December 14, 2021

Judge John West

Director James Whalen
Crime Analyst Michael Zidar

Director James Whalen

Director James Whalen
Lieutenant Bill Richey

• MOU
• Personnel Changes
• Training Curriculum

Director James Whalen

Judge John West

University of Cincinnati Department of Public Safety

Director James Whalen
Assistant Chief Dudley Smith
Captain Rodney Carter
Captain Jeff Thompson
Captain David Hoffman
Lieutenant David Brinker
Lieutenant Bill Richey
Michael Zidar
John Dejarnette
Kawanda Dedrick-Thomas
Lauren Harmon

Community Compliance Council Members

Margaret Fox
Charlene Ventura
Jasmine Coaston-Urban League Representative
Aprilynne Gable–Undergraduate President
Dr. Robin Engle
Dr. Bleuzette Marshall
Pastor KZ Smith
Executive Assistant Police Chief Teresa Theetge
Greg Baker
Judge John West

Judge John West

Judge John West called the meeting to order and began the introductions of participants.

Mike Zidar

We are down in major crime categories, including Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Intimidation, and Simple Assault in the area. Property crimes are also seeing a decline, outside of motor vehicle theft, we are especially seeing a positive in the decline in Burglaries through more directed patrols, Lt. Brinker’s team handing out information on how to prevent becoming a victim of a burglary. Auto theft continues to be an issue, especially in the areas along Calhoun/McMillan streets.

• Jasmine Coaston, representing the Urban League, brought into question as to why October seems to be the month for crime spikes.
• Michael Zidar replied that students begin to become more acclimated and comfortable in the area after arriving on campus and they begin to act a little “lax” as far as being proactive. Additionally, becoming more familiar with the area also allows offenders more opportunities. It was briefly mentioned that there also seems be a spike in mental health cases and simple assault cases during this time as well.
• Dr. Robin Engel recognized UCPD for their work in communication information to students about burglaries and how to protect themselves from being victims of burglary. With the success of the burglary project, she wanted to know what the plan was for communicating/engaging students about motor vehicle theft now.
• Michael Zidar answered the question by explaining that more directed patrols have been deployed in the areas that are experiencing motor vehicle theft. District 5 has also began their own directed patrols and both agencies have talked to businesses in the area. 
• Director Whalen followed-up with the statement from Zidar by mentioning that communication to most businesses, food delivery services, and restaurants in the area have been approached about the issue and tried to get them to remind customers, as well as hanging posters in their windows.

Please refer to the PowerPoint slides for statistics and trends

• Dorms are full, but we are seeing low numbers amongst students on campus
• Events are carrying on as usual; commencement was held on December 10^th and the university filled the arena twice.
• Facial coverings are still required
• Vaccine requirements have been extended for students into next semester
• Question from Greg Baker, “Who is COVID police?”
• Answer from Director Whalen, “Right now, it is just the policies that are enforced the same as any other policy with progressive discipline for employees. Students default to student code.”

Director James Whalen

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

• It’s been the same since 2009 and a refresher was needed. It provides transparency with the city, law, and public safety.
• There were several points of discussion from the committee in regard to the MOU and concern as to why they appeared to not be included. Judge West and Dr. Robin Engel made it a point to ensure the committee that the new MOU does not change the role in the community, but rather just provides a “refresher” with an update of the language and jurisdiction between UCPD and the City.
• Robin Engel also discussed how the “refresher” has been a work in progress since 2014 with the purpose of helping the city understand what the university requires, but the update was paused due to the events in 2015.
• Greg Baker, “Are there any substantial changes?”
• Director Whalen, “No, originally there was no restrictions on UCPD patrol, we patrol the CSR border. In addition, Dennis Street and Clifton Avenue were properly returned to UCPD jurisdiction, originally Stratford Heights belonged to the city.”
• KZ Smith, inquired if any other community groups were updated such as the United Black Front. Judge West indicated that it is the responsibility of this committee to take information and disperse it into their communities. “Were there any community groups updated? United Black Front?”
• Peg Fox mentioned concern about the lack of feedback from local groups and felt the group (CCC) had no input and any work on the MOU was never discussed in past meetings. Director Whalen assured Ms. Fox that it had been discussed previously, but would review previous meeting notes to confirm. (Upon review, Director Whalen had presented updates to the MOU with the basic parameters to the CCC Members on March 10, 2020.)

Personnel Changes

• Introduction of three new Security Officers, Beau Harmon, Greg Weber, and Glen Anderson. We will be hiring for an additional Security Officer and three additional Police Officers.
• Dr. Bleuzette Marshall spoke on the new Chief/Director process. The selection committee consists of 11 individuals from the university and the community. Applicants will be subjected to three rounds of interviews, two virtual and one in person with an open presentation to students, Board of Trustees, Public Safety, and CCC. Those are expected to take place in mid-January with a decision, hopefully, by mid-February.
• There were 26 applicants as of this meeting (12/14/2021).
• There will be a special session with CCC members for applicants to meet and present to committee.

Training Curriculum

Presented by: Lieutenant Bill Richey

• Lieutenant Richey presented a list of trainings that were completed in 2021 to comply with the UCPD Training Policy. Trainings were discussed briefly as to why certain trainings were needed.
  • 2021 was primarily online training due to COVID
• Training is based on Exiger’s recommendations, IACLEA required curriculum, Ohio Collaborative Advisory Board, OPOTA, and law changes. UCPD plans to meet every standard that is out there. UCPD is required to present a summary of the trainings we have completed and the curriculum for the upcoming year. Rather than call a separate meeting to review, we will use this meeting and present the required items.
• Additionally, Lieutenant Richey presented training goals for the upcoming year (2022) that UCPD plans to accomplish with any additions of new training from law changes or additional training that would be overall beneficial.
  • LTC Smith spoke briefly about a new training, ABLE (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) that will teach officers effective ways to intervene when they witness misconduct.

Please refer to the PowerPoint slides for a complete list of the training curriculum

Director James Whalen

Use of Force:

September 28^th: Two Police Officers used hard hands to arrest a suspect. There were no injuries and the actions of the officers were consistent with training and Use of Force policy.

Display of Force:

October 31^st: An officer stopped a subject for investigation of an assault. The subject ran from officers, stopped, and squared up in a fighting stance toward the officer. The officer gained compliance with verbal commands and the display of his TASER. The officer’s actions were consistent with training and Use of Force policy.

Internal Investigations:

October 27^th: A lieutenant exhibited rude and unprofessional behavior during an evaluation discussion-Not sustained.

November 30^th: A police officer failed to adhere to the established policy requirement for vaccination or exemption -Pending Suspension.

Citizen Complaints:

September 15^th: A police officer disclosed medical information to an Aramark employee-Sustained.

September 21^st-An Emergency Communications Dispatcher was unprofessional on a phone call-Sustained.

November 6^th- A police officer mistreated a complainant at the UC Football game- Exonerated, complainant withdrew his complaint and apologized.

Please refer to the PowerPoint slides for an in-depth review.

• Judge John West advised that the CCC will meet with the finalists of the Chief/Director position before the next meeting
• Meeting adjourned