HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety (Committee) - 02/10/2015 Public Safety Committee Minutes
February 10, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Councilmember Jim Berries called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Jim Berries, Council President Dana Ralph and Councilmember Les
Thomas were present.
Changes to the Agenda:
None
Item i - Approval of meeting minutes dated November 10. 2014
Councilmember Thomas MOVED to approve the minutes of November 10,
2014. The motion was SECONDED by Council President Ralph and PASSED
3-0.
Item 2 -Interlocal Agreement between the city of Kent and King County for
Electronic Fingerprint Canture Equipment - Recommend
Chief Ken Thomas presented information regarding the Interlocal Agreement
between the city of Kent and King County for electronic fingerprint capture
equipment. AFIS is seeking formalized agreements between participating agencies
for use of the equipment. The police department now uses at least two mobile
units and continues to receive additional units for capturing fingerprints,
Councilmember Thomas MOVED to recommend Council authorize the Mayor
to sign the Interlocal Agreement with King County for the use and
maintenance of electronic fingerprint equipment provided to the City, with
final terms and conditions acceptable to the Police Chief and City Attorney.
The motion was SECONDED by Council President Ralph and PASSED 3-0.
Item 7. Police Chief's Update
Chief Ken Thomas advised the committee regarding the following current events
affecting the police department:
Upcoming Events:
® Thursday, February 12, 2015, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Police Community
Meeting at Kent Elementary.
® February 25, 2015, 8:00 a.m. - Coffee with the Chief at Maggie's
o 1s` Coffee with the Chief was held January 7, 2015, at the Golden
Steer Restaurant
It was a successful and positive event.
Budget Update:
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® For the 2014 budget, the police department came in over $300,000 under
budget.
Unfilled positions accounted for a large percentage of the savings.
Police officers are purchasing jumpsuits that last for three years - this
accounted for an additional $60,000-$70,000 in savings.
u Corrections medical expenses came in $63,000 under budget - This is due
to Jill Fuller, Administrative Assistant, at the correctional facility working
closely with the medical providers to obtain reductions in charges.
Narcotics
The Police Department's Special Investigations unit successfully seized
$2,291,269.00 worth of drugs in 2014, Additionally, cars, weapons, and assets
were seized that were related to drug crimes.
Chief Thomas hopes to maintain the level of drug arrests in 2015 in an effort to
protect the public. Additionally, the Chief hopes that the criminals choose not to
come to Kent to conduct criminal activity.
Chief Thomas addressed the concerns over whether or not the criminals are going
to jail. Chief Thomas indicated that King County is working on budgetary issues
that affect whether or not criminals are serving their sentences.
Recruiting
Chief Thomas provided details regarding the current statistics regarding the
number of officers:
• Currently 141 officers - Budget authorizes 147 officers
® In the process of extending offers to recruits.
e In January H candidates were hired that included a diverse group.
® 9 Officers are currently in training
® Kent has officers at the academy that will graduate at the end of February
O 6 officers currently on light duty
® Paul Peter retired this past month and at least 1 additional officer will retire
in the near future,
The meeting was adjourned at 4:51p.m. by Councilmember Berrios.
Respectfully �ubmitt d,
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Kim Komoto
Public Safety Committee Secretary
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