HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2007-043
Sponsored by: Yoder
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CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2007-043
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEW AD,
ALASKA, OPPOSING HB 193 WHICH SEEKS TO CHANGE THE
COMPOSITION OF THE ALASKA POLICE STANDARDS COUNCIL
WHEREAS, the composition of the Council is essential in ensuring that the mission of
the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC) is carried out; and
WHEREAS, the mission of APSC is to produce highly trained and postively motivated
professionals capable of meeting contemporary law enforcement standards of performance; and
WHEREAS, having diversity of members from different geographic and demographic
areas of Alaska is paramount in meeting this goal; and
WHEREAS, HB 193 was introduced, and if passed, would remove three members from
the eleven member council, and replace them with three union nominated employees; and
WHEREAS, this would change the complexity of the council, and cause a shift in the
balance which would favor labor organizations, who may not focus on APSC's mission as their
primary concern; and
....
WHEREAS, passage of HB 193 will change the dynamics of the council from an
impartial group of professionals who are interested in preserving the integrity of Alaska's law
enforcement system and the public trust, to one weighted towards special interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
193.
Section 1. The City of Seward hereby declares their opposition to the passage of HB
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 23rd day
of April, 2007.
.....
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2007-043
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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Vanta Shafer, Mayor I
Dunham, Valdatta, Thomas, Bardarson, Amberg, Shafer
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Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: April 23, 2007
Through: Marvin Yoder, Interim City Manager
From: Thomas Clemons, Chief of Police
Agenda Item: Declaring Opposition to the Passage of HB 193
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
Senator French is sponsoring, HB 193, which seeks to change the composition of the Alaska Police
Standards Council (APSC). The composition of the Council is essential in ensuring that the mission
of the APSC is carried out, which is to produce highly trained and postively motivated professionals
capable of meeting contemporary law enforcement standards of performance.
Having diversity within the council is paramount in meeting this goal. Currently the council has
members from a wide demographic in Alaska, which allows for the consideration of many
different perspectives. The bill, if passed, would remove three members from the eleven member
council, and replace them with three union nominated employees. This would cause a shift in the
balance which would favor labor organiations, who may not focus on APSC’s mission as their
primary concern. I believe that the primary reason HB 193 was introduced is to affect this type of
change, with the ultimate goal of opposing the amendment to 13 AAC 85.090.
It has become apparent that certain labor organizations are opposed to amending 13 AAC 85.090,
which would mandate that Police agencies report serious misconduct to APSC. Some
organizations have negotiated with Officers, that in return for a voluntary resignation they will not
disclose the offense to the APSC. That way the individual’s certification is not at risk and they
are free to apply for work at a different department. While this may make the problem employee
go away for the union and/or employer, it is inexcusable and in effect just pushes the problem
onto other communities. This actually enables individuals to continue in their unprofessional and
sometimes criminal behavior, which definitely is not in the best interest of the public or other law
enforcement professionals.
Passage of this bill will change the dynamics of the council from an impartial group of
professionals who are interested in preserving the integrity of Alaska’s law enforcement system
and the public trust, to one heavily weighted towards special interests. Other communities in the
state are also proposing the same resolution in opposition to HB 193.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST
:
Where applicable, this agenda statement is consistent with the Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive
Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures.
Other:
FISCAL NOTE:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
Council approve resolution 2007-043, declaring opposition to the passage of HB 193.