief Guzik advised that the Police Department does participate with Fire Department in the Annual Open House. Commissioner Long stated he has attended the Fire Department’s Open House, but felt that the Police side never stood out. Some discussion ensued. Commissioner Long stated he would like to see this activity continue and possibly, it could be enhanced.
Mr. Joseph Hero, of 11723 S. Oak Ridge Drive, mentioned that recently there have been articles in the paper regarding the Easy Clean Car Wash, in Schererville, Indiana, where apparently unauthorized personnel and/or persons are signing up for car washes under the St. John Police. Mr. Hero advised he brought a couple of these (questionable washes) to the Chief’s attention. Mr. Hero stated he would like to know:
In response, Chief Guzik advised Mr. Hero this is not a police matter; it is a Town Council matter. Redesigning and customizing the sign-in form, which will allow for better record keeping, has rectified the situation. Further, Chief Guzik advised he has met with personnel at the car wash to discuss the problem. Chief Guzik stated he is not aware of any officers doing anything wrong.
Mr. Hero then proceeded to comment as to how he perceives the matter. Mr. Hero stated it is his opinion this is not a Town Council matter but a Police matter because it apparently involves somebody stealing under the name of the St. John Police Department. Chief Guzik stated if that is the case, then the theft occurred in Schererville, and it would have to be reported by the business to the Schererville Police Department, which is not part of St. John’s jurisdiction. Commissioner Dodaro advised Mr. Hero that other police department’s officers obtain car washes from Easy Clean, and sometimes the car wash personnel inadvertently hands the wrong Town’s bill for the officers to sign. The officers then sign on the wrong bill without realizing the mistake. Further, being the car wash is providing these car washes at $1.00 per wash, not a lot of attention is being paid to it. Regarding the four (4) car washes in question, Commissioner Dodaro stated the attention was being brought to the deception as to what vehicle was being washed. Whether this is a police matter, Commissioner Dodaro stated the Police Department has tightened up the accounting and billing procedures, and this should not happen again. Mr. Hero continued to comment as to what his view is. Some discussion ensued. Chief Guzik finally stated he felt Mr. Hero was making a mountain out of a molehill, and he believes that the problem has been corrected. Mr. Hero stated he did not accept Chief Guzik’s answer.
Mr. Hero then mentioned another issue that has hit the papers regarding a computer problem that has resulted in a lot of financial loss to the Town. Mr. Hero asked:
Commissioner Dodaro stated that if it is under investigation, then nothing could be commented on. Secondly, Commissioner Dodaro stated he was not aware of the Police Department’s computers being intruded but rather it was the Town’s computers that had a problem. Again, if it is under investigation, then no comment can be made. Some discussion then ensued regarding whether the situation is actually being investigated, which Commissioner Dodaro stated the FBI is involved. Mr. Hero then advised Commissioner Dodaro of what he thought they (the Commission) should do, and that would be to get the State Police involved. Mr. Hero stated all he was asking was for the Commission to look into the matter. Commissioner Dodaro reiterated that the matter is under investigation and no comments can be made. Chief Guzik stated he did not report this situation to the FBI nor was the matter reported to the St. John Police Department, and he did not wish to speculate on this matter.
Mr. Hero then questioned as to what the St. John Police Department’s policy is regarding take home cars and personal use. Chief Guzik advised that there is a policy on this matter and if he would like to come to the station, he could pick up a copy of it. Mr. Hero then asked Chief Guzik to generally tell him what the policy is. Chief Guzik refused to comment due to believing that Mr. Hero would continue to question him on each and every aspect of the policy. Chief Guzik again advised Mr. Hero to come to the station and obtain a copy of the policy. Mr. Hero then requested the Police Commission to review the Police Department’s policy on this matter, then examine IRS Publication 535, and make a determination if 1099’s need to be issued to any of the St. John Police officers. Commissioner Dodaro advised Mr. Hero that he appreciated his comments on this matter and if he wanted a copy of the policy, then he should stop by the Police Department and pick one up. Mr. Hero went on to remind the Commissioners of the oaths that they have taken, and they should follow the law. Commissioner Long advised Mr. Hero he did not think the Commission needed to be instructed on how to act and stated he was offended by Mr. Hero’s statement. Mr. Hero continued commenting on his request.
