Meeting Minutes

Kevin called the meeting to order at 7:30am. Mike McEvoy, WorkSource, led the flag salute.

Minutes

Matthew Rainwater moved and Jack Glaubert seconded acceptance of April 18 minutes with correction of dates for Bike To Work Week, May 15 to 20. Motion carried.

Announcements:

Kevin reminded that all April is TAX month.

Luke Robbins said a NOLA Executive meeting is being planned.

Jack Glaubert announced a meeting, Thursday, at the John Wayne Marina, where representatives from the Lower Elwha Tribe will present their Vision of the Peninsula.

Sam Phillips, Fire Chief, District 2, said Free Smoke/CO Detectors are available, courtesy of the PA Rotary. Call 360.457.2550 for more information.

Port of Port Angeles Commissioner, Connie Beauvais, reported that after a meeting with the new EDC Executive, Bob Schroeter, she was energized by his presentation.

Mike McEvoy, WorkSource Veterans Representative, said a Veteran’s Stamd Dowm will take place in Forks.

George Bergner said that 15 businesses are taking part in the Bike to Work week.

Program

Brian Smith, Port Angeles Fire Chief, in updating us on happenings in the community, said roles in modern policing are changing. He related a recent mental health incident that involved cross disciplines that solved a small problem before it turned into a big problem.

CLEAN or Clallam Law Enforcement Action Network, is providing 24-hour addiction recovery help.  Since they get to know the user they feel they can discuss treatment, detox and other help.  Opiate Crisis help gives officers a chance to act as connectors. Funds are not available at this time to hire a full time Police/Social Worker but the Department is doing what they can with limited funds to connect to other agencies.

Q & A

Matthew R:  Skill Training / Negotiating?
A:  Officers are being trained in skill sets to do problem solving, EMT, child interviewing, etc to help cut out on the use of force as the first approach.  The “Below 100” program is striving to keep the death of officers to less than 100.

Steve B: Countywide professionals and cost?
A: More money is being spent on prevention and working with other agencies.

George B: Disposal Programs?
A: The “Take Back” Program is countywide and allows citizens to turn in unused drugs to places like Jim’s Pharmacy or, if they call ahead, to turn in at the Police Department.

John F: Calls for help?
A: Police are learning to change their thinking when calls come in. Due to limited resources, they are limited to their efforts. Police can’t do everything. Officers are good at watching suspicious behavior and can note what is going on with people and with parked cars. One on one help is displacing suspicious behavior even though sometimes the public thinks the police are too slow in coming up with a solution.

Kevin pointed out everyone needs to do their part in securing their cars, homes, shopping carts, businesses and even purses. Don’t invite trouble.

Officer Smith said the Department has done over 1100 neighborhood watch training programs. These programs help people know what to look out for when there are opportunities for crime. The drug habit is an expensive one.

Q: Safe houses and injections sites?
A: These need medical staff on the scene and the Department does not want to get involved in illegal doings.

Cherie K: Trends in crime?
A: Crime is going down in such areas as property theft, car prowls, car thefts, displaced trespassers who have been asked to leave an area.

John A: Use of Non-Governmental organizations?
A: A town hall meeting on May 9, 6-8pm, will give the community an idea of all the people and groups who are working together on the opiate problem.

Brian said it not a crime to be under the influence of opiates. Overdoses might be handled by the police, fire department, or pubic health, who can give a rescue drug or take the person to the hospital. (Rescue drugs will eliminate the effect of the opiate as soon as administered.)

Upcoming Meeting

May 2: Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club
May 30: NO MEETING

Meeting adjourned at 8:35am.