TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Police Board Meeting
November 1, 2004
Also in attendance were Town Clerk Robert Karge, Chief of Police M.J. Blue and Major Spencer.
At 6:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order.
At 6:03 p.m., Councilmember Scott-Taylor arrived.
800 MEGAHERTZ UPDATE
Chief Blue stated that the radio system is fully functional although Motorola has agreed to work with them on a couple of things.
BANK ROBBERY UPDATE
Chief Blue stated that there was a bank robbery Tuesday at Easton Bank & Trust. He stated that the new radio system proved very valuable. He discussed coordination between the Easton Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department.
PERSONNEL ISSUES
Chief Blue stated that they have lost an officer to the Maryland State Police. He stated that with this, they will have seven openings. He stated that they are in the process of identifying applicants. Chief Blue stated that Officer David Trevino is returning to Easton Police Department after brief employment with Anne Arundel. Chief Blue discussed upcoming interviews. He stated that they are looking forward to getting up to full strength by July.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked how the Easton Police Department recruits applicants.
Chief Blue discussed advertising methods as well as an entry on the Easton Police Department website and the International Association of Chief of Police’s website.
Chief Blue stated that the Easton Police Department is losing a PCO in January due to her spouse’s reassignment in the Air Force.
Chief Blue stated that they recently finished their Lieutenant processing and oral interviews. He stated that there are two eligible but they do not currently have any Lieutenant openings.
UNIFORMS
Chief Blue stated that the Department thought the current vendor was too expensive and they invited vendors from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware to bid for their uniforms. He stated that they selected a vendor from Baltimore; FF & A. Chief Blue stated that the shirts will not be custom made or dry clean garments but they will be a high quality shirt and pants at half the price which is currently being spent. He stated that the appearance of the uniform will not change.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Chief Blue stated that they have mended a lot of fences with surrounding law enforcement agencies, local organizations, civic groups and State’s Attorneys office. He stated that he is trying to get close affiliation with the service clubs and neighborhood groups that support the Police Department. He discussed the Department’s affiliation with See CSAFE. Chief Blue discussed the YMCA corporate membership purchased for the police department’s use.
POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed an arrest and her concern regarding the procedure and what can happen before trial. She questioned if there is a way to identify who the items belong to.
Major Spencer stated that once the charges are brought forward, if the owner of the contraband were to come forward, it would be up to the State’s Attorneys office to decide whether to pursue the charges or drop them if they are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the other person in question did not own that property.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she thinks there needs to be a yellow line at the curb where her driveway is to the step. She stated that you can not see coming out of there and sometimes there is parking there.
Chief Blue stated that this may be an issue for the Town Engineer.
Chief Blue stated that they have seized 144 grams of crack cocaine which has a street value of approximately $14,400; 13.3 grams of marijuana, value $130; 8.3 grams powder cocaine, value $830; and a small quantity of heroin and ten prescription pills. He stated that they seized over $6,000 in US currency, seven vehicles, one mini motorcycle, 22 caliber handgun, a machete, and a slapjack.
Chief Blue discussed the Homecoming parade and Halloween. Chief Blue stated that they are gearing up for Waterfowl Festival.
Ms. Scott-Taylor discussed parking for employees during the Waterfowl Festival for businesses on Harrison Street.
The Town Clerk discussed a letter received requesting permission to block the entire parking lot to bring the Duck Blind in.
Chief Blue stated that it is mentioned in the Waterfowl Festival Transportation Plan. He asked the Town Clerk to forward the letter to the Police Department.
Chief Blue stated that Major Spencer and Lieutenant Wright recently attended Abbottsville National Emergency Management System training Talbot Emergency Center sponsored. Major Spencer discussed additional training for the road Sergeants in the spring.
Chief Blue discussed a portion of the police building which needs to be climate controlled for the 800 megahertz system. He stated that the costs had been inflated so the work will be completed by employees with the consent of the Mayor and Council.
Ms. Jackson-Amis made a motion to find funding to climate control the radio room seconded by Ms. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously.
Chief Blue discussed citizens’ concerns regarding speeding on Corbin Parkway. He discussed speed enforcement measures.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed out of school youth under the age of 16. She stated that this needs to be addressed with the School Board.
Chief Blue stated that he agrees but does not know if it is a police matter. He stated that he thinks that the ultimate answer lies with the Board of Education although there are potential issues of concern. Chief Blue asked that Ms. Jackson-Amis let him know how her meeting with the Superintendent goes and if there is something the Department can be a part of, he will be glad to talk with her.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon unanimous consensus, the President of the Council adjourned the Police Board meeting at 6:50 p.m.
______________________________________
Town Clerk