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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.A- Presentations October 2010 Service Pin Awards Name Department Director Service Year Jasmine Jefferson Information Technology June Yotsuya 5 Daniel Harker Fire Department Chief Conrad 15 JRachel May Police Department Chief Kilmer 25 *** Not Present at the Council Meeting Brian Lozano Parks and Recreation Kevin Hawkins 5 Nathan Cook Fire Department Chief Conrad 10 Robert Evans III Fire Department Chief Conrad 10 Patricia Fea Fire Department Chief Conrad 10 Jeffrey Hall Fire Department Chief Conrad 10 Bryan Turner Fire Department Chief Conrad 10 Isela Apodaca SBETA Ernest Dowdy 10 Reginald Sims Public Works Randy Kuettle 10 Paul Gerry Public Works Randy Kuettle 15 Eudora Otterbein City Clerk Rachel Clark 15 George Juarez Sr. Public Works Randy Kuettle 15 Joseph Green Jr. Public Works Randy Kuettle 15 David Green Police Department Chief Kilmer 15 Shane Thwaites Police Department Chief Kilmer 15 Rolf Lindblom Fire Department Chief Conrad 15 Katherine McRaven Fire Department Chief Conrad 15 James Page Fire Department Chief Conrad 15 Timothy Smith Fire Department Chief Conrad 15 Peter Higgins Police Department Chief Kilmer 25 } City of San Bernardino San Bernardino Police Department Interoffice Memorandum E I To: Mayor Pa ock J. o is and Members of the Common Council �� From: Keith L. Kilmer, Chief of Police Entered�fo Rec. at MCC/CDC Mtg: iellZI g Subject: Downtown Ambassador Program Presentation No: y Date: October 14, 2010 ON C16NCDC Secretary Copies: Charles McNeely, City Manager City of San Bernardino The Downtown Policing District has been operational for ten months and recently expanded to include City Hall Building Security and the Downtown Parking District. SBME (Municipal Enforcement) officers assigned to the Carousel Mall also complement our policing efforts. In total, there are a combined 38 sworn police and civilian security personnel dedicated to the downtown area (Mill Street to 9th Street and Sierra Way to IS-215), the majority being part-time SBME officers. The Downtown Policing District is supervised by a police sergeant and the Patrol Support commander. The District has seven-day dedicated coverage, not including police patrols that are already in place. This coverage consists of uniform patrols in vehicles, bicycles, Segways, and on foot. Services provided include security checks and assessments of City-owned buildings, enforcement of State and local laws, staffing local government meetings, attending community meetings and functions, escorting City employees to parking lots, and providing educational training to the business community and City staff. District personnel are also active in the planning of community events, such as performances at the California Theater and Route 66, now that the policing district has been established. A new sub-station is being planned and developed along with EDA, Omni Trans and the San Manual Band of Mission Indians at the former JC Penny Auto Center located near the intersection of 4th Street and F Street. This building will serve as a passenger terminal for Omni Trans, while allowing the police department to occupy office space that will be used by Downtown Policing District personnel. This will allow the public local access to the police department on matters concerning the downtown area. The sub-station has a tentative open date of April 2011. The City is in the process of revitalizing the downtown area. Efforts include drawing more business and high quality of life activities into the area. As a result of this, many City departments have partnered together to identify needs and develop strategies to address general safety concerns and improved communication with the public, thus furthering our goal in improving the overall quality of downtown. THE SBPD IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING: PROGRESSIVE QUALITY POLICE SERVICE; A SAFE ENVIRONMENT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE; A REDUCI ION IN CRIME THROUGH PROBLEM RECOGNITION AND PROBLEM SOLVING i i Page 2 One additional approach towards this effort is the Police Department's Ambassador Program and the use of front-line hospitality volunteers in the downtown area. This concept was initially brought forward in May 2009 by Councilperson Chas Kelley. Through this program, volunteers will interact with citizens and have an opportunity to be of service to the downtown business community. This valuable program will help the overall effort to make a great first impression and expands the service to the downtown area. The downtown area is primarily a business district consisting of a mix of general commercial businesses and government offices. The area is home to San Bernardino City Hall, the San Bernardino County Government Building, as well as several other city, state and county government offices. During business hours and special events, Ambassadors will be available to the public and help facilitate information sharing through answering questions and giving directions. Ambassadors will be volunteers much like our citizen patrol program but will not function to the same extent. Ambassadors will be visible and be identified by clothing approved by the Police Department. Ambassadors will receive in-service training on good safety practices, customer service, available resources, communication skills, first aid and CPR, and services provided. This training will include a ride-a-long in the downtown area to assist the Ambassador in becoming more acclimated to the area that they will be servicing. The Ambassadors will function under the direction and supervision of the Downtown Policing District sergeant. The responsibilities of the Ambassador include participation in a variety of programs, projects and activities, including: Greet citizens, distribute information about the City, Police Department and downtown area; report any damaged equipment or maintenance problems; promote the value of the downtown area within the community; actively recruit new members and retain existing members; support police department and downtown functions as an official greeter, goodbye- host or crowd-host; assist in the promotion of the City downtown area activities and events; and serve as a source of information on City department programs, services and events. This type of program has served well in other communities to help create a business friendly and safe environment. KK/rwk Attachments: Downtown Ambassador Protocol Downtown Ambassador Recruitment Flier Ambassador Manual (draft) i 1 