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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/16/1993, 5 - ESTABLISHMENT OF A STUDENT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN CONJUNCTION WITH ASSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC. loril 16 L i v city of san t .3-0 oeispo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT FROM: James M. Gardiner .iOL- Bart Topham Chief of Police Captain SUBJECT: Establishment of a Student Neighborhood Assistance Program in conjunction with Associated Students, Inc. CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution authoring establishment of the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP), designating student workers as volunteers, and directing the City Administrative Officer to sign appropriate contracts to implement the program. BACKGROUND: The problem of noise related disturbances has been an increasing problem for the community. Over the past five years, complaints have steadily increased to over 2,400 responses in 1991. Police officers spent over 900 hours handling these calls. While educational and enforcement efforts have slowed the rate of increase of noise calls, the continuing commitment of valuable police resources for non-criminal calls cannot be sustained without detrimental impact to the overall safety of our community. Additionally, because of the financial difficulties we currently face, we must look for creative and less expensive alternatives to provide desired services at acceptable levels. Since the Department has had a record of developing collaborative approaches to service needs, we began looking at another innovative program to meet this current need. This concept is a unique adaptation of "peer policing" which was being used in several university and college communities throughout the nation. In conjunction with the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission's (POST) Command College, Captain Bart Topham conducted a two-year, in-depth examination of these programs. With financial support from POST, Capt. Topham's research included a nation wide survey, interviews, and program modeling. It included field examinations of what was happening (both pros and cons) in similar university communities in three states. Conceptual approval and direction to pursue this concept was given in late 1991. A lengthy period of discussion ensued between members of the police department, ASI board members and staff, and attorneys for ASI and the City. An agreement as to basic responsibilities and program design was formulated. The basic plan was submitted to the ASI Board as ASI Bill #93-01. it was approved on October 28, 1992 This bill was forwarded to the City for approval and program implementation. DISCUSSION Program Descriotion The primary responsibility of the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP) will be to utilize student resources to respond to first calls on most noise complaints. A cadre of SNAP personnel will be hired through a collaborative ASI/City program. Selection criteria are listed in Attachment #2 SNAP personnel will be hired by and receive their compensation through ASI. As the City will be receiving the benefits, salary funds will be contributed from the City. The students will then be provided comprehensive training and appropriate equipment �ll��� ulNlll '� II city of san LL ogispo IIIIiis COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT After certification by the police department, the SNAP responders will be paired in two,person teams. The teams will be identified by distinctive windbreakers, logo-ed shirts, and caps. Supervision of the team during normal work hours will be the responsibility of the on-duty police supervisor. As this is a pilot program, the trial effort will involve only one team at a time in the field. They will be scheduled to work approximately sic hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the school year. SNAP teams will be assigned as first responders on "routine" noise complaints. If information is received that the complaint involves a large crowd or appears to have the potential for confrontation, police officers will be assigned. The role of the SNAP team will be similar to the first response of police officers. They will determine if there is a disturbance, make contact with the responsible party, and then take the appropriate action. SNAP responders will explain their presence, provide information about the complaint, and then either issue a verbal warning or a Disturbance Advisement Card. They will not have the authority to issue citations. SNAP responders will be responsible for providing information to responsible individuals at noise calls. Their approach will be "low-key" and oriented to obtaining cooperation to resolve the problem. If they encounter any confrontation or lack of cooperation, they will immediately withdraw and notify police dispatch who will send police officers to handle the call. Program Benefits One of the primary benefits will be the increased availability of police officers to deal with more serious public safety problems during these peak activity hours. Even the pilot program should effectively increase the number of available officers by zone during our busiest times. This will allow for quicker response to "in-progress" or emergency calls and more directed patrol time for on-going problems like drunk drivers and drug or gang activity. Another benefit will be the direct, positive contribution made by students to improving our community. The support and commitment of the Associated Students, Ina is an important factor. They will have a leadership role in the administration of the program and will help define specific tasks for SNAP responders. i Program Risks Because of current California law and liability issues, it is not feasible for the ASI to provide coverage for associated liability and worker's compensation insurance. In other states the student government bodies are covered under the blanket policies of the educational institutions. As an independent body, ASI does not have the options which would allow the recommended levels of coverage. Therefore, after review by the City Attorney's office and the Personnel Department, it is recommended that the City provide the coverage. While this does create some exposure, we believe that the benefits to the City, ASI, and the community far outweigh the associated risk. The following factors have been considered in this recommendation. First, a rigorous selection and training process will clearly define SNAP responsibilities. Again, the emphasis is cooperation, not confrontation. Second, close supervision will be maintained throughout the field training and pilot program to ensure safe and appropriate practices. Third, a review of �'a2 �u��'�Iu.Ilulll '� IN City o� san ! s oBispo NiS COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT the other programs has shown no worker's compensation or liability claims in any of these programs. The administrative supervision of the program will be through the ASI. For purposes of providing appropriate coverage, however, the student participants need to be designated as volunteers for the City. This will allow the ASI to coordinate the work schedules and payment of SNAP participants while the City provides the insurance coverage. As this employment relationship remains to be clarified, the ASI Bill currently indicates that the City is the "Direct employer.° This language will be reviewed and clarified in the actual agreements between the CITY and ASI. Finally, the ASI bill indicates that the City would provide automobile coverage for a vehicle donated by ASI. As this detail has not been finalized, i.e. who provides the vehicle, we will work to ciarify this issue in the best interests of the program based on operational considerations prior to implementation. Program Oversight As this is a collaborative program, an Advisory Board will be formed to provide oversight, review, and direction for SNAP. The Board will consist of representatives as indicated on Attachment #2- Program Education A major education campaign will accompany the implementation of this pilot program. It will be important for all community residents to understand the role of SNAP responders. We will work closely with local media prior to implementation of the program to provide as much public exposure as possible. We will also prepare an information brochure to describe the program. The brochure will be used for general dissemination and will also be given out on SNAP responses during the pilot program. We will enlist the assistance of both local educational institutions to develop official support for the program. Additionally, we will utilize existing community resources such as the Student Community Liaison Committee; Residents for Quality Neighborhoods, the Interfratemity Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and others to further ensure understanding of the program. FISCAL IMPACT As there are no budgeted funds for this program, it is requested that $15,000 be appropriated from salary savings from the 1992-93 budget to cover initial program start up costs and SNAP salaries. Overtime for police department trainers will be covered out of the department's budget Employee Costs: 6 part-time temporaries (1 FTE equivalent) @ 6.30 hour - X 36 hours per week $226.80 per week @ 36 weeks per year $8,164.80 per year. Worker's Compensation @ $139.00 per year _ $8,303.80 per year S3 ,01101 hIIII�Ip`11 city of San . ,s OBIspo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Equipment Costs: 1 portable radio, flashlights, miscellaneous equipment $3,000.00 Training Costs: 6 part-time temporaries @ 5.00 hour (training salary) X 34 hours $1,020.00 Publications Informational brochures = $3,000.00 Total Program Request = $159323.80 ALTERNATIVES Adopt Resolution authorizing Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP) to begin in the fall semester 1993. Determine not to develop a Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP). Defer decision to develop Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP) pending further study. CONCURRENCES We have met with representatives from the ASI, Residents for Quality Neighborhoods, and the Student Community Liaison Committee. They have all indicated their support for the program. ATTACHMENTS 1. Resolution 2 ASI Draft Bill #93-01 3. Proposed SNAP training program 4. Letter from Residents for Quality Neighborhoods s'� RESOLUTION No. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AUTHORIZING DEVELOPMENT OF THE STUDENT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND WORKER'S COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR SNAP VOLUNTEERS WHEREAS, the City Council desires to continue efforts towards improved relations between students and the community; and WHEREAS, the Associated Students Incorporated (A.S.I.) of California Polytechnic State University, and the San Luis Obispo Police Department have developed an innovative "peer policing" program; and WHEREAS, the A.S.I. have passed legislation authorizing the participation in a Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP); and WHEREAS, those students participating in the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program provide a viable service to the community; and WHEREAS, SNAP volunteers are not covered byworker's compensation insurance for injuries or illnesses incurred while performing services as part of the SNAP program; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Does hereby authorize the development of the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP) as discussed in the attachments herein. SECTION 2. At the time of program implementation, worker's compensation coverage will be provided for SNAP volunteers who suffer from injuries or illnesses arising out of an in the course of performing duties assigned as part cf the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program. SECTION 3. Worker's compensation insurance for SNAP volunteers will be equivalent to that provided to miscellaneous members. On motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member , and on the following roll call vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of PEG PINARD, MAYOR ATTEST: DIANE GLADWELL, CITY CLERK CONCURRENCE: JOHN DU , CITY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE �JAMES M. GARDINER, CHIEF OF POLICE WILLIAM STATLER, FINANCE DIRECTOR ANN SLATE, PERSONNEL DIRECTOR OR EN ATTORNEY ASSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC. -� EXECUTIVE OFFICE JULIAN A. MCPHEE UNIVERSITY UNION CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY r or SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93407 TEL: 805/756-1291 FAX: 805/756-5802 November 4, 1992 Captain Bart Topham San Luis Obispo Police Department P.O. Box 1328 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 RE: Student Neighborhood Assistance Program Dear Captain Topham Please find enclosed a copy of ASI Bill #93-01, "Student Neighborhood Assistance Program," as passed by the Board of Directors on October 28, 1992. I am forwarding this copy to your office, to assist your department in further development of SNAP as it approaches the next stage of review by the City. Should you have any questions or concerns, Please"do not hesitate to contact the ASI Executive Office at 756-1291, or myself personally at 545-9579. Thank you for your attention and continued support. Your time throughout this process has been greatly valued and appreciated. Cordially Brent Hultquist, Vice Chair ASI Board of Directors kj ' encl. Associated Students, Inc. California Polytechnic State University _ . San Luis Obispo BILL #93-01 STUDENT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) Article I. Origin This bill is presented in accordance with Board of Directors Operational Code, Article VIII, Section C, by Brent Hultquist, Board of Directors Vice Chair. Article II. Purpose This bill is designed to establish an agreement by and between the City of San Luis Obispo (hereafter "City') and the Associated Students, Inc. of California State Polytechnic University (hereafter'ASII and is made and entered into in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein. Article III. Background The city and ASI have jointly searched for innovative approaches to involve the student constituency in securing a safer environment by assisting local law enforcement, and have concluded that a program involving students taking an active role in specifically defined crime prevention and order maintenance activities within the community would be mutually beneficial. The goal of the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (hereafter'SNAP") is to provide an opportunity for students to create a safer environment for themselves and the community. SNAP participants will assist focal law enforcement as first responders to specified student-related calls for service, and provide a variety of student-oriented crime prevention services. , Article IV. Implementation SNAP will generally operate Wednesday through Saturday of each week while the University is in session. SNAP participants will be paid an hourly rate as established by the Operational Rules and Regulations. Work assignments will be from approximately 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM. There will generally be two teams of SNAP members, consisting of two students each. The on-duty Police field supervisor will be responsible for functional supervision of working SNAP members. However,administrative supervision shall remain with ASI and their authorized agents. (Examples of these two types of supervision are needed) The City and ASI shall jointly develop Operational Rules and Regulations for SNAP. Eauioment Each team will be equipped with the following: 1. ASI vehicle (clearly marked) 2. SNAP program cap and windbreaker 3. Police portable radio and holder 4. Police flashlight 5. Written Warning cards Advisory Board Oversight and review of SNAP shall be accomplished by an Advisory Board composed of: 1. Chief of San Luis Obispo Police Department or his designee 2. Chief Administrative Officer City of San Luis Obispo or his designee 3. ASI Representative i i i 4. Representative from neighborhood/community citizen's group 5. Representative from University Administration ;- Representative from Interfraternity Council 7. Representative from Panhellenic Council f S. Representative from Cuesta Community College 9. Representative from Cal Poly Public Safety Department The Advisory Board shall be governed by Advisory Board by-laws, which shall be developed by the City and ASI. Funding The City will contribute funds for SNAP. The City shall contribute and ASI shall contribute one vehicle, caps and windbreakers. Police Authority A SNAP member has no authority to use force or make arrests and will not personally intervene in any situation that could endanger himself or herself, or any other person or property. Indemnification In exchange for ASI's participation in SNAP,the City agrees to Indemnify and hold harmless ASI and its I agents, representatives, officers and employees from any and all loss, liability, claims, demands, damages or costs arising out of any injury, death or property damage that may be suffered or incurred by participants in the program or any other person, arising out of or in connection with operation of the program, except that the City shall have no liability for damages or costs Incident thereto caused by the sole negligence of ASI, or its officers, employees or agents. insurance City shall maintain in full force and effect during the term of the operation of SNAP general liability in the sum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) for injury to or death of any one person for each occurrence, and in the sum of Two Million Dollars (82,000,000)for injury to or death of more than one person for each occurrence. Additionally,the City,as the Direct Employer of SNAP participants, shall maintain in full force and effect during said term of operation of SNAP worker's compensation insurance for the benefit of all paid participants of SNAP. Furthermore, upon acceptance of the tide of the vehicle donated by ASI,the city shall provide comprehensive automobile insurance, Termination This Agreement shall be effective upon execution and shall terminate two years from said execution date unless it has been renewed by both parties. Prior to renewal of this Agreement,the City and ASI shall make an evaluation review of SNAP and determine the continued need for such services following the scheduled termination of this Agreement This Agreement may be terminated at arty time, by either parry, without cause, upon thirty(30) day advance written notification. OPERATIONAL RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Each tour of duty will be from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM with a briefing at 8:45 PM. � 9 2. Any observed violations or crimes in progress will be immediately reported by radio to the Police Department. Members will not take action in crime suppression activities, but will act as the"eyes and ears"of the Police by reporting suspicious activity, crimes, etc. 3. Members will respond to assigned crime prevention services such as security surveys, neighborhood watch programs, elder assistance programs, and other similar duties as assigned at the discretion of the Advisory Board. 4. All members must successfully complete and consistently comply with the training program administered by the Police Department All members must complete and comply with all training updates and refreshers administered by the Police Department or the ASI. 5. SNAP members will have frequent contact with the public and will be expected to remain courteous, helpful, and respectful to everyone at all times. No vulgar, insulting, or inflammatory language will be used by any member. 6. Members will periodically complete written reports as directed. 7. Members shall obey an order or instruction from a law enforcement officer at all times. 8. Members shall be exposed to confidential information from time to time. No information or knowledge gained as a member of SNAP shall be discussed or in any way divulged to anyone outside the chain-of-command. 9. All members must successfully complete entrance requirements. 10. Other rules and regulations may be adopted as appropriate. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS ' 1. Must be enrolled in either California Polytechnic State University or Cuesta Community College,and be carrying a class enrollment of nine or more units. 2. Must be at least 18 years of age. 3. Must make application to SNAP and successfully complete an oral interview board and a modified background investigation. 4. Must be free of misdemeanor and felony convictions. Misdemeanor citations may be excepted on a case-by-case basis. 5. Must possess a valid California driver's license and proof of active motor vehicle insurance. 6. Must be willing to comply with all program rules and regulations. �5-!L AAP TRAINING PROGR A I. INTRODUCTION A. Ride-along Indoctrination 4 hours 1. One 4-hour ride-along session B. Welcome/Briefing 1/2 hour 1. Program Goals and Philosophy C. Police Organizational Structure 1-1/2 hours 1. Structure and Tour II. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES 3 hours A. Local B. State C. Program III. PROCEDURES 2 hours A. Program B. Patrol C. Administrative IV. EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY 6 hours A. Use of Police radios and equipment B. Safe driving Techniques C. Report Writing V. CITY/A.S.I. PROCEDURES 1 hour A. Forms B. Risk Management C. Policies VI. COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS 4 hours A. Interviewing and Contact Skills B. Body Language and Values C. Interpersonal Skills VII. ROLE PLAYING 4 hours A. Contacts B. Calls C. Crime Prevention VIIL FIELD TRAINING 8hours A. Assignment to Field Training.Officers TOTAL '34 hours I RQ Residents for Quality Neighborhoods P.O. Box 12604 . San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 January 25, 1993 To: San Luis Obispo City Council On January 20,1993 four members of Residents for Quality Neighborhoods attended a presentation at the San Luis Obispo Police Station by Chief Jim Gardiner and Capt. Bart Topham on the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program. Our Board of Directors unanimously concurs with the program concept and suggests that its implementation be accelerated and that two patrol cars rather than one be used. Sincerely, Tom Kay Vice Chairperson cc Chief Gardiner