Consider Directing Staff to Provide a Public Update on Crime within the City.  (Mayor Spencer) [Not heard on November 7, 2017]
And I want to thank counsel for allowing this to be moved forward. It was not her last time, and I actually submitted this referral back on October 11th. And it and I think it's very important. So the ask is, the members of the public have expressed concern over what appears to be an increase in crime in the city. Consider directing staff to provide a public update on crime within our city. That includes trends. What the city is doing. And what additional steps can be taken to reduce or thwart criminal activity. And council could consider also holding a workshop. And I also submitted today another referral that's very related to this asking council to. Can we talk about something that's not on the agenda? I believe the city attorney is indicating we cannot. Well, so part of this referral actually says to consider. You'll hear from the acting city. I'm sorry, Madam Chair. Can we stick to the item on the agenda, please? So I just wanted to speak to this as considered directing staff to provide a public update on crime within the city that includes trends. But the city is doing. And what additional steps can be taken to reduce or thwart criminal activity. So in regards to that part, I think I can add that we could consider adding an oversight committee by the community. That's clearly different. That mayor, is that in the referral? That's I didn't see that. So as regards the additional steps that we could discuss at council. What is his account. For us at? So you're saying under. This under this, we could consider that, I think, in regards to additional steps that we can discuss. But I think staff to. To consider that as a possible additional step. But it doesn't have to be at this time because I do have it coming back. It's just another way of that could be considered. That was that was why I think they were looking for discussion now. Yes. So we can have. Yes. And I don't know that we have any speakers on this item. We do not. All right. A member of addressee. I see no problem with. Having staff. Publicize all the points that are listed in the referral as far as what the current trends are. We have a public information officer. We have we have many ways that the city manager can can make this happen. So I think that's good direction since it is it is a matter of concern. And across many pockets, many neighborhoods of have expressed this and this is a way to get a update on the city. So I have no problem with that. I think a workshop is premature. I don't know what tasks that council would be considering or directing without understanding what the trends and and what the actions that staff comes back to us with, with this direction. So I think that's a future item. And then your what you mentioned as another possible step as an oversight committee. Again, I have no idea. What is that, a police review board? Is that a crime committee? I you know that that's something that I'm not prepared to comment on, but that we can, again, looking at what comes back to us and to the public , more importantly, because the public is is right now is it's spot reporting and we're all hearing it from many different spots. And how does this all come together and what plan does the city have to publicize exactly what you laid out? So I'm I'm fine with that, but I want to hold off on scheduling any kind of workshop just because I don't want to have a workshop. Just have a workshop. And this like an oversight committee, I don't know. What are we overseeing? We don't know yet. Any other comments? Vice mayor. I think one thing that would be helpful and council member matter as briefly touched on this is that we're hearing a number of different reports. And I know that our police officers and police chief have been having various community group meetings and meeting with various constituent groups. So it would be helpful to have that all put together in one report to us so that we can all be on the same page and understand what the concerns have been and and what, you know, what? What our constituents are saying and also how we can go about addressing that. I thought we had a you know, we all attended a meeting at the Edison School at Edison School for one neighborhood. But I think that those types of meetings are happening all over, and it makes sense to have a report on that and hear about that in terms of next steps. I think we probably are going to need a workshop at some point. But I you know, I'm open to holding off. I think we could just say that based off of the report, the council can at that point determine if any next steps are required and what they would be. Thank you, everybody. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I mean, on this I was also at that meeting, I think all five of us were at that meeting and and two members of our police force. And, you know what what concerns me is, you know, there seems to be a disconnect. And there were some letters back and forth. And I think the police chief responded to one and I kind of chimed in. But, you know, if you look at the numbers, you know, we are actually in a period of low crime. Yet there seems to be a perception in the community and I don't know, because maybe there are spikes in certain neighborhoods, or maybe because everything that happens that 20 years ago nobody knew about. You know, we're all seeing on Facebook and Twitter, you know, I followed the, you know, the peeps post when we had the incident over there with the guy that was chased and he threw his gun away. I mean. I think. You know, that was like real time. So I mean I mean, but, you know, that's the first time I've heard of that happening in Alameda in many years. So. I mean, is is there a perception issue or is there a real issue? And if it's a perception issue, you know, then maybe it's not something that, you know, belongs in the police department sphere. I mean, maybe that's, you know, working to communicate that, you know, we are in a period of low crime. Our officers are doing X, Y and Z, you know, and, you know. So maybe that's why a workshop might be good, you know, a workshop that we can have, you know, statistics talked about and, you know, kind of figure out, you know, where the problem is because people seem to be afraid, but yet the numbers don't back up the fear. So, I mean, I think a workshop would be a good idea and I think we should move this forward. And, you know, it'd be interesting to have this discussion because, you know, when these things happen, you know, like it or not, you know, we are the elected officials and the public comes to us and expects answers. So and we've done a good job, I think, on, you know, keeping the council informed on hate incidents. You know, I didn't realize there were so many. And it's disappointing that there are, but I'm very appreciative that, you know, we're kept up to speed on those. But I think what, you know, everyone has to understand in this building is that we are on the front line. You know, when it comes to people, people see us and they expect us to respond and they expect us to know. So, you know, the more that information we have to share with our constituents, you know, I think the better we can do our jobs and ultimately, the better everyone here can do their jobs. So in regards to the workshop, is that something I've heard? I supported that. May I speak to a member? Yes. So. So I'm wondering if. We could call Chief. Larry up. I know he's in the audience. And one of the things that I think I think communication is really important. But there's also a time, a place and a conduit for the information. And I think if the chief doesn't mind me putting him on the spot, as I usually do, but he always handles it really well there, you know, we we hear things. And these days with social media, it's it is kind of a double edged sword. Information gets out quickly. It's not always accurate, but it's really hard to get those horses back in the barn. And so, Chief O'Leary, if you could talk to us a little bit about reporting when an incident comes to light, how and when is it appropriate for the police department or the city or the school district to to comment and maybe also talk to us a little bit about all the different things your officers are doing on any given day. Before you answer, I want to ask, is that part of the referral? I don't really believe it is. When we're talking about an update on crime within the. City that suppose that would be part of the referral that it would happen if we agree, that is the ask, right? So that's actually ahead of where we are. So it's not appropriate at this time. And I apologize, the chief, but that's actually what I'm asking for. That would be more comprehensive and not putting you on the spot like it's happening right now. Okay, so I put you on the spot, but I'll keep the this the you can sit down, chief. But I do think it's important when we talk about for staff to provide a public update on crime within the city. I do think it's important to to understand that it's not just necessarily the minute something happens and we we blast an announcement out because an investigation is often under way. So that's not really the ask right now. I don't think I said that either. I mean, I didn't say that. I mean, so. I would prefer. I'm not. All right. So so thank you. All right. So I have a referral I did here, so I'd like to make a motion then. So actually I'd like to clarify with that, come back in the form of a workshop with the data at that time, or would we want it to come back at the council as a council meeting and then decide in the future of having a workshop? That's fair. Yes. I would support having a summary report and overview just like you laid out in the referral. Come back to the council. And it talks about trends. It talks about what's going on and it talks about where the crime is. So with that, then we can have a discussion on whether or not. The next step involves jumping right into a workshop or having a periodic reports so we can start looking at. Point A, point B, trends, what's going on and then make a decision as we see what the data show. I spend. You know, a workshop at least. We've had some workshops that have started prior to council meetings, and I think that this is one of those items. Our, our officers are doing a lot of work, but I also think we need to give a platform so that everybody understands that. It's not just that they had one meeting at Edison School that one night, that there's all of the work that's being done. If we're not telling people this is collectively all of the work that we've done, I just think that the report is going to take longer than one item. And if there's public comment, then I just worry that we're going to cram it into a meeting and then we're not actually going to get to other agenda items. So so that's my only concern and I offer some information. So the police chief has asked his staff to collect data for the last 30 years. It was mentioned at the meeting at the school that all of you went to Edison School. And that was meeting. Right, that we would be providing that information. And so the police chief and Arpaio drafted an article that they are planning to give to the public through all of our media outlets, like we do all of the information that we try and get out to the public. And it shows over the 30 year time period a drop in crime. That this chamoy area as well as perch crime. Not currently, but we can bring that data back and give it to the council or. I'm looking for more specific data. That's right. Right, right. Because I I'm just sort of I want the council to be aware that staff is hearing you not just as this referral, but what was stated and what you have told neighbors that we will provide as much information as we have as we get it. And we want staff wants to be able to give that information out to the public. And if we wait to schedule a work shop before we get that information out, it's not in the best interest. So that what they ask, if they're writing an article, obviously you can release your article any time you want data and hopefully share it with council. I mean, that's part of what's happening here is we want to be included. But this is the vice mayor and then the. RASCOFF So. So. You. So part of it is also that we're also asking for what additional steps can be taken to reduce or thwart criminal activity. And again, I just think I commend staff for the work that's being done. I really do. I think that there's been a tremendous effort. I want staff to get credit for the work that's being done because there's a lot of one on one conversations happening. Our officers are responding and even when they're they've been busy with other calls, they're they're going the extra mile and meeting people to take the reports in. I do think we're in a different time. And I also worry about our officers safety when we're seeing these reports real time, when people are listening in on the radio broadcasts. So I also feel like this is an opportunity for us to have a conversation with some of the folks in the public who have a different perception of what's going on, and for us to be very united in terms of what's happening so that it's not just our officers, it's the officers, it's the council, it's the city. And we're really trying to look at I think the trends are going to be very helpful for people to see. That'll change some of the perspective, but I think it will also be good to have that in conjunction to have us collectively have that conversation. The only reason I think a workshop might be helpful is our agendas tend to be so packed that it would it might facilitate a better conversation with the community and kind of support what the work that's already being done. So that's kind of where I'm coming from on it. Mary Ashcroft And actually, I was going to come down on the side of the vice mayor. I think if we could have a workshop, um, timing is always tricky because I actually not that I like giving up my Saturday mornings, but I did think that we were fresh and we were. But because Friday night really wasn't optimal. And but if we could, because one of the things and I talked to the chief about these things that I think. There's a lot of different perspectives and they're all correct. Statistically, there is a trend. If you look over the last three years, the line is going down. However, if you had your garage broken into or entered in the bicycle stolen or packages taken off your your porch, that's cold comfort. And so that's why we want to make sure that our residents know, to report to the police, not on Facebook and and to and the police will, you know, they take that information very seriously. And also, these preventive matters now, maybe the 30 years of statistics won't be compiled by then. That's a lot. But I think it might just be a you know, it's structured correctly. It might be an opportunity to hear from neighbors and also to hear from the source rather than the change on social media. That, again, is that double edged sword. It's quick. It gets out there. It's not always accurate and it's really difficult to correct the record. So. But then it's up to staff, of course. When could we I mean, this is we're like looking into the next year, obviously, because. Yes. And it is an impact on our police chief to come out on a Saturday. It's an impact on, you know, staff that's really working hard to try and do actually keep the crime down. And I think what the vice mayor suggested might be a good compromise of doing a workshop at 6:00 or 530 or. I'm I'm not etched in stone as far as the time in the day, just but a stand alone workshop, I think, you know, is. So it isn't as an agenda. And I would also I think we're all respectful of staff time. So we would I'm assuming we would look to the city manager to go back and, you know, with her department, the relevant department heads, most likely the chief, you know, figure out when it works. We don't want it to be an imposition. And so so I didn't mean that, you know, I'm just saying, if we could figure out there's never one perfect time, I get that. So but if we're already meeting at a council meeting, at least it's easier to schedule the council for that. So it. Helps member. I mean, just quickly, I would agree with what, you know, the vice mayor said, you know, I'm not quite convinced that we are have a crime problem as much as that we are not communicating to the public, you know, the successes of our police department and the good jobs that they're doing. And I think that goes for, you know, a lot of things that staff does. I mean, we talked about the three leases and, you know, the money earlier, you know, that was basically genocide, not in the rest of our staff. So, you know, if we do some analysis there, you know, let's just make sure we kind of look at more than just, you know, is crime up or is crime down? You know, you know, whether what's up in the front side or, you know, wherever, but, you know, figure out ways that, you know, we can better we can better give. Has the vice mayor said give the staff the credit for doing the job that they're doing? And, you know, I'm perfectly fine with having a Saturday meeting. I think I think better at three in the afternoon than three in the morning. And, you know, I'm worried about two hour, three hour workshops, you know, making council meetings go later. But, you know, it's an imposition on us to to give up our weekends, you know. But that's what we signed up for. So, I mean, however it works out, it works out. But, you know, I'm fine with a weekend workshop to. All right, so they're in motion. I'll make a motion. So I'd like to move that that we direct staff to compile a report. That would include a public update on crime within the city. That includes trends as well as what the city is doing and what additional steps can be taken to reduce or thwart criminal activity and to hold or conduct a workshop to give the report. I'd like to second that question. Yes. Member matter. I would. But those come simultaneously. I think it's a public report on what's listed on the trends and what you can do. I think police have already are already starting to work on that. I do not want to have that held up and held from the public and waiting for us to schedule a workshop sometime next year . I think that train can roll by itself and then we get a chance to look at. I prefer that it comes out as soon as it's ready to come out and then we get a chance to look at it, to interact with the community and then have a workshop if we're going to have a workshop. And so I want to make sure that distinction is clear. So I'm not saying that we don't I think that part of the conversation has been that the report can be released whenever it's completed, but that the purpose would be to actually host the workshop so that we can discuss the contents of the report in a meaningful way. I just want to make sure the point is that that report comes out before the workshop. Well, I think the report can come out whenever it's ready. Right. I mean, I don't think there's any ask to reject to withhold the information. The reason I submitted the referral is, honestly, I want the information and I would like it as soon as possible. So I can amend my motion to just state that whenever the report is completed that it be released. However, I would also like to have the workshops set as soon as possible after the information is released so that we can have that conversation. Well, and again, I think we leave that to the. I think I think the direction is is that and I think we've made it very clear in the conversation that we scheduled the workshop to occur. The staff have an estimate of. Time whenever, whenever feasible. I mean, that part of it is also just going to be a schedule, a scheduling issue. And we don't want to schedule the workshop during the holidays when we're not going to be able to actually interact with members of the public. What I'm hearing is that the report is probably going to be released sometime relatively soon. So through the 30 year timeline of criminal activity by. Part one and part two. By sector. Five, 30 year timeline by part one and part two citywide from the FBI. Information over a 30 year time period is what we will first give to the public. And as we're doing a more refined data and we can also submit that before workshop. And what I'm hearing too is that we will try and schedule the workshop as soon as possible, but after the holidays. And just for clarification, which is kind of what I'm probably being dense here, but what is the part, one part to you? It's major crimes and, you know, rapes and robberies and or even worse. Oh, is it scheduled at least? Jeff is a better person to me. Maybe have him speak now. See, that's not too much on the spot. Right? So two things. Part one, crimes are basically the more serious offenses murder, rape, robbery, auto burglary, burglary, grand theft, arson. Things of that nature are two. Crimes are everything else. That's that's how and the reason why it's broken up that way is that's what the how every law enforcement agency reports their crime every month to the FBI . It's based on something called UCR reporting requirements, uniform crime reporting. So the federal government doesn't care what the individual states thresholds are for, say, grand theft and petty theft. They've got their own categories and they want us to report to them every month based on those categories. So part one is more serious. Part two is everything else. So my understanding is the city has sectors. That's how we break up the city. We do. And I have I have crime statistics that are available by those sectors. The article that Sarah Henry and I worked on, that's going to be coming out later this week. I did not break it down by the sectors. I just did an overall for the entire island, 30 year kind of a look back. And then I spoke specifically about some of the trends that we're seeing this year. I can absolutely do the sector reports. No problem. But one thing that I would want the council to know upfront is that when I was hired 26 years ago, almost, we only had four reporting districts. We now have five. So it's not going to be it's going to be a little bit skewed. And five is the base. It's Alameda Point. In 1992 when I was hired, we didn't patrol that area. We now do. And so that's our fifth sector. Sectors one through four haven't changed or. Have not. Changed, or the data would still be relevant in regards to any change in crime in each sector. One through. Four. Yes, the addition of five. Rests with with the caveat that sector one has just grown exponentially in the last couple of years with Alameda Landing. So again, you're going to be talking about sector one four that looked one way for 23 years and then for the last couple of years looks entirely different. Right. And feel free to in your report to make footnotes in regards to that. So the public is aware so that it's more meaningful to the public and to us? Absolutely. That'll be very helpful. Yeah. All right. So now can I make one more suggestion? The report can be prepared because I already have the data. It's just compiling it and doing a narrative with footnotes and all that. My suggestion would be that here we are near the middle of November. If I could come to you in early January, I would have the complete 2017 year. The data from the month of December is usually available in the first week or two of January, and so I could come to you with a complete year that way as opposed to 11 months. Okay, so that sounds great. So then we can try to set something in early January. That'd be wonderful. Thank you very much. Our second meeting of. That meeting in January, probably. Yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you. Appreciate it. Welcome. So we have a motion now ready to say something like Vote the motion. And I seconded all those in favor. My motion carries unanimous. Thank you. And now we are on six B was moved. That's going to be coming back to December 5th, six C. Public hearing to consider amendments to the Community Development BLOCK Grant Action Plans for fiscal year 2010 through 11 through 20 1617. Authorizing the City Manager to execute related documents and adoption of resolution amending fiscal year 20 1718 budget. Hi. Hi. I'm Lisa. You probably want to pull your mike down just a little. Yeah. Perkins. Madam Mayor. Members of the city council and staff. I am Lisa Fitts with the Alameda Housing Authority. I'm the manager for the CDBG home and BMR programs and I've been with the city since June.