HomeMy WebLinkAboutPolice Advisory & Accountability Committee 2024-07-17 Agenda Packet
POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, July 17, 2024 AT 6:00 PM
In-Person:
San Rafael City Council Chambers
1400 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, California
Virtual:
Watch Online: https://tinyurl.com/PAAC-7-17-24
Listen by Phone: (669) 444-9171
Meeting ID: 898-5264-7245#
AGENDA
How to participate in the meeting:
• You are welcome to provide comments in-person at the meeting. Each speaker will have
2-minutes to provide public comment.
• Submit your comments by email to PAAC@cityofsanrafael.org by 4:00 p.m. the day of the
meeting.
CALL TO ORDER – 6:00PM
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes from the meeting of May 22nd, 2024.
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
The public is welcome to address the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee at this
time on matters not on the agenda that are within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no
longer than 2 minutes and should be respectful to the community.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
If necessary to ensure the completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish
time limits for the presentations by individual speakers.
2. Other Agenda Items:
a. Provide feedback on the San Rafael Police Department’s Mental Health and Alternative
Response
Recommendation: Provide feedback.
b. Domestic Violence Response in San Rafael
Recommendation: Accept the report.
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c. 2023 Community Survey Data
Recommendation: Accept the report.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
3. Other brief program updates or reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars
attended by staff.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
4. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the
Committee members.
ADJOURNMENT
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Board less than 72 hours before the meeting, shall be available for
inspection online and in the city hall large conference room, third floor, 1400 5th Avenue, San Rafael, California placed with other agenda-
related materials on the table in front of the location prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters may be requested by calling (415) 485-
3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours
in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in accessible formats upon request.
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POLICE ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE (PAAC)
WEDNESDAY, May 22, 2024 AT 6:00 PM
In-Person:
San Rafael Public Safety Center
1375 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, California
Virtual:
Watch Online:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBlUmh6ln4M
Listen by Phone: (669) 444-9171
Meeting ID: 898-5264-7245#
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kamena called the meeting to order at 6:07 PM.
ROLL CALL
Present: Member Marilyn Alvarez
Member Daniel Alm
Member Daryoush Davidi
Member Darlin Ruiz
Member Paula Kamena
Alternate Member Salamah Locks
Alternate Member Karla Valdez
Absent: Member Mydung Nguyen
Member Fatai Tokolahi
Also Present:
Angela Robinson Piñon, Assistant City Manager
Scott Eberle, Lieutenant, San Rafael Police Department
Lieutenant Scott Eberle informed the community that the in-person meeting would also
be recorded and streamed live to YouTube and through Zoom. He noted the two-minute
timer for public comment and closed captioning on Zoom.
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1. MINUTES
Alternate Member Locks moved to approve the minutes from April 17, 2024,
and Member Davidi seconded the motion.
AYES: MEMBERS: Alm, Alvarez, Davidi, Ruiz, Locks, Kamena, Valdez
NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Nguyen and Tokolahi
The motion carried 7-0-0.
2. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Heidi made a comment regarding military use equipment.
Jason made a comment regarding the homeless encampment at Mahone Creek
and an altercation involving SRPD and an individual with mental health needs
in B Street.
3. OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
a. Provide feedback on the San Rafael Police Department’s Law Enforcement
Training.
Chair Kamena introduced the item.
Lieutenant Scott Eberle presented the staff report.
Staff responded to the Committee’s questions.
Chair Kamena invited public comment
- Speakers: Heidi, Jason
The Committee provided comments.
Chair Kamena closed the item.
b. Mental Health and Alternative Response. Presented by Aziz Majid, SAFE
Team Director.
Chair Kamena introduced the item.
Aziz Majid, SAFE Team Director, gave a presentation and overview of the SAFE
team.
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Staff responded to the Committee’s questions.
Chair Kamena invited public comment
- Speakers: Xania, Heidi and Jason
The Committee provided comments.
Member Alm requested more funding for the SAFE team
Member Ruiz asked if there were Latinx members in the SAFE team.
Alternate Member Locks requested more funding for the SAFE team
Chair Kamena closed the item.
c. Development of the 2024 Workplan
Lieutenant Scott Eberle presented the work plan for the next four months.
Staff responded to the Committee’s questions.
