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Citizen’s Police Review Board 01/07/2013 MINUTES Board Members Present: Minister William C. Muhammad, Quintan Cooley, Carlos Florez, David Bukala, Dardinella Hippchen, Nicholas Archer Board Members Absent: Connie Navarro, Excused Ann Craig, Excused Ruby Clark Staff Present: Denny Powers, Staff Liaison Chairperson William Muhammad called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Chairperson Muhammad asked if everyone had a chance to read the previous meeting minutes and if there were any corrections or additions. It was motioned, supported and passed to approve the minutes as presented. Old Business Chairperson William Muhammad noted that our item under old business is to review suggestions from the previous meeting from the letter from Ms. Dollie Hippchen. There was a discussion on each of these items. On item one (Every year the board needs to review and discuss the CPRB’s purpose and with each new appointee), there was general agreement on this. As far as item two (The board could appoint or elect a member to contact complainants and review the letter from Mr. Powers, thus informing them of the CPRB’s Board procedures before hand), it was pointed out by Mr. Powers that in addition to the certified letter they get, he already calls the complainant the week prior to the hearing to make sure they have the hearing on their schedule and they know where to go and to answer any questions. He pointed out that he could review those other items contained in the letter with them at that time as well since he will be on the phone with them anyway. Chairperson William Muhammad noted that he could also ask at the beginning of each hearing if they read and understood their letter and if they have any questions. There was a consensus that this was more than sufficient. After some discussion on items three through five, there was no consensus and it was decided those items would have to be handled by motion and vote. Items three and four were combined into one motion. Ms. Dardinella Hippchen motioned that the board compile an evaluation form to be handed to the complainant as part of the procedure for each hearing and that those forms be analyzed at a subsequent meeting by the board. There was no second on this motion and the motion died due to lack of support. On item five (Add the Muskegon Police Department’s Mission statement to those annual reviews and discussion to bring about unity of purpose.) the Chair entertained a motion. No motion was made. Chairperson William Muhammad thanked Ms. Hippchen for leaving her mark and for all the work she has put in as a board member. Other board members also thanked her for her service. Ms. Hippchen stated that she has never had a set side going into any case and that in some cases she sided against the officer’s behavior and in some cases she sided with the officer and voiced to the complainant what she has seen as them not handling correctly. New Business Mr. Powers noted to the board that Public Safety Director Lewis wished for them to be notified that on case 12-09 the disposition would come out past the normal 30 day mark as he is investigating at this time and is also waiting on a court outcome as well. Public Participation None. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The next meeting is February 4, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in room 103 of Muskegon City Hall. Respectfully submitted, Denny Powers _______________________________ Denny Powers, Staff Liaison to the CPRB
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