POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES

April 4, 2008

8:00 A.M.

IN ATTENDANCE: Lawrence Ulbrich– Police Commission Chairman

Rick Bella – Police Commissioner

John Johnson – Police Commissioner

James Donohue – Assistant Chief of Police

Commissioner Ulbrich called the meeting to order.

Commissioner Ulbrich asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and to remain standing for the invocation by Commissioner Johnson.

ITEM I Commissioner Johnson made a motion to accept the Minutes of the

March 7, 2008 meeting as presented and was seconded by Commissioner Ulbrich.

Commissioner Ulbrich stated, “All in favor signify by saying “Aye.”

All replied, “Aye”.

ITEM II STATISTICS REPORT

Assistant Chief Donohue presented the March 2008 Department Statistics. He stated there had been an increase in traffic arrests due to the Officers diligence and desire to keep the streets safe during construction.

ITEM III LETTERS OF CORRESPONDENCE

Assistant Chief Donohue presented a letter from Fred Stamate, Director of Security & Safety at Lake Central School Corporation, thanking Officer David DeSalle for his participation and professionalism in a drug sweep held at Clark Middle School on February 26, 2008.

Commissioner Bella commented on the fact that Assistant Chief Donohue paraphrased the letter of correspondence from Lake Central. He wondered if it might be appropriate to paraphrase all letters of correspondence unless a specific letter needed to be read into the record.

Commissioner Ulbrich and Johnson agreed.

Assistant Chief Donohue presented a Level II Letter of Commendation from Cmdr. Kijurna for actions performed by Cpl. Barry Clanton during a traffic stop involving two (2) vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed on Broadway. Cpl. Clanton was able to stop both vehicles, which were reported stolen from the City of Gary and take the two (2) suspects into custody.

Assistant Chief Donohue presented a letter from Rod Gonzalez, Chief of Police for Hobart and a Level II Letter of Commendation from Cmdr. Kijurna regarding an incident at Westfield Shopping Mall on March 25, 2008 involving off duty Officer Daniel Veschak. Officer Veschak observed three (3) suspects being chased by an unknown civilian and Hobart Police Officers, immediately pursued, and apprehended one of the suspects. It was determined later that one of the suspects was carrying a handgun and was wanted by Federal Authorities in connection with several armed robberies in Northwest Indiana. The willingness of Officer Veschak to assist Officers from another agency without hesitation shows the type of dedication it takes to be an outstanding Officer.

ITEM IV OLD BUSINESS

None

ITEM V NEW BUSINESS

Assistant Chief Donohue read Resolution 790 approving the employment of Probationary Patrol Officer Daniel J. Thomas effective from and after 12:01 am, April 8, 2008, and the party shall be presented to the Town Council for swearing in. This position will be for the duration of a one-year probationary period from this date and the individual will be compensated at a rate of pay set by the Chief of Police.

Commissioner Johnson made a motion to accept Resolution 790 and was seconded by Commissioner Bella.

Commissioner Ulbrich asked if there was any discussion.

Commissioner Johnson stated that he has never enjoyed interviewing anyone as much as he did Mr. Thomas in his four (4) years as Commissioner. He stated that Daniel was “the complete model we were looking for” and Commissioner Ulbrich was appreciative of the fact Daniel came to Merrillville.

Commissioner Ulbrich requested that Assistant Chief Donohue take a roll call vote.

Assistant Chief Donohue took a roll call vote.

Commissioner Ulbrich, “Aye”

Commissioner Bella, “Aye”

Commissioner Johnson, “Aye”

Commissioner Ulbrich stated, “Three Ayes, motion carries.”

Assistant Chief Donohue presented an update to General Order 27.9, Officer’s on probation and General Order 27.9.2.1, Compensation, which was updated to mirror the change in the salary ordinance that was amended by the Town Council. It states that an individual hired by the Merrillville Police Department will be given a credit for previous service for salary purposes only. If he or she was a sworn full time Officer in another department for at least two (2) years the individual will be compensated as a Probationary Patrolman for the first year of employment and as a First Class Patrolman for the second year of employment.

Commissioner Johnson made a motion to accept the amended changes to General Order 27.9.2.1 and was seconded by Commissioner Bella.