Chair Kamena invited public comment
- Speakers: Heidi
The Committee provided comments.
The Committee approved the following work plan topics - Use of Force, Youth
and the Police, Domestic Violence, and Homelessness
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Staff Liaison Report: None.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5. Committee Member Reports:
• Chair Kamena: Met with Canal Alliance staff, is working with the Marin
County Coalition to End Human Trafficking, attended the Center for
Domestic Peace’s annual Mother’s Day event, and participated in an
oral interview panel for SRPD.
• Member Alm: Participated in an oral interview panel for SRPD. Met
with community member Heidi.
• Member Ruiz: Met with the Marin Organizing Committee, attended and
graduated from Canal Alliance’s Leadership Academy
• Member Locks: Promoted the Commission of Aging’s Event, Aging in
Marin, a cross-cultural conversation on May 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m.
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• Member Davidi: Attended vintage car show, met with Councilmember
Hill at the event, and interacted with the Police officers in attendance.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Kamena adjourned the meeting at 7:54 PM.
___________________________
SCOTT EBERLE, Staff Liaison
APPROVED THIS _____DAY OF_______, 2024
POLICE ADVISORY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
AGENDA REPORT
July 17, 2024
Item 2a
TITLE: MENTAL HEALTH AND ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE
RECOMMENDATION: Provide feedback.
BACKGROUND:
At the May 22, 2024, meeting of the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee, the
Committee heard a presentation that provided background on Mental Health and the City’s
alternative response team Specialized Assistance For Everyone (SAFE).
Aziz Majid, the SAFE Team Director, provided an overview of how the SAFE team was
established, its scope, capabilities, and some of the current statistics from the previous
year.
DISCUSSION:
The SAFE Team has had many successful outcomes in San Rafael connecting community
members to psychiatric services, de-escalating crises, aiding the unhoused community
members to secure housing at local shelters, and providing drug/alcohol addiction
resources. The SAFE Team has helped with medical aid, drug/alcohol counseling, mental
health assessments, and diversions of patients from regional Emergency Departments.
Furthermore, the SAFE Team has diverted our at-risk population from the justice system
through jail diversions and early interventions.
Please note that City staff and Aziz Majid presented much of the background and context
about the SAFE team at the May 22, 2024, meeting. Therefore, staff recommends that the
Committee direct its feedback on topics covered in the presentation. Staff can also respond
to any questions related to the May 22, 2024, PAAC meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Submitted by:
Scott Eberle
Lieutenant, San Rafael Police Department
ATTACHMENTS:
1. May 22, 2024- Item 2B, MENTAL HEALTH AND ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE
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POLICE ADVISORY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
AGENDA REPORT
July 17, 2024
Item 2b
TITLE: Domestic Violence Response in San Rafael
RECOMMENDATION: Accept the report.
BACKGROUND:
Domestic violence is a serious issue affecting individuals and families across the globe. Effective
management of domestic violence cases requires a coordinated response from law enforcement
agencies and support organizations such as centers for domestic violence.
The community of San Rafael, unfortunately, is not immune from the problem of domestic
violence. In 2023, the San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) took 212 Domestic Violence Related
cases. Sixty-Seven of them included a dangerous weapon, and nine of them involved
strangulation. This represents approximately 2.5% of the total cases SRPD took during that time
frame.
SRPD is dedicated to delivering compassionate, victim-centered services that hold offenders
accountable while connecting victims to further assistance. Recognizing the complexity of this
issue, we collaborate with various victim services. The Center for Domestic Peace is the primary
service center in Marin County that focuses on supporting victims with assistance, prevention,
and education to end domestic violence. They work closely with the SRPD to provide
comprehensive care.
DISCUSSION:
Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence
Initial Response
When law enforcement officers respond to a domestic violence call, their primary objectives are
to ensure the safety of the victim, prevent further harm, and gather evidence. The steps typically
include:
1. Assessment of the Situation: Upon arrival, officers assess the situation to determine the
immediate danger. If necessary, this includes separating the involved parties to prevent
further violence.
2. Ensuring Safety: Officers prioritize the safety of the victim and any children present. They
may provide medical assistance or arrange for emergency shelter if needed.
3. Evidence Collection: Officers gather evidence, which may include photographing injuries,
documenting the scene, and collecting witness statements.