Mr. Hero then questioned if there will by any psychological testing or drug testing of the applicants for police officer. Commissioner Dodaro gave Mr. Hero a synopsis of the events to transpire; that being:
Some discussion ensued regarding drug testing.
Commissioner Vale extended a warm welcome to the three (3) new Commissioners.
Commissioner Dodaro then suggested the Commission obtain a plaque for former Police Commissioner Jerri Teibel recognizing her tenure on the Police Commission. Commissioner Hejl made a motion to authorize the purchase of a plaque for former Police Commissioner Jerri Teibel. With a second by Commissioner Vale, the motion carried unanimously.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Dodaro suspended the meeting at this time for the purpose of plaque presentations. Chief J. Guzik presented a plaque to Corporal Dale Poston honoring his K-9 partner Falko who retired after 10 years of service on January 23, 2004. Chief J. Guzik then presented plaques to William Haas, Jerome Binkowski and Jerri Teibel, and thanked them for the time and service they gave to the Police Commission as Police Commissioners. Commissioner Dodaro, on behalf of the new Commission, thanked the past police commissioners for their efforts as well.
Commissioner Dodaro read correspondence from Chief J. Guzik to Officer Jay Dahlin. Said letter commended Officer Dahlin on a job well done reference criminal mischief in the Schillton Hills Subdivision.
Commissioner Dodaro read correspondence to Chief J. Guzik from Clerk-Treasurer S. Sury, reference Promotional Fund Line Item #399. Said correspondence advised that at the recommendation of the State Board of Accounts, the Promotional Fund Line Item #399 had been removed from the departmental budgets a few years ago. Further, the correspondence advised that Line Item #290 might be utilized for the intended purchase of the appreciation plaques for the Police Commissioners.
Commissioner Dodaro read a memorandum from Clerk-Treasurer S. Sury advising that the funds received from the auction of the five (5) police vehicles could not be returned directly to the Police Department as those vehicles were purchased through Town funds.
Commissioner Dodaro advised that the Commission was in receipt of Chief Guzik’s 2003 Yearly Report, which he felt was very well done. Chief Guzik commended his secretary, Joan Kolodziej, for the work that she did putting this report together. Commissioner Hejl made a motion to accept the Chief’s 2003 Yearly Report as presented. With a second by Commissioner Vale, the motion carried unanimously.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Dodaro welcomed newly appointed Police Commissioner Donald Farris to the St. John Police Commission. The St. John Town Council at their regular meeting held on February 26, 2004 appointed Commissioner Farris to the Police Commission.
In conclusion, Mr. Hero stated he feels an investigation should be conducted over the last three (3) years of gasoline usage, and a determination should be made as to what happened to the unaccounted for gasoline that is under the control of the Police Department during that period. He stated he felt this needs to be done because:
Mr. Hero asked the Police Commission to make an investigation into this matter. Further, if the Commission makes a determination that something has been stolen, the Commission should then involve the Indiana State Police or the FBI, if they have jurisdiction. Additionally, Mr. Hero asked that the Commission not waste anytime getting started on this request. Mr. Hero then thanked the Commission for their patience and their time.
Town Councilman Charles Pearson requested permission to present the Commission with a copy of correspondence received from Chief Joseph Guzik regarding the estimated cost for adding four (4) additional Reserve Officers. Commissioner Dodaro advised Councilman Pearson he could step forward and accepted the correspondence. Commissioner Dodaro then read the correspondence from Chief Joseph Guzik to Town Manager S. Kil dated February 2, 2004. Chief Guzik stated in his memorandum that the initial cost to add four (4) Reserve Officers is $5,583.24, with an additional annual expense of $2,400.00. Commissioner Dodaro stated it is the Commission’s desire to increase the Reserve Officer force to assist the full-time sworn personnel. At Attorney Austgen’s advice, Commissioner Farris made a motion to amend tonight’s agenda by adding the matter of increasing the Reserve Officer force by four (4). With a second by Commissioner Vale, the motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Hejl then made a motion to approve the hiring of four (4) additional Reserve Officers at an initial cost of $5,583.24 and an additional annual expense of $2,400.00, which will increase the Reserve Force from 8 officers to 12 officers. With a second by Commissioner Farris, the motion carried unanimously. Officer Brett Sidenbender, of the St. John Police Department, suggested the Commission may want to investigate the Town’s Ordinance regarding Reserve Officers as he believed it had a cap currently in place stating a maximum of 10 reserve officers may be on at one time. Commissioner Dodaro stated he believed the ordinance has been amended. Councilman Pearson advised the Town Council has already approved the hiring of four (4) additional reserve officers.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
At this point in the meeting, Commissioner Hejl made a motion to amend the agenda for the purpose of adding “Communications / Correspondence.” With a second by Commissioner Vale, the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Dodaro stated he would like to say that Chief Guzik has served 10+ years with the Police Department, and he is going to be missed. Commissioner Dodaro stated, on behalf of the entire Police Commission, the Commission wishes Mr. Guzik well in his future endeavors and all the best of luck in the world.
Commissioner Dodaro stated the Commission would be calling a Special Meeting to discuss how it desires to proceed with finding a replacement for Chief Guzik. Commissioner Hejl made a motion to name Captain Bernard J. Johnsen as the officer in charge of the Police Department until a replacement for the Chief of Police can be found. With a second by Commissioner Vale, the motion carried unanimously.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
At this point in the meeting and at the advice of Attorney David Austgen, Commissioner Vale made a motion to amend the agenda wherein the reference to the meeting being a work study session of the St. John Town Council be removed. With a second by Commissioner Long, the motion carried unanimously.
The Police Commission meeting tonight is being held to clarify the circumstances regarding the resignation of former Police Chief, Joseph Guzik, and to clear up any misunderstandings reported regarding this matter.
The Police Commission members, all public servants, are responsible for ensuring the general safety and service of St. John and its residents.
The Police Commission held an executive session on Friday, March 19, 2004 at 5:30 p.m., as advertised and posted. There was an unintentional omission on the notice because a box was not checked that should have been. All discussions that occurred in the Executive Session, however, were proper according to the Indiana Open Door Law and specifically, Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.1.
At the Executive Session on Friday, March 19, 2004, the Police Commission offered Mr. Guzik the opportunity to resign his position as Chief of Police. Mr. Guzik was provided information as to why it would be in the best interest of all parties that he tender his resignation. From the information discussed, the police commission felt that a change in leadership within the department was necessary. Mr. Guzik was then presented with a letter of resignation. Upon his receipt of the letter and after full discussion, Mr. Guzik signed the letter of resignation and presented it to the Police Commission. Then, the Police Commission issued a directive to Mr. Guzik that acknowledged the receipt of resignation, and requested all Police Department property be returned and further stated a press release would be issued.
The following is a quote from that directive:
“The Police Commission will issue a public press statement reporting that the Chief of Police has resigned to pursue other interests, that the Police Commission wishes him luck in his future endeavors, and that after his ten (10) plus years of dedication and service, he will be missed. Further, please be advised that you can make any statement to the Press that you deem appropriate, including resigning to pursue other interests. In the event that your Press statement does not conform to the above or deviates into topics that have not been discussed, the Police Commission will respond appropriately and accordingly.”
We are making this statement tonight as Mr. Guzik has chosen to ignore information brought to his attention prior to his resignation. This was only a part of what was presented to him in specific detail at last Friday’s meeting.
When the presentation was completed, Mr. Guzik voluntarily signed the resignation letter. He was further assured at his request that details of additional information that led to his resignation would not be released.
We would like to further state, that the comments made by the Police Commission were in accordance with the understanding with Mr. Guzik to protect his public image.
The Police Commission will adhere to the original agreement with Mr. Guzik, provided he conducts himself as a professional in any other actions regarding this matter.
