HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Civil Services Commission - 09/17/1948 August 27, 1948 ,
A special meeting of the City Council( Police Committee and Civil Service Commission
was called by Mayor Dave Mooney. The meeting was called to order 'U Mrs. Bovell
at the request of Mayor Mooney. Three members of the Police Committee, Earl Worth,
Larry Seeman, Al Thorton and two members of the Civil Service Commission, Mrs.
Don Bovell and Norman Anderson were present.
Mrs. Bovell requested that complaints be taken up. The first one considered was the
matter of the patrol wagon being outside of the eity limits a great deal. Mr.
Larry Seeman agreed that this was true and that other cities, namely Renton, have
some trouble and that it is a great fallacy for police wagons to go outside the city.
Mr. Worth suggested that a complaint be filed with the city clerk in respect to the
use of the police wagon outside the city limits, in order that it may be brought up
before the city council. Mayor Mooney stated that although calls from the Fisher
Auction Market outside city limits should be taken care of by State Patrol, the city
police were answering these calls. Mrs. Bovell suggested that although the calls
from outside the city limits should be relayed to the State Patrol that we be car€uau
in setting down our rules that we should not limit pursuit by the city police outside
the Kent city limits. Mr. Alex Thorton stated that cabin -camps being vitally
attached to the city should have city police protection, and that discretion be used
in restricting operations to city limits. Criminals who operate inside city limits
should be pursued beyond city limits. Crimes committed outside city limits should
be reported to the State Patrol. Mr. Worth suggested that police reports should
always state cause whenever they go outside the city limits.
Mrs. Bovell suggested that the Police Chief should take up the situation witIl the
patrolmen.
The question of patrol shifts was brought up and discussed. It was decided that this
should be left to the judgment and discretion of the Chief of Police as the depart-
ment function is his responsibilty.
The question was raised as to whether police chief could serve summons during his
hours of duty. It was brought out that a ruling has been made that each Justice of
the Peace have a constable to work with him that the police can serve summons in the
city but the constable serve the summons outside the city limits.
A general discussion among the members present brought out the fact that the red signal
light has been noted at numerous times to be on from 15 to 30 minutes before it was
answered. It was brought out and agreed upon by all present that the police should
cut down time for stopping for coffee, and that they should notify operator as to
their whereabouts at all times. Mr. Larry Seeman stated that only one patrolman
should ride the police wagon before midnight, and that other policemen patrol streets
on foot.
The question was raised as to who should take the responsiblity when the police chief
is absent. Mr. Larry Seeman said that someone should be designated. Mr. Worth
suggested that a ruling be made by Civil Service Board as to seniority and who should
be in charge during absence of the chief of police, or that the chief should
designate the patrolman who should be in charge during his absence and the Civil
Service Commission look up ruling on this matter and take it up with the chief of police.
After this has been clarified to the chief of police it will be held his responsibility
that the department be in the hands of the chief or a designated person by him at all
times. It was agreed that the chief of police when designatiig someone to act in his
absence should do this in writing, with a carbon copy going to the mayor, the police
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committee, the Civil Service Commission and one posted as an official notice for
all patrolmen.
Informal verbal complaints coming to the attention of the members present were ,
discussed. Patking in restricted areas and over time parking were most numerous.
Matter referred to chief.
Mr. Worth and Mr. Seeman suggested that another examination be given to maintain a
waiting list of eligible patrol and one for chief of police.
The question of pensions for the police depattment was brought up by Mrs. Bovell.
Mr. Worth stated that this should be in the hands of the City Council. Mayor Mooney
suggested that this matter be brought up before the budget is made up and the
emergency fund is completed.
There being no further business the special meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
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Secretary
Approved
Chairman C.S.C.
Countersigned Date
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