01-10-2008 Minutes S ALINA/S ALINE C OUNTY L AW E NFORCEMENT
A DVISORY C OMMITTEE
J ANUARY 10, 2008
Members Present: Tony Blair, Earle Bess, Lucila Corley, James D. Hill, Glen
Kochanowski, Bill Gerry, Recording Secretary Ann Haden. Prospective board members
present were Dorothy Armster, Gary Cummings, and Joel Wimer.
Minutes of the November 8, 2007 meeting were approved.
New Business. President Tony Blair recognized the three prospective board members in
attendance and short introductions followed. He reviewed the development of the
committee, based on State Statute KSA 22-4610, requiring law enforcement agencies of
cities of the first class must have an independent citizen advisory board reflecting the racial
and ethnic community. Chief Hill advised the SPD has a bias based/racial profiling policy
in place and all members will be provided a copy. Tony reviewed the committee bylaws.
A motion by Tony Blair to nominate Dorothy Armster, Gary Cummings and Joel Wimer to
the open board positions was seconded by Lucy Corley. With no further nominations, the
vote was unanimous.
During a recent meeting with the NAACP, Tony advised the discussion turned to various
means of making the public aware of what they can do if they feel they have been a victim
of racial profiling. Chief Hill advised the Salina Police Department has prepared a
pamphlet explaining the citizen complaint review process. This pamphlet provides
information to seek assistance at the local level and is being revised to include a statement
informing the public that they have the right to file a complaint with the Kansas Human
Rights association if they feel that they are a victim of racial/bias based profiling. Lucy will
have the form translated to Spanish. The pamphlet is currently available at the Salina
Police Department and the Human Relations office. Members indicated a desire to be able
to distribute the pamphlet at other community service groups and/or churches they attend.
Once corrections are made, board members can obtain copies from Ann at the police
department for distribution.
Chief Hill met with Father Carlos of Sacred Heart Cathedral who expressed concerns he
received from parishioners reference immigration issues. The concern arose over a
request for social security number when working an accident. It was decided that in most
cases the social security number is not required. As a result of this issue the police
department will no longer collect social security numbers unless it is required for a criminal
investigation.
Advisory Committee board members are invited to attend the annual racial profiling training
held for police employees and the Citizen’s Academy which is sponsored jointly by the
Sheriff’s Office and the Police Department
Complaints. Tony asked if anyone had received complaints relative to racial profiling.
None were voiced.
Old Business. During an earlier session of the committee there was discussion as to
whether it would be possible to install a pedestrian crossing on North Ninth Street between
Pacific and I-70. This is still in review with the traffic department.
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The next meeting will be held February 14 at 255 North 10, Room 207 of the Salina Police
Department.