4. Arrest and Legal Action: Depending on the severity of the incident and the evidence
collected, officers may arrest the perpetrator. They also provide the victim with information
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on obtaining restraining orders and other legal protections.
Follow-Up
Following the initial response, law enforcement agencies may engage in follow-up actions,
including:
1. Reporting and Documentation: Detailed reports are filed to document the incident,
which is crucial for any subsequent legal proceedings.
2. Referrals: Officers refer victims to the Center for Domestic Peace ,other support
services, and victim advocacy programs for ongoing assistance.
Role of Domestic Violence Centers
Domestic violence centers play a crucial role in providing immediate and long -term support to
victims. Their services include:
1. Emergency Shelter: Safe and confidential housing is provided for victims and their
children, offering a secure environment away from the abuser.
2. Crisis Counseling: Professional counselors offer emotional support, help victims
process their experiences, and develop safety plans.
3. Medical and Legal Assistance: Centers often provide or coordinate medical care and
legal advocacy to help victims navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Beyond immediate crisis intervention, domestic violence centers offer long-term support to help
victims rebuild their lives. Some services offered are counseling and therapy, support groups,
housing and employment assistance, and education and skill building.
Training for Law Enforcement
Domestic violence centers, along with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
(POST) approved and in-house training, play a crucial role in educating and training law
enforcement personnel to enhance their response to these incidents. Some of the training
includes attending to our shift-change briefings, along with multi-day advance training.
The trainings are conducted to educate officers on the dynamics of domestic violence, victim
behavior, and effective intervention strategies. Practical exercises and simulations are often used
in training to help officers practice their responses to various domestic violence scenarios,
enhancing their decision-making skills in real-life situations.
Effective handling of domestic violence cases requires a collaborative approach between law
enforcement and domestic violence centers. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for
immediate intervention, ensuring safety and legal action, while domestic violence centers provide
crucial ongoing support and services to victims. Additionally, through comprehensive training
programs, domestic violence centers, like the Center for Domestic Peace, enhance the ability of
law enforcement officers to respond to these incidents sensitively and effectively. Together, these
efforts contribute to the safety, healing, and empowerment of domestic violence victims.
Page 3 of 3
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with accepting this report.
Submitted by:
Scott Eberle
Lieutenant
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Page 1 of 2
POLICE ADVISORY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
AGENDA REPORT
July 17, 2024
Item 2c
TITLE: 2023 Community Survey Data
RECOMMENDATION: Accept the report.
BACKGROUND:
In an effort to gauge community perspectives on policing, the City hosted a series of community
meetings from October 2022 to March 2023. These hybrid sessions, conducted in English,
Spanish, and Vietnamese, drew significant participation, with around 200 community members
attending. Participants engaged in in-person and virtual breakout sessions facilitated by trusted
community facilitators. In these sessions, participants shared personal experiences with the San
Rafael Police Department (SRPD) and offered insights into their perceptions of safety and
security. Facilitators then consolidated these discussions, highlighting prevalent concerns and
themes for formal consideration by the SRPD.
From these interactions, five key themes were identified for the SRPD:
• Building community trust.
• Enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Diversifying the police force.
• Improving cultural competence and empathy.
• Increasing police visibility to enhance feelings of public safety.
To address the community's call for enhanced accountability, the City Council tasked staff with
forming the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee (PAAC). To align the PAAC with
community priorities, staff developed a survey to understand residents' priorities for the
committee. Surveys were collected from July 17, 2023, to September 22, 2023. The survey was
made accessible to residents digitally and physically, if needed, in English and Spanish, and
promoted through social media, Snapshot the City’s bi-weekly newsletter, and flyers (Virtual
Survey).
In a collaborative effort with the City Council, staff organized four community conversations, each
corresponding to one of the City's four City Council districts. These sessions allowed attendees
to take part in an interactive version of the survey, creating an opportunity for residents to engage
with their elected officials about the PAAC and the survey (Open House). Moreover, staff
partnered with Voces del Canal, an advocacy group from the Canal neighborhood, to survey
Canal residents in Spanish (VDC Survey).
