Chief Frego stated the combined total of Duty and Grant citations indicates that there were 466 traffic citations issued in the month of December. The year-to-date total of Citations and Warnings (both duty and grant activity) issued is 6,633. Chief Frego stated that there were 219 Infraction Deferral Agreements during the month of December, for a total of 1,767 Agreements for the year. The officers conducted 739 traffic stops in December, for a total of 7,031 traffic stops for the year. Commissioner Dodaro stated that the number of traffic citations was an incredible number, as well as the year total of 7,031 traffic stops was incredible. Commissioner Dodaro stated there must be a lot of speeders on US 41.
Commissioner Long asked Chief Frego if all the Infraction Deferral monies go directly to the Police Department. Chief Frego explained that of the $184.00 Infraction Deferral fee the violator pays, the Police Department receives $112.00. Lake County receives the remaining $72.00. Some discussion ensued.
Chief Frego stated all the new Reserve Officers are now entering Phase III of the Field Training Program. In Phase III, the new Reserve Officers will be riding with supervisors, who will be evaluating them. All the New Reserves Officers are doing really well. Chief Frego stated he is looking forward to getting them up to full speed so that they can augment the full-time officers in the near future.
Commissioner Dodaro asked Chief Frego if he had any plans on requesting replacements for the officers who have left the department. Chief Frego advised yes, but later. Commissioner Dodaro stated they will address this matter when it comes before them.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
The representative from Emerald Towing advised the Commission that Emerald recently purchased a trailer that is basically a flatbed trailer, and it is 53 feet long. The Commission was showed a photo of the trailer.
Chief Frego advised he was in receipt of a request from Tom and Ed’s Auto Body, located in Schererville, requesting to be added to the St. John Police Department’s tow rotation. Chief Frego stated that per Town Ordinance, the maximum number of standard tow firms allowed is three (3), and we currently have three (3) tow firms for standard tows. Therefore, this request will be denied.
All tow firm representatives commented on the fact that they need to know from the dispatcher, at the time of the call, the type of vehicle they will be picking up, and the nature of the tow (if it’s something other than an accident). Mr. Rosinko stated he has been called during the middle of the night, and the dispatcher has no idea as to what kind of car was being towed. Commissioner Dodaro stated this could be remedied by informing the officers on the street to be more descriptive as to the type of vehicle being towed, and the nature of the problem with the vehicle if other than being involved in an accident.
Mr. Kubiak stated he has been hearing the term “personal tow” lately, and he was not sure what that meant. Chief Frego stated it means a vehicle has broken down or ran out of gas, and when the officer arrives on scene, the driver requests a tow firm. Some discussion then ensued as to whether that registered owner has to obtain a tow release from the St. John Police Department if the tow was a “personal tow.” Some discussion ensued. Chief Frego stated if it is an accident, then a tow release is required. However, if the subject ran out of gas, or their vehicle broke down and they requested a specific tow firm be called, then a tow release is not required. Mr. Kubiak was concerned that “personal tows” affected their turn in the tow rotation. Mrs. Gorcos stated when a subject requests a personal tow, then the tow is coded in the Spillman as a “customer request,” which does not affect the tow rotation. More discussion ensued.
The Commission thanked the tow providers for their input and for attending tonight’s meeting.
Commissioner Dodaro advised he was in receipt of correspondence from Town Councilman Ken Gembala advising that he would not be able to attend tonight’s meeting due to his being in attendance at another meeting, along with the Fire Chief, another Town Councilman, and the State District #1 representative. Councilman Gembala stated he wished he could be present at tonight’s meeting, but it was necessary for him to attend the other meeting.
Some discussion ensued at this time regarding the number of tows each tow provider had for the Year. Chief Frego stated he would like to have the number of “grant” tows provided. Commissioner Dodaro agreed and stated for next year’s report, the Commission would like to have the number of tows provided by Stan’s Towing for the grant. Some discussion ensued regarding the Grant and tows. Chief Frego stated this matter should be reviewed and the grant tows should be provided by all tow providers so that the numbers will be more even.
Chief Frego advised that later during the same week, there were some out-of-towners who came into Town and tried presenting fake bank cards for cash at the Chase Bank. These subjects took the Chase Bank in Cedar Lake for $4,800. Our officers were called by Chase Bank when their employee did not go for the fake card, and they responded rapidly and caught three (3) offenders who were charged. The U.S. Secret Service came in and confiscated all the cards. The suspects were responsible for similar thefts locally in Indiana, as well as in Chicago, and in Wisconsin. Chief Frego then explained the scam that the suspects were conducting. The Commission said “kudos to the officers!”