The Commission will appropriately respond to any additional inaccurate statements should that be necessary.
This matter is now closed, and we will move forward to finding a qualified candidate for the position of Chief of Police. This will allow us to provide the best possible service to the residents of St. John.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Farris read a letter regarding a “Job Well Done” addressed to Sergeant Michael Fryzel from Assistant Chief Bernard Johnsen dated April 5, 2004. Said letter was reference Case Number 2004-0001285 and commended Sergeant Fryzel for responding to a call of an 18-year old male MS patient who was not breathing. Sergeant Fryzel was not on duty when the call came in, yet he responded. Due to his quick response and through his efforts, Sergeant Fryzel was able to help the patient begin breathing and was able to sustain the patient’s life until the St. John Fire Department arrived and were able to take over. Commissioner Farris stated a copy of this letter has been placed in Sergeant Fryzel’s file, and he commented, “Good job, Mike!”
The St. John Police Department has Options #1 and #4 available to the officers, and Corporal T. Gardenhire, being an EVOC Instructor, is the only officer of the St. John Police Department who is certified to perform the PIT Maneuver, which involves contact between two (2) vehicles, causing the violator to spin out. Corporal Gardenhire states in his memorandum that he believes the acquisition of the chase stingers would provide the officers with another tool to put an end to a possibly deadly high-speed pursuit. The 15’ Trooper Spike System costs approximately $450.00 per system, and it was suggested that a set be purchased for each squad car. Some discussion ensued. Commissioner Farris made a motion to approve the purchase of the 15’ Trooper Spike System for each full-time patrol officer’s squad car. With a second by Commissioner Vale, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. James Curran, of 8780 Patterson Street, advised that the problem of overweight trucks traveling on Patterson Street is still continuing. Mr. Curran stated that Patterson Street has been ruined by this truck traffic. Construction has started up again, and the truck traffic on Patterson Street has greatly increased again. The trucks are carrying heavy equipment and heavy loads of sand and stone. The most frequent times of this truck traffic is between 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Mr. Curran stated he had brought this matter to the ex-Police Chief’s attention prior to his departure, but he never saw any efforts made by the St. John Police Department to curtail these ordinance violations. Much discussion ensued, inclusive of discussion regarding the fines for overweight truck violations. Commissioner Dodaro suggested installing signs on Patterson Street that include the fines for violations. More discussion ensued, including discussion on who to cite (driver and/or company) and the fee schedule. It was determined that the ordinance governing this matter needs to be reviewed and possibly amended. Assistant Chief Johnsen advised he would make the patrol officers aware of this problem and they will make a conscientious effort to curtail these ordinance violations.
Assistant Chief Johnsen commented that he feels the Reserve Program the St. John Police Department has is a good program. However, there is a problem with the current program; that being it is taking almost nine (9) months to get new reserves trained and out on their own. Due to this being a volunteer program wherein there is no compensation, it makes it even more difficult to get the reserves through the program in a timely manner. Assistant Chief Johnsen advised he is going to send out letters to the eight (8) current reserve officers and inform them that the Reserve Program is not a social club. Instead, it is a privilege to a member of the Reserve Program and if their schedules do not allow for participation on a regular basis, then they need to turn in their equipment and resign.
Further, Assistant Chief Johnsen stated he feels the FTO Program for the Reserves needs to be tweaked. Assistant Chief Johnsen then explained the changes in training that he feels are necessary, and he stated he felt it would be the training should concentrate on the following four (4) main areas:
Assistant Chief Johnsen stated he spoke with the FTOs, and they are in favor in modifying the training program for the reserves in an effort to shorten the process and basically, to work on just “the meat and potatoes” of the job. Some discussion ensued.