August 24, 2010 i San Bernardino Police Department Downtown Ambassador Protocol Event The Economic Development Agency of San Bernardino (EDA) is in the process of revitalizing the downtown area. Their efforts include attempts to draw more business and high quality of life activities into the downtown area. As part of that effort, EDA has solicited the participation of the Police Department to work on general safety concerns and has asked for a more comprehensive effort in high visibility policing to alleviate safety concerns that exist. One approach towards this effort is the police department's Ambassador Program and the use of front-line hospitality volunteers in the downtown area. Through this program, volunteers will interact with citizens and have an opportunity to be of service to the downtown business community. This valuable program will help the police department make a great first impression and expands the service to the downtown area. Ambassadors will be accessible to the public, distribute information about the police department and downtown area, promote the value of the police department and the downtown area within the community, and serve as a source of information for the public The downtown area is primarily a business district consisting of a mix of general commercial businesses and government offices. The area is home to San Bernardino City Hall, the San Bernardino County Government Building, as well as several other city, state and county government offices. Vehicle and foot traffic is moderate to heavy during regular business hours (Monday—Friday). Ambassadors will be available to the public and help facilitate information sharing through answering questions and giving directions. Recommendations Prospective ambassadors will complete and submit a volunteer application and participate in an interview process. Successful applicants will then go through a background check and Live Scan process. Pending the results, applicants will be accepted into the Ambassador Program and issued identification cards and approved `polo' shirts. Ambassadors will then receive training on Department expectations, policies, good safety practices, and communication skills. Included in this training will be a ride-a-long with a downtown patrol officer. This ride-a-long will be offered on a bi-annual basis. Police Department Ambassadors will be asked to fulfill a 3 hour weekly shift in the downtown area, with time slots available between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and 2 to 5 p.m. Weekend coverage may be considered as needs are assessed and staffing allows. Initially, ambassadors will report to the police department at the beginning and end of their shift. During their shift they will be i equipped with a department cell phone should the need arise to request a police call for service. Ambassadors will be managed by the Downtown Policing District sergeant and Patrol Support Commander who will audit the program to ensure that department and community needs are being met. I ITY OF SAN BERNARDINO POLICE DEPARTMENT DOWNTOWN AMBASSADORS WANTED The San Bernardino Police Department is seeking those who want to become front-line hospitality volunteers for the newly created Downtown Ambassador Program. po/ 0 i. Ambassadors will be accessible to the public, distribute information about the police department and downtown area, promote the value of the police department and the downtown area within the community, and serve as a source of information for the public. To become a volunteer ambassador, apply at: San Bernardino Police Department 710 N. D. St. San Bernardino, Ca. 92401 ® or contact Sgt. Rick Lindsey (909) 384-0681 CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO POLICE DEPARTMENT DOWNTOWN AMBASSADOR MANUAL 10 I � • Keith L. Kilmer Chief of Police PURPOSE OF AMBASSADOR PROGRAM The purpose of the Downtown Ambassador Program is to use front-line hospitality volunteers in the downtown area. Through this program, trained and supervised community volunteers will interact with citizens and visitors and have an opportunity to be of service to the downtown business community. This valuable program will help the City and police department make a great first impression and expands the service to the downtown area. Ambassadors will be accessible to the public, distribute information about the City, police department and downtown area, promote the value of the police department and the downtown area within the community, and serve as a source of information for the public ORIENTATION AND TRAINING Ambassadors will attend an orientation and training course at the police department prior to assignment. This course will include familiarization with the San Bernardino Police Department, safety practices, first aid and CPR, available resources, and communication skills. Training and familiarization will also include information about City operations, other agencies in the downtown area, and downtown businesses. DUTIES Ambassadors will wear many hats and take on a variety of assignments each designed to foster and promote the sense of security and welcoming in the downtown area. These assignments consist of: Add an official presence downtown to prevent undesirable behavior. Greet citizens and distribute information about the City and downtown area. Escort visitors to the downtown area or city employees to their destination. Report any damaged equipment or maintenance problems. Actively recruit new ambassadors. Support at downtown functions as an official greeter, goodbye-host or crowd host. Initiate and maintain a daily activity log. Serve as a source of information on City programs, services, and events. Maintain communications with various City departments and the police department to report ongoing issues. 2 REQUIREMENTS Ambassadors are asked to fulfill a 3 hour weekly shift between 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 R p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Also available is weekend coverage at the Court Street Square which is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well as coverage at any number of exciting downtown activities including fashion shows, art walks, culinary events, or theater events. Ambassadors will be asked to be fit and trim to present a good image of themselves, the Ambassador Program as well as the City and the Police Department. Ambassadors need to have the ability to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time. SAN BERNARDINO POLICE DEPARTMENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Ambassadors may be assigned to the following areas: Downtown Policing District Sub-Station City Hall Information Kiosk San Bernardino Police Department Front Desk Downtown Area Ambassadors will be assigned to an area that best facilitates the needs of the public to obtain information about the City and the services that are provided. Ideally, each Ambassador will rotate so as to have an opportunity to work in each area and become more familiar with the different duties and responsibilities. WORK HOURS Ambassadors are volunteers and compliment the Department's current volunteer corps, Citizen Patrol. Ambassadors are asked to fulfill a 3 hour weekly shift between 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and 2 to 5 p.m. during the work-week and on weekends as needed. Ambassadors will log their volunteer hours on a log so that volunteer hours can be tracked. Special details such as parades or other City functions may be included in this time requirement. RIDE-A-LONGS Ambassadors are encouraged to participate in a ride-a-long with an officer assigned to the downtown area. This is an opportune time for the Ambassador to become more familiar with the downtown area, community needs, and services that are being provided by the City. Each Ambassador is allowed to participate in one ride-a-long every six months with prior approval from the Watch Commander. 3 INJURY If an Ambassador receives an injury while on-duty the Ambassador shall immediately notify a supervisor or the Watch Commander at (909-384-5742). UNIFORM The Ambassador uniform will be of casual business attire consisting of an approved "polo-style" shirt with embroidery. The words "Downtown Ambassador" will be embroidered on the shirt's left breast. Ambassadors may wear on optional baseball cap, black in color,"vith the city seal silk-screened on the forehead. Black in color"Docker" style pants or equivalent will be worn as well as a black belt capable of supporting a communication device. Black loafers or other light, comfortable shoes will be used. Shirts will be provided by the Department. EQUIP--, " Each on-duty Ambassador will check out a cell phone entr Station at the beginning of their shift then return it to the charger at the end of their sh f available, HT radios can also be checked out. This allows the Ambassador instant communic with police dispatch and patrol officers. IDENTIFI C Each Ambassador will be issued an identificatio ard. The card is to be kept in his/her possession at all times when on-duty. The card is operty of the San Bernardino Police Department and shall be returned at the time of resi , ation or termination. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER Each Ambassador will be required to keep their current address and phone number on file at the front desk and with the Patrol Support commander. If any change in their information occurs, it is the responsibility of the Ambassador to update the file. PRAC CARD Each Ambassador will be issued a Proximity Reader Access Card (PRAC). The card is to be kept in his/her possession at all times while on-duty. Each Ambassador will be ultimately responsible for the card and its use. The card is for the sole use of the Ambassador and will not be loaned out. The card is the property of the San Bernardino Police Department and shall be returned at the time of resignation or termination. See Chapter#1 Procedure#12 of the Police SOP manual. 4 CONFIDENTIALITY All Ambassadors must treat all official business of the Police Department and any material or information received or seen at the Police Department as CONFIDENTIAL information. PROHIBITED ACTIVITY Ambassadors are prohibited from engaging in the following activities while on-duty: Sleeping, loafing, or idling Conducting personal business Gambling Alcohol and/or controlled substance consumption Smoking in public areas Any activity that would directly irectly bring dis it upon the San Bernardino Police Department. DAIL RO Upon making the commitment to becoming a member of the Downtown Ambassador Program, an Ambassador will be asked to pick at least one of the 3-hour shifts and remain responsible for that shift. Should they find themselves unable to report for their shift,the Ambassador will notify the Downtown Policing District sergeant, or one of the on-duty SBME sergeants of this vacancy. The sergeant will attempt to find a replacement, but if unsuccessful, the second ambassador may be tasked with other duties. Upon reporting for their shift,the Ambassadors will report to the central station and check out a cell phone and/or H.T. They will then report to a work location as assigned, where their personal vehicles will be left. During their shift, Ambassadors will work in two person teams. They will stay together whether at a booth or on foot patrol in the downtown area. While working an information booth, the Ambassadors will be available for questions from citizens and visitors. They will also hand out pamphlets, maps or fliers highlighting points of interest, services or other downtown assets. One of the on-duty Ambassadors will be responsible for the initiation and maintenance of a daily log. The log will contain a brief, cursory accounting of the Ambassadors' activities for their shift. Once completed, the log will be submitted to the Downtown Policing District sergeant or an on- duty SBME sergeant. it 5 If requested, Ambassadors may perform"safe-walks" with citizens or visitors in the downtown area or with City employees. These "safe-walks"will be walking escorts with the requesting person to their vehicle parked downtown or other downtown destination. Both Ambassadors will accompany the requesting citizen or employee to their destination then will walk back to the information booth or continue their foot patrol. While the Ambassadors are out of the information booth, they will walk around the downtown area, together, providing citizens with assistance, providing a visible deterrent to undesirable behavior and reporting observed infrastructure problems to the appropriate City department. Should the Ambassador observe any activity that they find suspicious, they are to notify police dispatch using their assigned cell phones or H.T.'s and report their observations. The Ambassadors are not to become involved in any attempt to stop or prevent the activity. Ambassadors are also expected to be friendly and inviting, perform "meet and greet" activities with downtown businesses, promote the benefits of the downtown area and the City of San Bernardino as a whole, recruit new Ambassadors and portray themselves and the Ambassador Program in the best light possible. 6