Laserfiche WebLink
supervisor. This amendment will clarify to officers what the expectations of the department are both as <br /> a matter of policy and morals. <br /> Chief Swing recommended no changes in use of force continuum as he feels a policy that requires a <br /> specific order of escalation does not align with the nature of dynamic police work because officers do <br /> not always have the luxury of time. <br /> Chief Swing reported he sees value in an alternate mental health response model although it will <br /> require more time to find and implement the best model for Pleasanton. He encouraged City Council to <br /> approve the recommended use of force policy changes. <br /> In response to Mayor Thorne's inquiries, Chief Swing reported it would take one officer and one <br /> clinician to start, evaluate, and augment the PERT model in Pleasanton. He advised they would not be <br /> on call 24/7 because it is a direct response model so the team would just work during peak periods and <br /> potentially be on call for a dynamic abnormal situation requiring their expertise. He explained there are <br /> tests available to determine if someone is under the influence when they are calm, however, if <br /> someone is in a crisis, the officer cannot determine if it is drug-induced or otherwise. Given Mayor <br /> Thorne's scenario of a suicide situation, Chief Swing advised he would use the resources of the PERT <br /> team. <br /> In response to Mayor Thorne's inquiry, Chief Swing advised if an officer did not report a peer using <br /> excessive force it would be a policy violation that would initiate an internal investigation and, if <br /> sustained, result in discipline. <br /> Mayor Thorne commended Chief Swing on a well-written and informative staff report. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiries, Chief Swing advised there are no data or metrics <br /> available on the effectiveness of the D.A.R.E. program. He reported officers do receive mental health <br /> situational training and currently patrol officers respond to those calls. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Chief Swing advised implicit bias training is included in <br /> the officer's principal policing and procedural justice training. He noted PPD is evaluating additional <br /> training as well. <br /> Captain Larry Cox advised implicit bias training has been taking place annually over the past 8-10 <br /> years. He reported this year's training will be online due to COVID-19 and the department continues to <br /> look for more creative ways to offer the training. He advised the state mandates training every five <br /> years, however, PPD training exceeds state standards. He noted the implicit bias training comprises <br /> religious views and sexual orientation in addition to race. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Chief Swing reported that working on issues of <br /> homelessness is a challenge on multiple levels and an alternate response model would overlap with <br /> this issue because many suffer from mental illness. He cited the U.S. Supreme Court case Martin v. <br /> Boise making housing the unhoused difficult when there is not a local shelter. He expects PPD officers <br /> to treat everyone with dignity and to apply the law appropriately within the spirit and the intent of the <br /> law. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Chief Swing has completed some preliminary research <br /> on the staffing levels in the instance the PERT model were to be adopted. He noted Santa Clara <br /> County has found they have windows of need especially during the 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. timeframe <br /> and agrees that 24/7 would not be wise at the onset. He would like to start small with a program, refine <br /> it, and then look towards expanding it if successful. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 12 August 20, 2020 <br />