01-11-2007 MinutesP OLICE A DVISORY C OMMITTEE
S ALINA P OLICE D EPARTMENT
J ANUARY 11, 2007
The Police Advisory Committee met in the SPD Conference Room #207 at 0700 on Thursday,
January 11, 2007. Members Present: James D. Hill, Earle Bess, Tony Blair, Lucila Corley, Richard
Frye, Bill Gerry, Luci Larson, Recording Secretary Ann Haden.
Chief Hill welcomed and thanked all members for giving of their time in the interest of improving
our community, followed by introductions of all members.
The idea of creating this committee has long been considered, and when the Legislature enacted
legislation regarding racial profiling and included structure for citizen advisory boards, it became
even more pertinent. This committee is intended to reflect the racial and ethnic community of Salina
and to assist in policy development, education and community outreach related to bias based profiling
among other law enforcement issues.
Each member received a copy of State Statute 22-4606/Racial and Other Profiling, Salina Police
Department General Order O2106/Biased Based/Racial Profiling, and The Commission on
Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. 2006 Assessment Report. Chief Hill briefly
reviewed the documents and asked members to peruse them prior to the next meeting.
Formal complaints against the Department or any of its members are referred to the Internal Affairs
Unit and investigated by Lt. Bill Gerry. Minor complaints, such as those involving demeanor, may
be handled by the involved employee’s commanding officer or immediate supervisor. Lt. Gerry
reviewed the IA complaints filed in calendar year 2006.
The police department’s authorized strength is 79 officers and we currently employ 76. Rarely are
we able to maintain strength at 79. Authorized strength gives the city 1.6 officers per thousand
citizens, which leaves us short staffed, as officers go from call to call with no down time to interact
with citizens within their coverage area.
Areas of concern noted by members:
Educate law enforcement on why Mexican citizens come to the area.
Certain citizens feel intimidated about making complaints to authority figures
Educate citizens on how law enforcement can assist with issues perhaps with officers
attending community functions (in and out of uniform) creating a more relaxed atmosphere
for all involved
All members will be provided with committee member contact information and the City of Salina
website address for accessing the Salina Police Department’s website.
At this time the committee will meet the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 AM at the Salina
Police Department. This may later be scaled back to quarterly meetings. The next meeting date is
February 8, 2007.