Assistant Chief Johnsen commented on another area that he feels needs attention regarding the reserves; that being: firearms training. Basically, if the reserve officer does not come to firearms training, then they are out. He stated the liability issue here is too great and if the reserve cannot qualify, then “the juice is not worth the squeeze.” More discussion ensued.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Dodaro read a letter to Corporal David Demeter from the St. John the Evangelist Health Ministry. Said letter, dated April 2004, expressed thanks for the St. John Police Department’s support of their Health Fair. Corporal Richard Conaway and Officer James Turturillo attended the Health Fair and were found to be friendly, helpful and able to provide excellent information.
Commissioner Long inquired as to whether there is any follow-up done after these citations are written, such as a letter to the business owner advising that their driver has received the citation and why the driver was cited. Assistant Chief Johnsen advised there was not but that was due to the fact that the employer of every driver, who had been cited, called the station. Assistant Chief Johnsen sated he spoke to the employers personally about the citations. Further, each employer who called wanted a break on the citation because they did not tell their driver to come through St. John. Some discussion ensued. Commissioner Long stated he felt a letter should be sent to each business owner regarding the ordinance violation by their employee. Assistant Chief Johnsen stated that was a pretty good idea and that could be done. More discussion ensued regarding overweight vehicles and state laws regulating the same. Commissioner Dodaro asked Assistant Chief Johnsen to research state laws reference weight restrictions on trucks and the enforcement of the same on local roads. More discussion ensued. Assistant Chief Johnsen advised the Commission that part-time Dispatcher Cliff Wroe wrote a program in Access to track all citations written regarding these overweight vehicle violations. The program makes it very easy to see exactly which companies have drivers who are violating the Town’s ordinance, and how many times the company’s different drivers have received citations.
Mr. James Curran, of 8780 Patterson Street, advised that he has seen a reduction in the truck traffic going down Patterson Street since the officers have been enforcing overweight vehicle violations. However, he has now noticed garbage haulers from different communities now using Patterson to travel south.
Town Liaison Pearson inquired as to whether a reserve officer had been recently let go. Assistant Chief Johnsen stated that he did terminate the position of one of the reserve officers, but he was going to decline naming the individual at this time. Assistant Chief Johnsen stated that the reserves in training were not coming out for their shifts, so he developed a new requirement that the reserves had to come out a minimum of three (3) shifts a month. At the beginning of each month, the reserves would have to schedule their three (3) days. He stated he understood exigent circumstances and would take that in consideration but if the reserve is in the area, he expected them to put their time in. However, this particular individual stated he could not do this at this time. In order not to waste this reserve’s training, Assistant Chief Johnsen advised this individual to return his department issued equipment and if sometime in the future his schedule allows, then he could re-enter the Reserve Program with a refresher course, and he would go back to where he left off. At this time though, the individual can no longer be involved with the Reserve Program due to his inability to meet the minimum shift requirement. As of this date, the reserve has not turned in his equipment, but Assistant Chief Johnsen stated he has advised the reserve of the laws regarding conversion and exercising control of somebody’s property without authorization. Some discussion ensued.
At this time and reference the Glock trade-ins, Assistant Chief Johnsen stated there was a lot of paperwork involved, phone calls, mailings, etc., that had to be done. Assistant Chief Johnsen advised Corporal Demeter did all that work, which made it real easy for him (Johnsen) to get the firearms exchange completed. Corporal Demeter organized everything and did a very good job.
Commissioner Dodaro queried as to how many members of the Police Department were in need of new vests. Corporal Demeter advised that out of the 15 full-time members, three (3) had vests that were under the 5-year limit. Those officers are Officer J. Turturillo, Officer B. Sidenbender, and Officer J. Dahlin. All the other officers, with the exception of Officer S. Flores who was just hired, have vests that were purchased in 1997, which puts them well past the manufacturer’s warranty. Corporal Demeter then explained issues regarding the limit placed on vests by manufacturers. Some discussion ensued, inclusive of discussion of officers’ preferences in vest manufacturers, types and threat level. The Commission asked Corporal Demeter to compile a list of officers who wish to participate in obtaining new vests and include the companies that those officers have a preference for. Councilman Pearson suggested standardizing the issued vests, and then obtaining bids from the different companies for a multiple purchase. An officer would then have the issued vest to wear but if he did not like it, he could then purchase a vest of his choice. Corporal Demeter responded that he felt a vest is a very personal piece of equipment. More discussion ensued. Commissioner Long suggested getting quotes from the different vendors and then establish a standard issued vest. Should an officer prefer a vest that costs more than the standard issued vest, they would then have the opportunity to purchase the vest of their choice, and they would be responsible for paying the difference in cost. Commissioner Long stated he wanted to look at standardizing the vests, getting a price for a bulk purchase, and then make a good business decision regarding this matter.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Chief Frego advised the Commission the Police Department obtained a second ATV as of Friday, July 9, 2004. The department now has two (2) ATV units. The second ATV will be painted and marked to match the first ATV. One of the ATVs will be at the St. John the Evangelist Festival (July 15-18, 2004). When the second unit is ready, the Department will begin patrolling the parks and on the side streets with the ATVs for the remainder of the summer. The ATV patrols will be between the hours of 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. In response to Commissioner Farris’ question, Chief Frego advised the officers would be receiving a 40-hour training course through the Schererville Police Department, which has certified trainers. A policy will be written on this matter and then presented to the Commission for approval and adoption.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Chief Frego stated he was in Plainfield, Indiana, approximately a month ago for the initial interview and test regarding his certification. Chief Frego stated he is going back to Plainfield on October 12, 2004 for more tests and to qualify on the range. There is one more session to attend in Plainfield and hopefully, by the end of October 2004, the certification process will be complete. Commissioner Dodaro advised this matter would be placed back on the agenda for the November meeting.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Chief Frego advised that the Police Department conducted a roadblock on Friday, October 22, 2004 from 10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. The location of this roadblock was southbound Wicker Avenue with the check area being located in the K-Mart parking lot. The officers had three (3) DUI arrests made, six (6) suspended drivers, one (1) never licensed driver and six (6) miscellaneous tickets. Approximately 640 cars were checked during this roadblock.
Chief Frego also advised that the Police Department, in conjunction with the State Motor Carrier Division, conducted an overweight truck enforcement detail in the vicinity of northbound U.S. 41, with the check area being located in the Alsip Home & Nursery parking lot. Corporal D. Poston and Officer S. Rudzinski assisted with this detail. Three or four trucks were found to be overweight, and there were a couple of unsafe equipment violators located. The Police Department will continue to conduct overweight truck enforcement on a regular basis. Currently, the State Police is the only law enforcement agency that can issue citations to overweight trucks on U.S. 41. The St. John Police Department can cite overweight trucks only on Town streets. Some discussion ensued. Commissioner Dodaro stated he felt the Police Department did an excellent job on these details.
Town Councilman Chuck Pearson asked Chief Frego if research could be conducted to find assistance, possibly a grant, which would enable the hiring of additional officers so that the Town could have more officers out on patrol. Councilman Pearson advised he observed one of his neighbors almost get whacked on Patterson by a car that ran a stop sign. Councilman Pearson stated he felt that the Town really needs more officers on the street. Mr. James Curran, who resides at 8780 Patterson, advised that starting at approximately 10:30 P.M., there is a lot of semi truck traffic running down Patterson Street, and it continues all night long. Some discussion ensued.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Chief Frego advised the Justice Department is sponsoring a “Safe School Program” in Indianapolis, Indiana, on January 20-21, 2005. Chief Frego advised he would be attending this program, along with Mr. Rocky Killion, from the Lake Central School Corporation. This program is being provided free of charge by the Justice Department.
Chief Frego advised he applied for a grant through Wal-Mart regarding the “Shop With A Cop” Program. Chief Frego advised he received $750.00 through the grant, and they have identified approximately 10 children from St. John who will benefit from these monies. Chief Frego stated a letter was sent out to all department employees in hopes of receiving additional monies for this program. The officers will be shopping with the children on Saturday, December 18, 2004. Commissioner Vale commended Chief Frego for his efforts regarding this program.
Chief Frego advised he would be reading to children at Kolling Elementary School on Friday, December 17, 2004.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary