Chief Frego explained some changes were made to the monthly report for the Year 2013; specifically, the Incident Classification Report. This report normally indicates the total types of Law Incidents that were handled by the Department for the month; however, Chief Frego advised the Incident Report now includes Traffic Stops, Vacation Checks, and Patrol Notifications. Chief Frego felt by adding these additional incident types to the report, it will reflect true activity of the officers. For example, Chief Frego explained that prior to adding these activities into the Incident Report, the Department showed we had 54 Vacation Checks for the Year 2013. However, the number 54 only reflects how many Vacation Checks were requested by residents during the Year 2013. Some of these residents are gone anywhere from a week to a couple of months. Meanwhile, the officers are making these checks every day. Prior to this change, the report did not reflect an accurate number indicating officer activity. Also, Chief Frego stated Patrol Notifications, which are Open Garage Door, Dome Light On, etc., were not reflected in this report to show officer activity. Traffic Stops have been indicated in the Monthly Report in the past, but now they have been included in the Incident Report, which shows officer activity.
Chief Frego commented the Department has had staffing problems throughout the later part of 2013, mainly due to the fact Officer D. Oszust has been off on Worker’s Compensation since July. As of this time, Chief Frego stated it is not known when Officer Oszust will be returning. Further, he stated Officer Oszust had arthroscopic knee surgery on December 6, 2013, and now he has been informed that Officer Oszust has some type of back problem. Officer Oszust will be meeting with a back doctor as soon as he is released from the knee doctor. Due to Officer Oszust not returning to work, the Department has had to cancel the D.A.R.E. Program for the middle schools. The schools are going to allow the Department to present an alternative program, which will be a 2-3 session program. The Department has selected a second officer to be a D.A.R.E. Officer, who will be sent to training later this year, since it was determined that having more than one D.A.R.E. officer would be beneficial to prevent this type of situation in the future.
Councilman Gembala stated he would like to comment on the two (2) officers that worked on Monday (January 6, 2014) and especially Tuesday (January 7, 2014). Councilman Gembala stated the storm was over but the road conditions were horrible because the salt was not working, and yet people were out everywhere. The Fire Department had responded to six (6) accidents, and those two (2) officers did a really great job patrolling the accident scenes, taking reports, and helping the Fire Department. Councilman Gembala stated they were out there in the 1963 Suburban, and they really did a good job. Councilman Gembala stated he would like the Commission to be aware of this.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Ronald Vale, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Chief Frego advised with the retirement of Officer Andersen, a conditional offer of employment was extended to the first candidate on the Department’s Eligibility List; namely, Ms. Stevie Bradich. Ms. Bradich sent an e-mail respectfully declining the offer as she is currently in the Police Academy in Illinois due to her acceptance of a police officer’s position with an Illinois Police Department. Therefore, a second conditional offer of employment was made to the second applicant on the list; namely, Ronald Olson. Mr. Olson is currently a certified police officer, who is a graduate of ILEA, and who is presently employed with the University of Indianapolis’ Police Department. Mr. Olson has accepted the conditional offer of employment. His physical and psychological tests have been scheduled. Upon his successful completion of these exams, his application will be forwarded to PERF for approval.
Chief Frego advised the new vehicles (Ford Explorers) are now on the road and they are look really nice. Further, Chief Frego stated the Town Council approved a 4x4 pickup truck for the Police Department at their meeting held last week. Delivery of this new vehicle is expected to be within 6-8 weeks. When the truck arrives, it will be marked and put into regular service. Chief Frego stated the Police Department’s fleet of vehicles is looking better.
As the Commission is aware, Chief Frego stated the Police Department is going through the process of Accreditation through ILEAC. Chief Frego advised Commissioner Haluska is familiar with Accreditation as he was involved with it when he was with the Schererville Police Department. Commissioner Haluska stated he was familiar with the CALEA Accreditation. Chief Frego advised the two (2) Accreditation Programs are basically the same; however, ILEAC has approximately 172 standards while CALEA has almost 500 standards. In June, ILEAC is going to increase the number of standards to 250, so the Police Department will have to increase our number of standards as well.
In light of questions from the Commission as to when they will be able to review the new standards, Chief Frego stated he received some very good information about Power DMS, which is an expensive software program for publishing the standards short of printing hard copies for all subscribers. The software has been ordered, but it has not arrived yet. The Department will be allowed 50 subscribers. Once the software is received and installed, and the policies are downloaded into the program, the Commissioners will then get access to the policies. Chief Frego stated not only do our policies have to be re-written to conform to the Accreditation; the Department will have to prove the policies are being practiced and enforced.
Commissioner Haluska stated he recalled that CALEA had an issue regarding reserve officers, and he queried if the same was true with ILEAC. Chief Frego stated he was aware CALEA did not like Reserve Officers. Commissioner Haluska said it was not that CALEA did not like Reserve Officers; it was that there was a very specific way they had to be trained. Basically, Reserve Officers had to go to a 15 week police academy at NILEA. Commissioner Haluska stated the only time he has seen this done was through the Town Marshall system. Some discussion was then held regarding the topic of Reserve Officers and Accreditation.
Chief Frego stated he was looking forward to getting the Power DMS System and then getting the policies out for review by the Commission. Commissioner Haluska stated the Power DMS System is good if it is used. More discussion ensued between Chief Frego and Commissioner Haluska about the Accreditation.
At 6:44 P.M., Commissioner Hejl called a five minute recess to await the arrival of Commissioner Long. Commissioner Long arrived at approximately 6:45 P.M. The meeting resumed at 6:47 P.M.
Vice-Chairman – Commissioner Vale moved to appoint Commissioner Frank Chapranda as Vice-Chairman. With a second by Commissioner Long, the motioned carried 3-1. Commissioner Hejl opposed the motion.
Secretary – Commissioner Long moved to appoint Commissioner Paul Haluska as Secretary. With a second by Commissioner Vale, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).
Recording Secretary – Commissioner Vale moved to appoint Joan Gorcos as Recording Secretary. With a second by Commissioner Haluska, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Paul Haluska, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Sergeant’s Test – Chief Frego stated he still would like to have the Sergeant’s test, but his question was whether the Commission had decided to use the same test as last time, or were they considering going somewhere else for testing. The firm used last time was Stannard and Associates, which is endorsed by the Indiana Chiefs of Police Association, and the test was very comprehensive. The officers were given a couple of months to study for the test. Commissioner Haluska commented both the Lake County Police Department and the Schererville Police Department used Police Consultants, Inc. Commissioner Long asked Chief Frego if he had reviewed the test used previously, as he knew people struggled with the test. Chief Frego commented the people who struggled were the people who did not study. Commissioner Long stated he looked at the test and thought it was going to be easier than it was, and he felt it was a tough exam. Chief Frego stated the test should be tough. Commissioner Long stated he agreed the test should be tough, but he wanted to know if Chief Frego thought it was fair. Commissioner Hejl advised study materials were provided for the officers who were taking the test, and they were given four (4) months to study. Chief Frego stated the books were purchased by the Department for the officers taking the test. Chief Frego stated he is a firm believer that they need a tough test.
Chief Frego advised there are only three (3) officers eligible to take the Sergeant’s test. All three (3) officers have received at least the minimal 40 hours of supervisor training. Chief Frego stated he has no problem using Stannard and Associates again, but he did not know what the Commission wanted to do this time since they Commission was present at the last testing. Commissioner Long stated he could tell who did not study for the test, but he felt the question was whether the officers had enough time to prepare with their current work load and the amount of hours needed to study. Commissioner Long commented he did not recall the amount of books that were involved. Chief Frego stated there were three (3) books provided, and the officers had three (3) months to prepare. Also, Chief Frego commented the officers did not have to study the entire book, as it was noted as to what chapters of the book were on the test.
Commissioner Long stated since Chief Frego felt the officers had proper study materials and ample time to prepare, they should agree to do it again with Stannard and Associates. Commissioner Haluska stated County did the same thing, and there never were any problems. Further, Commissioner Haluska commented if they (the officers) are serious about this, they are going to study, and they are going to learn it. The officers are going to take notes, and then they will go over those notes. Commissioner Long commented that all the men are adults, and they should take the time to study; however, he wanted to make sure the Commission coaches them appropriately because one of the biggest failures the Commission could have would be not assisting the officers enough to help them achieve their goals. Commissioner Long suggested the possibility of a couple of study sessions being scheduled with persons who have taken the test previously in an effort to aid the officers in studying and preparing for the test. Commissioner Haluska stated he could give the officers some clues on how to study and how to prepare but unless he reads all the books, he would not be able to help them with the particular items they need to study. Some discussion ensued.
Commissioner Long queried as to how many officers took the test the last time. It was determined that four (4) officers took the test, and two (2) passed and two (2) failed. Some discussion was held regarding the scoring of the test (pass/fail, minimum score, seniority, military points, etc.). Commissioner Haluska stated points could be assigned according to the score the officer receives on the test. Sergeant Turturillo, who was one of the officers to take the test previously and who was present in the audience, was asked what he thought about the scoring of the test. Sergeant Turturillo stated he felt it would be okay if they used the score that is received on the test to assign points. Sergeant Turturillo felt if the Commission does a “pass/fail,” then there is no list. More discussion ensued.
Commissioner Chapranda stated feedback he had received indicated the officers were expecting to be tested on material related to the St. John Police Department, such as general orders, to demonstrate their knowledge of the Department itself. Commissioner Chapranda added the officers felt the test that was used came out of “left field.” Commissioner Long stated the officers who felt like that were the ones that did not study. Chief Frego stated it would be impossible to incorporate the St. John Police Department’s Policies and Procedures in the test from Stannard and Associates. Chief Frego suggested questions about the Department’s Policies and Procedures could be incorporated into the Oral Interviews. More discussion ensued.
Commissioner Vale stated the Commission agreed the test from Stannard and Associates is the test the Commission will continue to use for the Sergeant’s Test. As far as scoring, the Commission decided to use the criteria in the upcoming Promotion Policy that is being written as part of the Department’s Accreditation. Sergeant Turturillo advised the Commission could utilize the criteria even though it had not yet been approved by the Commission. With utilizing the new Promotion (scoring) criteria, Chief Frego stated there is no pass/fail on the test. More discussion ensued.
Commissioner Vale stated the Commission had approved Chief Frego to proceed with the Sergeant’s Test months ago; therefore, there was no reason to vote on the matter at tonight’s meeting. Chief Frego stated he had wanted to know the Commission’s preference on the testing process. Commissioner Long suggested when the books are passed out for the test, the Commission be given the responsibility of providing the officers the instructions for the test, in order to avoid the complaints that were received last time after the test. Further, Commission Long stated it was just standard operating procedure to complain about the test when people fail the test. By having the Commission handle the testing and instructions for the test, this would allow the officers to come to the Commission with their complaints about why they failed rather than go to the Chief or other people. Commissioner Haluska commented that someone is always going to complain that it is unfair. More discussion ensued.
In response to Chief Frego’ s question, the Commission confirmed it would be up to Chief Frego to determine the timeframe for the test. Chief Frego stated since summer is approaching, the Sergeant’s test will be held off until the end of summer, maybe the end of August, when most of the vacations are over with, as he felt the officers will be too distracted at this time to study and take the test.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Paul Haluska, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Chief Frego stated there are many similarities between ILEAC and CALEA accreditation. Commissioner Haluska agreed both accreditations are very similar with the ILEAC policies being more condensed. Chief Frego and Commissioner Haluska agreed the accreditation is all about accountability and creditability, and it is good faith defense against litigation. Chief Frego advised after adoption, all officers will be trained regarding the new policies. Chief Frego advised the Commission their input is welcome regarding the policies. Some discussion ensued.
Chief Frego stated there are currently 172 new standards and in June, there will be an additional 80 new standards (policies). Chief Frego stated “Communications” has a large number of policies; however, with the 911 Consolidation coming, they have chosen not to go with those policies. Chief Frego advised the Town of St. John has not yet signed the agreement regarding the Consolidation, and he stated he was not sure how that was going to affect St. John. Some discussion ensued.
Chief Frego further commented St. John cannot do its own digital system as there are no digital frequencies left. Lake County has all the digital frequencies. Chief Frego commented that Policies and Procedures are currently being formed regarding the Consolidation but right now, St. John is not a part of that. Chief Frego stated his greatest fear is that the Town signs on in the eleventh hour, and then we are given an agreement and just have to go with it. Commissioner Haluska stated his biggest concern is Human Resources or the hiring process and what the Town is going to get out of it.
Chief Frego advised the facility for the 911 Consolidation will not be done by January 1, 2015. On January 1, 2015, all dispatchers who apply and get hired reference the 911 Consolidation will become County employees. All the current radio rooms in the various departments will still have to be manned until the new facility is running. Chief Frego stated an ideal situation for St. John would be for all of St. John’s current dispatchers to apply and get hired by County, and then they would be able to remain at St. John during the interim period. However, that is not going to happen as several of them have told Chief Frego they are not going to apply at County. Chief Frego stated the Town does not know what they are going to get to man the radio room until the new facility becomes operational, and then there is going to be a training issue for those County employees who will be manning the St. John radio room during the interim period. The Consolidation is only seven (7) short months away. Commissioners Vale and Haluska agreed it was going to be a rocky road ahead, and they both commented they had concerns.
Some discussion ensued regarding the Consolidation and the amount of control Chief Frego will have over the County employees. Chief Frego stated he would have only one (1) vote. In response to Commissioner Haluska’s question, Chief Frego advised the firing of any County employee manning the St. John radio room would have to be done by County. Chief Frego stated they are working through this, and his idea, which he expressed to Town Council President M. Forbes, is to train in-house personnel (Reserve Officers, full-time officers) to work the radio because we do not know what we are going to get from County to work the radio room.
Sergeant’s Test – Chief Frego stated that to date, he has only received one (1) resume from an officer interested in partaking in the test. Chief Frego stated he will be contacting the other two (2) eligible officers tomorrow to see what their intentions are.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Paul Haluska, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Hejl advised she had a verbal communication she would like to share with the Commission. She stated approximately a week before last month’s meeting, Adrian Bugariu stopped her and wanted her to confirm that Ron Vale was the Chairman (of the Police Commission). Commissioner Hejl stated she confirmed Commissioner Vale was the Chairman. She stated Mr. Bugariu went on to tell her how he was friends with Commissioner Vale’s son, and how they knew each other very well. Commissioner Hejl then stated Adrian Bugariu wanted her to be sure to tell Commissioner Vale he (Adrian Bugariu) was behind him in whatever he was going to do to get rid of Chief Frego, Mike Fryzel and Steve Kil. Commissioner Vale asked Commissioner Hejl why Adrian Bugariu would say such things. Commissioner Vale stated he has not spoken with Adrian Bugariu in 15 years. Commissioner Hejl stated she thought Commissioner Vale should know what Mr. Bugariu said. Commissioner Vale stated he appreciated her (Commissioner Hejl) letting him know. Chief Frego stated Mr. Bugariu filed a law suit against Steve Kil, Chief Frego and others in Town, but the Judge dismissed the law suit. Commissioner Vale stated he feels Mr. Bugariu is scary, and he is worried what Mr. Bugariu may do some day. Chief Frego stated this has been going on with Mr. Bugariu for at least the last 10 years. Commissioner Haluska stated it has been going on for longer than 10 years.
Commissioner Hejl stated at last month’s meeting, Chief Frego asked if the Commission would like to discuss whether to adopt all the policies at one time or not, and she was inquiring as to whether the Commission made a decision on this matter. Commissioner Long stated he was not present at that meeting. Commissioner Haluska stated it was decided to wait until after the mock assessment, then the Commission would look at adopting the policies. Chief Frego stated the Commission needs to adopt the standards in order to go forward with the Accreditation. Some discussion ensued. The Commission stated a decision would be made by next month’s meeting.
Chief Frego stated the Police Department had a busy weekend. There was an incident on Saturday night wherein motorcycles, which were travelling at 130 mph, crashed on US 41. This incident was actually a Cedar Lake incident. There was a burglary in the Bramblewood Subdivision wherein the suspects kicked a door in to a home wherein the residents were out for the evening. The suspects were apprehended before the alarm company notified the station that there was a burglary. Some discussion ensued regarding the burglary.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Paul Haluska, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Haluska inquired about the 80 new policies that were coming. Chief Frego advised they are still waiting for the other 80 policies to come out. They were supposed to be out in June, but they are still waiting for them.
Commissioner Hejl stated this is the third meeting the Commission has discussed the adoption of the policies for the Accreditation. At the meeting before last, Chief Frego asked if the Commission was going to adopt all the policies at once or not, and Commissioner Hejl stated she does not believe the Chairman decided what the Commission should do or what plan they were going to put together. Commissioner Hejl asked what the Commission was going to do reference the adoption of the policies, especially since the mock assessment is coming up in November. Commissioner Hejl stated this entailed a lot of reading to be done. Commissioner Vale asked Chief Frego if the Commission could be provided with something that indicated which policies had changed; because it was his understanding that some of the policies had not changed. Chief Frego stated he could provide the Commission with a list of all the current policies that are going to be removed, which will be replaced by new policies. Some of the old policies fit the standards, and we were able to retain those policies. Chief Frego stated the only thing that has to be done now is to gather proofs of all the policies. Proofs are evidence that the policies, which have been adopted, are being practiced and followed (i.e. Vehicle Inspections, Evidence Procedures, etc.). The proofs are a requirement of the Accreditation.
Commissioner Haluska stated if the Commission could get a list of current policies that already meet the criteria for Accreditation, then there would be no need for the Commission to review those standards as they are already in place. If Chief Frego could provide the Commission with that list, Commissioner Haluska stated it would save the Commission a little bit of time. Chief Frego stated he could get a list, from Sergeant J. Turturillo, of the policies that already meet the criteria for Accreditation, as well as a list of the policies that are being removed and replaced with new policies. Commissioner Vale stated once they had the lists, he would call an Executive Session and move forward with the Accreditation. Chief Frego stated the Commission would still have to adopt the policies at a public meeting. Some discussion ensued. Chief Frego stated he could have the lists from Sergeant Turturillo within a couple of days. Commissioner Vale asked Chief Frego to let him know when he has the lists, and then he would schedule an Executive Session regarding this matter. After some discussion, the Commission decided they would call a Work Study Session to review the policies, and then a Special Meeting in which to adopt the policies.
Additional Human Resource Matter – Chief Frego advised Officer David Oszust was injured on-duty on July 12, 2013. Officer Oszust has been off work on Workman’s Compensation, and he is still off on Workman’s Compensation. According to the Town of St. John Police Department’s Policies and Procedures, Officer Oszust will only be paid for one (1) year on Workman’s Compensation. After one (1) year, Officer Oszust needs to apply to PERF for disability. At this time, Chief Frego stated he does not know Officer Oszust’s current status. Chief Frego commented Officer Oszust had an appointment last week for evaluation but at this time, the results of that evaluation, and the status of the report, are not known. The evaluation report will go down state to Officer Oszust’s treating physician in Indianapolis, a Dr. Schwartz. Based on that evaluation, Dr. Schwartz will make a recommendation (i.e., 25% disabled, 50% disabled, etc.). Officer Oszust has some issues resulting from the accident.
Chief Frego stated he just wanted to make the Commission aware that as of July 28, 2014, Officer Oszust will no longer be paid by the St. John Police Department. Chief Frego stated he counseled Officer Oszust on this matter and gave him a letter, dated May 30, 2014, suggesting he seek assistance from PERF and to date, he has not heard anything back from Officer Oszust. Some discussion ensued.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Paul Haluska, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Paul Haluska, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Roll call was taken with the following members of the Police Commission being present; namely, Paul Haluska, Rose Hejl, and Robert Long. Also present were Chief of Police Fred Frego and Town Councilman Kenneth Gembala. Commissioners Ronald Vale and Frank Chapranda were not present at tonight’s meeting. No legal representation was in attendance at the meeting.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Paul Haluska, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary
Corporal’s Eligibility List – Extend Expiration Deadline – Chief Frego advised the current Corporal’s Eligibility List expires on December 10, 2014, and by authority of the old and new general orders, and with the Commission’s approval, Chief Frego stated he is asking to extend the expiration date of the list for an additional 120 days. Commissioner Long asked Chief Frego if his request to extend the expiration deadline was due to the fact there was a lot going on, and if the Chief was just not ready to do another list at this time. Chief Frego replied he did not feel it benefits the Department at this time to have another testing process due to the expense involved. Chief Frego stated there is a good candidate on the current list and hopefully, he would like to get him promoted; therefore, he needs an extension. Commissioner Hejl moved to extend the expiration date of the current Corporal’s Eligibility List by 120 days. With a second by Commissioner Sawyer, the motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Commissioner Haluska opened the floor for nominations for Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Long moved to nominate Paul Haluska as Vice-Chairman of the Police Commission. With a second by Commissioner Hejl, the motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Commissioner Haluska opened the floor for nominations for Secretary. Commissioner Long moved to nominate Charles Sawyer as Secretary of the Police Commission. With a second by Commissioner Hejl, the motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Paul Haluska, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary