05-10-2007 MinutesP OLICE A DVISORY C OMMITTEE
S ALINA P OLICE D EPARTMENT
M AY 10, 2007
The Police Advisory Committee met in the SPD Conference Room #207 at 0700 on Thursday, May
10, 2007. Members Present: James D. Hill, Earle Bess, Tony Blair, Lucila Corley, Richard Frye, Bill
Gerry, Recording Secretary Ann Haden.
Lucila Corley distributed copies of the latest issue of La Voz de Salina. She advised that Chief Hill
met with religious leaders of the Hispanic community and discussed issues involving juveniles.
Chief Hill advised that Kaye Crawford, Human Relations Director of Salina, would like to develop a
partnership that would involve all segments of the community in order to address juvenile issues in
the schools such as bullying and intimidation between various ethnic groups. In order to attract a
larger population, perhaps a townhall meeting could be called. School Resource Officers will be a
valuable resource in this partnership.
With Lucy Larson being elected to the City Commission, we now have a position open on the
Advisory Committee. Please bring any suggestions to the next meeting or give Chief Hill a call.
The next order of business for the committee should be to adopt a set of bylaws, define membership
(5 or 7 members) and elect at least a Chair and a Co-chair. If everyone is in agreement, Ann Haden
can remain as recording secretary. Tony Blair submitted sample bylaws for review. Bill Gerry will
prepare samples to e-mail to members prior to our next meeting.
First Class cities in Kansas are required by State Statute to have a Police Advisory Committee.
Salina is a First Class city.
According to an opinion by the City Attorney, we are not required to make our Police Advisory
Committee meetings open to the public or the media.
The topic was addressed as to what procedure is followed if a complaint on police conduct is filed. If
a committee member receives a complaint from a constituent, they may contact either Chief Hill or
Lt. Gerry. In most instances the complainant will be referred to Lt. Gerry to complete a report and an
internal investigation will be conducted. Complaints may also be filed with the Kansas Human
Rights Commission. Once the investigation is complete a final report will be written and results can
be presented to the committee for review and comment. Our officers are held to a very high standard
and when complaints are received they are viewed as a serious matter.
Lucila advised that often times the Hispanic community does not completely understand the legal/law
enforcement system and needs to be able to question the process and receive instruction on the proper
way to proceed. Hopefully, the Police Advisory Committee will serve as a liason with the
community.
Tony Blair suggested committee member names be posted on the City of Salina web site so that
citizens will know who to contact.
Lucila advised there are two large community events planned for the Hispanic community in the near
thnd
future, a Mother’s Day celebration at Centennial Park on May 12 and on September 2 there will be a
gathering of Christians with attendance expected from at least four states.
Chief Hill will check on what solutions might be possible for pedestrians crossing North Ninth Street
between Pacific and I-70.
Next meeting: June 14, 2007 at 7:00 a.m. at Salina Police Department