DISCUSSION:
The City collected over 300 survey responses from the community. The survey analysis revealed
several priorities for the PAAC, including concerns related to speeding, domestic violence,
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homelessness, substance abuse and overdose, parking, teen safety, and the formation of
neighborhood watch groups. Notable mentions in the survey findings include:
• Enhancing the feeling of safety in the community
• Addressing mental health concerns
• Ensuring women’s safety
• Combating elder abuse
Residents also had the opportunity to submit additional priorities for the PAAC, which included
quicker response times from the Police Department, theft reduction, pedestrian safety, equal
application of the law, housing, and other relevant topics.
The survey, along with its extensive feedback, serves as an invaluable resource for the Police
Advisory and Accountability Committee. It enables them better to understand the concerns and
priorities of our community as they work to enhance public safety and law enforcement
accountability.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with accepting this report.
Submitted by:
Walter Gonzalez
Management Analyst
ATTACHMENTS:
1. PAAC Community Outreach Survey Data - 2023
1
2023 Police Advisory and Accountability Committee
Survey Questions and Responses
1. What is your preferred language?
Language VDC Survey Virtual Survey Open House
Spanish 231 13 25
English 8 28 9
2. Do you own a business or work in San Rafael?*
Do you own a business
or work in San Rafael?
VDC Survey Virtual Survey Open House
Yes 159 18 -
No 93 33 -
3. Do you live in San Rafael?*
Do you live in San
Rafael?
VDC Survey Virtual Survey Open House
Yes 243 37 -
No 7 4 -
*Note: The Open House survey did not collect information for questions two and three
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4. What would you like the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee to focus on?
*Note: Questions T, U, and V were only asked to Open House Participants
S. Others, explain;
• PD officers should be in the Canal more frequently (2x)
• Stops/signage/cameras
• Cameras and signage/stops
• Pedestrian crosswalks and stops
• Prevent people from drinking alcoholic beverages in the streets and at the parks
• Lights and cameras
• Work to support those near Medway and Hoover (homelessness)
• Housing for homeless residents
Initiatives VDC
Survey
Virtual
Survey
Open House Total
A Cultural competency training 34 12 12 58
B Speeding 151 5 13 169
C Pretext Stops 19 6 5 30
D Elder Abuse 33 2 4 38
E Domestic Violence 85 6 6 97
F Diversifying the workforce 12 5 13 30
G Homelessness 64 15 9 88
H Substance abuse and overdose 62 5 7 74
I Feeling of Safety 33 9 5 46
J Parking 84 3 4 91
K Mental Health 49 8 - 57
L Quality of Life 27 2 - 29
M Partnering with neighborhood groups 23 6 5 34
N Teen Driving 22 - 3 25
O Teen Safety 59 - 9 68
P Safety Specific to Women 32 2 6 40
Q Male aggression and catcalling 23 - 3 26
R Starting neighborhood watch groups 63 2 8 73
S Other: 27 11 3 41
T* Build trust with the community - - 13 13
U* Burglary and other property crimes - - 5 5
V* Additional training to PD staff; specify - - 1 1
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• Mental health services for those who need support
• Graffiti abetment
• Activities for youth
• Security for pedestrians
• Care for older adults
• No violence against Latinos
• Speeding
• Affordable housing
• PD needs to be more attentive
• No more violence
• Police should arrive when called
• Need more PD presence at Alboro near the daycare
• Community outreach- explain what PD does, mini PD Citizen Academy
• An area of focus that is important is the inter-relations of San Rafael, County, and State
• E-bikes
• Housing, and the police need to be more attentive
• Housing
• Move people
• Trash!
• Racially biased policing in San Rafael
• Police misconduct
• Catching thieves
• Theft, particularly bicycles, and packages
• What are pre-text stops?
• Adopt the MV bias by proxy educational campaign in town will increase inclusivity,
reduce racism, and make our towns more welcoming to non-white residents; and cost
benefit of reducing 911 calls; low-cost way to increase safety and comfort; I know this is
an issue that’s important to all constituents and police department; benefits the police.
• Equal application of the law (unlike the brutal episode in the Canal July, 2022, involving
Daisy Mazariegos and Brandon Nail v. Julio Jimenez Lopez)
V. Additional training for SRPD
• Cultural competency
• Implicit bias
• When to intervene when another officer is violating someone’s rights
• Organize an event, not a FB-led PowerPoint, very chaotic