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Chairman – Commissioner Farris nominated William Dodaro for the position of Chairman. Commissioner Hejl seconded the nomination. All commissioners then cast a unanimous vote for William Dodaro as Chairman of the St. John Police Commission for the Year 2012 (4-0).
Vice-Chairman – Commissioner Dodaro nominated Donald Farris for the position of Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Long seconded the nomination. All commissioners then cast a unanimous vote for Donald Farris as Vice-Chairman of the St. John Police Commission for the Year 2012 (4-0).
Secretary – Commissioner Farris nominated Rose Hejl for the position of Secretary. Commissioner Long seconded the nomination. All commissioners then cast a unanimous vote for Rose Hejl as Secretary of the St. John Police Commission for the Year 2012 (4-0).
In response to Commissioner Long’s inquiries, Commissioner Dodaro stated Corporal Turturillo is the next in line to be promoted. Commissioner Dodaro advised the issue is the Police Department has an opening, actually, two (2) positions open, and it is currently lacking supervision. The intent is to start putting officers in place to tighten things up and move forward. Corporal Turturillo is next on the list, and it is his (Commissioner Dodaro’s) recommendation to promote Corporal Turturillo. Commissioner Dodaro continued by stating in the near future, they would then prepare for another Sergeant’s test and let the other officers compete for that. Commissioner Long stated he would like to discuss this further in the Executive Session.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Note: There was a typographical error pointed out by Commissioner Farris regarding the total number of citations being issued during the month of May 2012. The correct number is 261, as indicated above.
Chief Frego advised that the officers just finished working a grant during the month of May, and the total number of traffic stops for May 2012 is 779. Commissioner Dodaro inquired about the number of traffic accidents in comparison to years’ past. Chief Frego stated there has been no significant increase.
Chief Frego advised the three (3) new squad cars are parked behind the station. The installation of equipment for the new squads is being done in-house by Cliff Wroe. Cliff is doing a great job, and is a very knowledgeable “Tech Guy.” Also, with Cliff doing the installation, the Department is saving money.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Dodaro stated the Commission will need to entertain the idea of completing a new Police Officer Eligibility List. Suggestions will be heard at the next Executive Session.
In response to Commissioner Long’s inquiry, Chief Frego advised we currently have 12 or 13 Reserve Officers. Commissioner Long then asked if it is the goal of the Police Department to look to them (the Reserve Officers) first or experienced police officers. Chief Frego advised it is the Department’s recent history to hire Reserves starting as far back as Corporal Dahlin. Chief Frego stated it is his belief that the Department has a reputation for hiring our Reserves. Chief Frego further stated the ones that have been hired were all good Reserves, and they are all good Police Officers.
In regards to the Eligibility List, Chief Frego stated he felt the Commission should hold off until the official word on the grant is received. If the Grant goes forward, the Department will have to hire a veteran, and that is going to take a different type of campaign to advertise for eligible people. Chief Frego stated they have approximately another month to reply to the grant. The grant was issued on June 12th, and the Department has 90 days to answer.
Chief Frego advised that Officer Eric Andersen had surgery on his knee, and his next schedule appointment August 24, 2012 for evaluation. Chief Frego said that he does not know how long Officer Andersen will be out. Chief Frego stated he was not sure if this is the right time, but he felt discussion should be held regarding light duty for injured officers (i.e., work in the Radio Room, station reports, etc.). Commissioner Farris stated that a time limit for light duty should be considered. Some discussion was held.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Regarding the parking restrictions in Ventura Estates and Heron Lake Subdivisions and the numerous violations of those restrictions, Commission Farris stated the violations were recently brought to the attention of the Police Department again. Commissioner Farris commented that the Police Department addressed the matter quickly and very efficiently. Commissioner Farris stated he appreciated the Department’s assistance in this matter.
Commissioner Dodaro stated he was aware there was a mass of criminal damage to property done one night (damage to mailboxes, vehicles, etc.), and there were several arrests made. Chief Frego stated there were approximately 22-23 incidents reported, mainly regarding mailboxes being destroyed. There were also a few vehicles that had windows broken out due to rocks being thrown through them. Chief Frego stated three (3) individuals were apprehended regarding the criminal damage; two (2) were adults and one (2) was a juvenile. All individuals have been charged, and the Department is hoping to get restitution for all of the victims. Chief Frego stated the officers did a really good job on this case because the suspects were not caught in the act. Chief Frego stated due to an officer’s keen observation of a vehicle in the area prior to the damage being discovered, that they were able to solve this case. The officer was out on a Special Surveillance Detail, and he advised Corporal J. Dahlin of the vehicle he had seen earlier in the area of where the property damage incidents occurred. Corporal Dahlin and Dispatcher C. Wroe then did a search through our records management program for vehicles like the one that was observed. They then narrowed down the search to those that were registered to subjects in St. John. The officers then checked those locations in St. John, and found a vehicle that matched the description, and its hood was still warm to the touch at 3 o’clock in the morning. The officers knocked on the door, got the parents up, talked to the parents, and the rest is history. We are estimating there is approximately $20,000.00 in damages. Commissioner Dodaro stated the officers did a tremendous job on this case, and he wanted the other Commissioners to be aware of it. Some discussion ensued.
In response to Commissioner Dodaro’s questions, Chief Frego advised Dispatcher Cliff Wroe and his wife had twin girls born two (2) weeks ago, and everybody is doing well. The Commission asked that their congratulations be forwarded to the Wroe Family.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
In response to the Commission’s question, Chief Frego advised that all patrol officers would be eligible to take the Corporal’s Test with the exception of the last three (3) hires; namely, Officers Lucas Zuzich, Daniel Kolodziej, and David Rybicki. More discussion ensued regarding the test and a date for the test.
In response to Commissioner Vale’s question regarding how many Corporal positions were open; Chief Frego advised that currently there are two (2) sergeants and two (2) corporals on the crews. Chief Frego stated in order to continue with explaining what he would like to do with the department, he would need to skip down on the agenda to “Chief’s Comments,” then the Commission would better understand what he would like to accomplish with the Corporal.
Chief Frego advised he has seen a presentation on a program that interested him a couple of times but at those times, the Department did not have the manpower to do what was suggested in the program. Chief Frego stated it is called ILEAC (Indiana Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission), which is similar to CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). Commissioner Dodaro explained CALEA is a National Law Enforcement Certification. ILEAC mirrors CALEA, but is on a State level and is less expensive.
Chief Frego stated ILEAC is the same principle as CALEA. There has to be an Accreditation Manager, who is an officer from the Department that is appointed to the position. The Department would have to apply to ILEAC. The application fee is $500. Once the application is made and the Department is accepted, it will take approximately 1 to 1-1/2 years to complete the process to become accredited. Chief Frego commented ILEAC is sponsored by the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police. There is a yearly fee of $1,500 to keep the Department accredited. The $1,500 covers the cost of ILEAC personnel visiting the Department every year and auditing the Department. ILEAC will look through the Department’s proofs of accreditation. Chief Frego then gave an example of a “proof of accreditation.” The appointed Accreditation Manager would have to go a 1-day training class to learn the generalities of the program. ILEAC personnel will come to the station to monitor what is being done by the Department during the Accreditation Process. In essence, every policy the Department has will be reviewed and possibly altered according to ILEAC’s standards. Some policies may have to be written if we currently do not have them. Every area of the Department will be covered, i.e. Records, Evidence, Patrol, PBT’s, Radar Guns, etc. Chief Frego described the audit process. Chief Frego stated he believes the accreditation reduces liability issues because the Department will get better training. Some discussion ensued. Chief Frego stated most officers initially do not like the program because they think it is too strict and stringent, but he feels it brings the Department up to a professional level. Commissioner Farris stated it makes the Department the best of the best of the best. There are only 20 departments in the State of Indiana that are accredited. Schererville and Munster are CALEA, and it costs them approximately $15,000 per year to stay accredited. Commissioner Long queried if the fees were paid by the officers or the Department, and he was advised the Department would pay the fees.
Chief Frego stated normally most departments appoint a Corporal, a Sergeant, or even a Lieutenant for the position of Accreditation Manager. Chief Frego stated he would like to place a Sergeant in this position. The position requires a good administrative person as there is a lot of paperwork and a lot of detail involved. The Accreditation Manager’s position is an 8-hour a day job, 5-days a week. Chief Frego stated again he would like to make a Sergeant the Accreditation Manager who would work him on the Accreditation Process. This would be the sole duty of that officer. Chief Frego then stated he would like to replace the Sergeant, who is appointed to be the Accreditation Manager, with a new Corporal. Chief Frego stated with the addition of the officer that was just hired, the staffing for this accreditation is right; however, the Department’s staffing was never right before.
Discussion ensued on the timeframe to accomplish the Corporal’s test and the start of the Accreditation Process. Commissioner Hejl made a motion to conduct the Corporal’s Promotional test on Saturday, November 17, 2012, at 1:00 P.M., in the Training Room of the Public Safety Facility. With a second by Commissioner Long, the motion carried unanimously (5-0). The date for the Oral Interviews will be announced later. Chief Frego will notify the qualified officers of the Corporal’s Test.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
It should be noted that the Commission has agreed to change the start time of their meetings to 6:30 P.M., beginning with the January 14, 2013 meeting.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary