Meeting with the Meriden-Wallingford Branch of the NAACP Officers & Executive Committee
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Members and Chief Jeffry Cossette and several members of the Meriden Police department Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - 5:15pm - Meriden Police Department Conference Room
The Meriden-Wallingford Branch of the NAACP and the Meriden Police Department has an ongoing relationship. We have met regularly to discuss issues that have been brought to our attention from residents of the Meriden and Wallingford communities. We have not requested this meeting to pick sides regarding the current "public" issues; this meeting is about what is right and what is wrong and to make sure all investigations are thorough, offer suggestions, and continue to build our relationship. However, we are very concerned about the recent behavior by several officers of the Meriden Police
depanment. It is unacceptable and has left a lasting impression on the residents of Meriden
Topics of discussion
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Are the current issues being dealt with appropriately?
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Long-standing residents have said that as time has changed, that the department has not brought up the curriculum. How has the department changed over the years based on the concerns of the community and issues within the department?
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The officers represent the City and their behavior has a reflection on the department. Meriden Police Officers who have taken the oath, must conduct themselves both on duty and off duty in accord with their department's expectations, resident's expectations, and ethical expectations, and not according to their own subjective expectations. How is this addressed during training at the academy level as well as during annual in-service training sessions?
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A few years back, we recommended an in-depth cultural diversity training for the department and we are happy to say that it was held. Since then, has the training increased or is it still the same?
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Based on all that has been going on, do you feel that you should add more cultural diversity training for your officers to ensure that they are able to interact in the community?
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What is your disciplinary process? May we have a copy of your policies?
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The Iowa City Police department has a Personnel Early Warning System Policy.
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The definition of Personnel Early Warning System (PEWS) - A time sensitive system designed to effectively organize critical performance and evaluation data in a format conducive to promptly identify early indicators of certain performance and/or stress related problems and to facilitate any necessary or appropriate follow-up activities.
Provided by the Meriden-Wallingford Branch of the NAACP 5-4-11
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The purpose of the policy is to outline identifying potential personnel problems in their initial stages in order to redirect an employee's actions/behavior in a fashion consistent with the departmental values. It is one method by which employees may be identified as possibly needing assistance with performance and/or stress related problems. This system is intended to serve as a systematic approach to highlight tendencies that may otherwise be overlooked.
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Recent behavior has been portrayed by some as an embarrassment. How do you think it will affect the hiring process? Do you think people will still apply? If so and during an interview process the recent activity comes up as a question, what will be your response?
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We have a very active Neighborhood Initiative program. Are they considered an advisory group for police services?
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Do you have a Community Advisory Board? A board to serve as a conduit for the community to address their issues and community problems through a cooperative effort; to review community needs and concerns, expectations and responses relative to police services and community oriented policing; advise and provide support on communication and education between the community and the Police department. This board is not a review board of any police action, whether internal or external, but a vehicle to encourage discussion concerning public safety issues.
Questions & Answers by those in the room ...
Provided by the Meriden-Wallingford Branch of the NAACP 5-4-11