Pittsfield Police Advisory To Examine Vehicle Search Procedures
.JPG) The Police Advisory Commission met on Monday night. |
Lemarr Talley, now of Springfield, has filed a petition with the City Council saying the procedures are not in compliance with state law. Talley had previously been arrested during a motor vehicle stop in Pittsfield.
The City Council last week passed the petition and the massive amount of accompanying paperwork to the Police Advisory Committee, which will now sort out the details.
However, Chief Michael Wynn says the the city's procedures are OK under the law.
"Even if you were to take action on this and put it on the ballot, like he is asking, it wouldn't be legally binding," Wynn told the Police Advisory Commission on Monday. "That position is erroneous."
Wynn said the department's inventory procedures are adopted from those outlined by the nonprofit Municipal Police Institute, an organization that trains officers. The state does not require specific procedures, Wynn said.
In other business, the PAC adopted a "press protocol." This summer, there was confusion over a news story about the downtown ambassador program. That confusion led to the committee thinking there should be a procedure in place.
"You can say whatever it is you want to say. But, you say it as a member and not a representative of the committee," said Chairman Alan Righi about the new policy.
Essentially, the committee members can express opinions to reporters. But, it is their job to specify that they do not represent the committee as a whole. The opinion of the entire committee can only be expressed after a vote.
The group discussed having only the chairman speak for the group but decided that was too restrictive and caused problems if the chairman is unavailable.
The group added that if someone does speak to the media, that member, or members, should inform the chief and the mayor's office as a courtesy. The committee is appointed by and serves as an advisory group for the mayor.
Also on Monday, Committee member Donald Bercury said Carr Hardware is donating more fencing so the city can finish the temporary barrier on East Street eyed to reduce jaywalking.
Wynn also reported that the department is hiring four or five people for the academy in February.
"If this class goes as it looks like it is shaking out it will be the first time we've sent two women to the academy at the same time," Wynn said.
Tags: citizens petition, police advisory, search, traffic stop,
