2003-09-29 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1898 September 29, 2003 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Kathy Straatman, 6823 Crest Avenue, registered several complaints relating to alleged gang disruption of her street and alleged poor response by the Police Department. She cited a specific incident on Saturday, September 6, 2003, which she described as "an ongoing nightmare." This incident centered on a conversation between a Police Officer and a child, which then switched to the Police Officer allegedly speaking rudely to Mr. Dockett, a citizen who lives on Crest Avenue. She felt the officer was unwilling to do anything about the on-going situation, which centers on problems caused by residents at 6825 Crest Avenue and 6814 Crest Avenue, who allegedly participate in a gang known as the "Lowdowners". She was especially annoyed by the officer's comment," What can I do? The child is twelve years old." Ms. Straatman and other people who live on Crest assert that the officer should not address citizens rudely, and that something needs to be done to prohibit this disruptive behavior by her neighbors, despite the ages of those causing the trouble. She also feels that citizens should not be reprimanded for "calling the police too often" and "should minimally receive respect for trying to fix the problem." Mr. Munkel asked Ms. Straatman if she knew why the officer was called, and Ms. Straatman responded that it was disturbing the peace. He then advised that since 12 year olds are subject to juvenile statutes, they can be taken into juvenile custody, so there is something that can be done so long as there is probable cause. He agreed with her about the need for people to respect each other. Ms. Straatman asked if known gang membership and ongoing disturbing the peace was probable cause. She feels the neighborhood needs assistance in order to be saved. Then Ms. Colquitt asked if the disturbance occurred on a school day, and was told it was on a Saturday. Ms. Straatman reiterated gang membership posed a threat which needs to be addressed. Then Mr. Ollendorff advised that police are actively pursuing the juvenile illegal activity taking place, assuring her that because this investigation concerns juveniles and is on- going, it must be kept confidential. Ms. Straatman reiterated her position that citizens are being "disrespected" because they demand assistance from the police. Richard Dockett, 6844 Crest Avenue, identified himself as the person Officer Cannon spoke to rudely on Saturday, September 6, 2003. He stated also that he called the police to complain about a Julius Jones of 6901 Bartmer Avenue who was disturbing the peace, and that he took photos of this individual. Mr. Dockett asserts the need for the Mayor, the City Council, and the City Manager to address what Mr. Dockett views as a "hostile environment" for himself and the people in his community, which he believes was created by the Police Department. He predicted the situation is about to erupt unless something is done and that all levels of the Police Department contribute to the hostile environment. Mr. Dockett expressed his desire that his comments and opinions are being recorded in the minutes of the City Council meetings, citing specifically his Page 6