Minutes 02-20-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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29 Chair Dorosin said a concern that has occurred in other places is officers turning off cameras before an incident takes place. He said Policy 427 says, “the recorder should remain on continuously,” and he asked if it would be worthwhile to make this language stronger. He said the question is how the discretion is monitored, and asked if the policy can include how they would determine if discretion were utilized appropriately. Jennifer Galassi said a violation of this policy is treated as any other violation, and internal affairs conducts an investigation and disciplines as appropriate, up to, and including termination. She said Policy 427.8 addressed the monitoring question, and supervisors are encouraged to spot check and monitor how things are going. Sheriff Blackwood said this is another piece of equipment, but it is a unique one. He said the concept of trust is being built on the legitimacy of what the officers are doing. He said nationally there have been studies that indicate officers are completely forgetting that the cameras are on, and are acting inappropriately. He said these scenarios speak to the culture of specific agencies and communities, and Orange County has a good agency and community, and a level of trust they do not want to jeopardize. He said there will be strong oversight of this equipment and its use by Orange County officers. Chair Dorosin said he appreciated that, but this is unique of equipment, and he would like this policy worded as strongly as possible. He said he believes Sheriff Blackwood has made this commitment to the community, and he would to see it reflected in the policy with a line that says that violations of this policy will be treated pursuant to, etc. Commissioner Price said there are several “shoulds” in the language, which give too much leeway, and she would like to see stronger language. Sheriff Blackwood agreed. b. Update on the Mobile Home Parks Initiative The Board received an update on the activities undertaken to date, as well as those that are upcoming, as it relates to the County’s Mobile Home Parks Initiative. Sherrill Hampton, Housing Director, said this initiative is an inter-departmental and multi-jurisdiction collaboration. She reviewed the yellow sheet at the Commissioners’ places: a revised draft strategy from Chapel Hill regarding the Lakeview Mobile Home Park. She said Chapel Hill has developed and completed the residents’ survey, which the County will use with a few tweaks. She said Chapel Hill is conducting its due diligence. Commissioner Price asked if Chapel Hill has a plan in place. Sherrill Hampton says Chapel Hill is continuing discussions with the developer, and is considering several sites and funding sources, but has not shared specifics. She said the conversations with the residents are very important. Commissioner Price asked if there is a hold on evictions. Sherrill Hampton said she does not know, and they will continue to update the Board of County Commissioners as information is received. Chair Dorosin said he spoke to the Mayor of Chapel Hill, and the developer has been cooperative, and has not submitted anything yet to the Town. He said some residents do not have leases anymore, and are living month to month. Sherrill Hampton said yes, that is correct. She said mobile home park owners have to comply with the 180-day North Carolina Statute for closure. Commissioner Jacobs asked Sherrill Hampton if the Town is looking at parcels. Sherrill Hampton said yes, the Town is examining Town-owned properties, and other locations. Commissioner Jacobs said there is a parcel of land on Homestead, and asked if the Town is considering that parcel.