HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-10SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Minutes of Meeting
July 27, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was convened at 5:43 p.m. at Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic Center Plaza,
4th Floor, Santa Ana, California.
ATTENDANCE
Councilmembers present: Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides and Sal Tinajero
Staff present: Police Chief Paul Walters, Fire Chief Dave Thomas, Assistant City Attorney
Theresa Judd, Deputy City Attorney Ryan Hodge, Cmdr. Ken Gominsky, CSS Mike McCoy, PIS
Yolanda Pena, Firearms Examiner Rocky Edwards, Retired Sgt. Jon Centanni, and Loretta
Tafoya, Recording Secretary.
Public sign-ins: Irma Macial, Fabiola Soto, Camille Corona[, Rosa Aldaz, Evangeline Gawronski,
Helen Martinez, Connie Hamilton, Thomas Gordon.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved Minutes of the May 25, 2010 meeting.
FIREARMS TRACKING - Chief Walters/Rocky Edwards
Rocky introduced his new "GunOps" computer program and how it will benefit the Police
Department. "GunOps" is a computer software web-based package that enhances
investigations of gang crimes and the analysis of local firearm-related problems. This
program's proof of concept has shown its potential for any city in the nation that is
experiencing gang and gun related violence. It enables a visual and interactive way to
monitor recovered evidence such as firearms, cartridge cases, and bullets as they are
booked into the Police Department. Committee member Claudia Alvarez asked if we
would be able to receive revenue from other departments. Chief Walters said that we
wouldn't have the staff to take on other departments. Committee member David
Benavides asked if any other agencies use this program yet. Rocky explained that we
would be the first department. Rocky explained that since we have been using the
techniques developed that were integrated into the "GunOps" program, we have had over
1100 hits compared to 170 in 2005, before the program. Chief Walters said that he
received a call from Washington DC stating they were impressed with the success we
have in solving crimes with such a small staff. Committee member David Benavides
asked what is the time frame starting the program. Rocky stated that he is waiting for the
legal agreements. Committee members were very impressed with program and thanked
Rocky and Jon for the presentation.
DANCE PERMIT REVISION - Chief Walters/Yolanda Pena & Mike McCoy
Yolanda Pena reviewed the New Dance Ordinance Revisions. She stated there will be a
new designated geographical area, Operator Security Plan and Alcohol Server Training.
They are 2 year permits with an annual review and a Cost Recovery fee of $500
assessed on all establishments that obtain a dance permit. Subsequent violations may be
upgraded to criminal citation or arrest. Committee Member Claudia Alvarez suggested
that a scanner be mandatory. Chief Walters also wants businesses to have close circuit
TV. Committee member David Benavides asked about the training for the businesses. A
Health Care Agency representative said that they handle training through a grant. It is a
four hour training program with a test at the end. Chief Walters stated the Police
Department will get 100% of penalty fees.
Committee member David Benavides recommended drop-in inspections to keep
standards high. Committee member Claudia Alvarez wants the Police Department to
keep the committee informed on the Dance Permit.
4. PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Chief Walters presented the committee a memo regarding pedestrian safety projects.
These projects are in addition to routine complaints, city projects, and community safety
campaigns. Chief Walters stated there is an Office of Traffic Safety grant before the
Council this Monday, this will help with pedestrian safety. Committee member David
Benavides recommends an ongoing task force led by Public Works, Building and
Planning, Traffic Engineering and the Police Department.
FOURTH OF JULY ENFORCEMENT PLAN
Cmdr. Gominsky stated the Police Department was very fortunate to be able to work with
the Fire Department. This was a 3 day deployment. Officers adjusted schedules. The
officers used very little comp time. This year, the Police Department used Administrative
Cites. They only had to give out 14 cites. There were only 2 injures, 28 arrests. Out of
2961 seized fireworks, only 25 were legal. Committee members commended the Police
and Fire Department.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Citizens present expressed concern on the delay of loud music calls. They were
impressed with the "Shield Ops" presentation. A citizen recommended that the City ban
fireworks. Citizens like the Crime alerts but would like weekly updates. A parent
complained about the intersection on Ross and First Streets.
7. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Committee members thanked the Police and Fire Department for the great work on the
4'h of July deployment.
8. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Update on Santiago Park
9. NEXT MEETING DATE - Tuesday, September 28, 5:30 pm, Santa Ana Police Facility,
60 Civic Center Plaza, 4th Floor conference room, Santa Ana, California.
ADJOURNMENT-7:36 P.M.
PAUL M. WALTERS
Chief of Police
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