City of Jacksonville Commission on Disabilities and Human Relations met Nov. 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Present: Alan Bradish (Vice Chairman), Guy Crumley, Joan Engelmann (Secretary), Eddie Lowe, Larry Whewell (Chairman)
Absent: Brenton Allen, Cyndy Benton, Mary Watts
Guests: JPD Chief Adam Mefford, Salina Masas, potential member, Erica Lowry, potential member
1. WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER 4:01 PM
• Guest Speaker
Chief Adam Mefford addressed members of the JCDHR regarding his investigation of a citizen complaint received by the Mayor’s Office on August 28, 2018, concerning a request for interpreting services at the Jacksonville Police Department. The Chief stated that he wanted to personally speak to the series of events, and answer any questions members may have regarding the complaint.
Chief Mefford began with a brief history of the policy changes made since he stepped into his current role. He assured members that Communication Policy #334 is in compliance with State of Illinois laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
The complaint was received by the JPD on August 29, 2018 and investigated by Chief Mefford as well as the Deputy Chief of Administration. The complainant stated that she was a victim of a crime, and had asked a friend to call police on her behalf before appearing at the police station to file a report. The caller had requested for an interpreter be present when the complainant arrived at the police station less than an hour later. During the call to the dispatch service, a third-party dispatch provider, the caller requested an interpreter four times. The dispatch operator promised there would be an interpreter present when the complainant arrived.
However, since the dispatcher works for an outside agency contracted with JPD, the operator has no authority to promise services. The information from the dispatcher was not relayed to the officer who wrote the report. Communication Policy #334 of the JPD allows for an individual to request an interpreter upon arrival. The officer did not understand that the complainant wanted an interpreter. The notes written between the officer and the citizen had been destroyed after the report was filed.
The JPD and the complainant both reported to committee members that the issue was resolved satisfactorily. The complainant obtained a copy of the report and returned it to JPD with corrections.
While this issue was resolved, several actions have been taken by the Jacksonville Police Department in order to prevent future issues with citizens requesting services:
• Instruction given to the dispatch agency to instruct all operators they cannot promise interpreter services as they do not work directly for JPD. Operators will also be asked to inform a supervisor at JPD of any request for interpreter services
• A staff meeting was held on September 4 with all JPD officers to review and re-train in the use of Communication Policy #334
• The officer who took the initial report was counseled, individually, on Policy #334
• Record-keeping policies are under review to possibly save written notes as evidence between an officer and a citizen
Chief Mefford also reported that family and note-writing are used in extreme emergencies until a qualified interpreter arrives. The Communication Policy is available to the public, also in Braille. Chief Mefford also reported that a new front receptionist has been hired who uses American Sign Language. While she is not an interpreter, she may assist in interpreter requests.
Members of the Commission thanked Chief Mefford for his transparency in this matter as well as for the many improvements to the Communication Policy.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: To approve the minutes of October 4, 2018
Motion by: Alan Bradish
Seconded by: Guy Crumley
Discussion: amend Salina Masas, from “guest” to a “potential member” Carried: Unanimous, as amended
3. OLD BUSINESS
• Update on progress to Brochure
Eddie Lowe distributed a draft of a brochure. He requests that Commissioners email him at eddieleelowe@gmail.com to submit feedback for improvements within two weeks. Eddie will bring a revised draft to the December meeting. Eddie requested feed back regarding ADA compliant font size, paper color, and graphics.
• Report from Subcommittee
A final letter was sent to a complainant regarding the movie, Suicide: The Ripple Effect. Alan Bradish said that he had spoken to Nick Draper from The Jacksonville Journal Courier, who plans to do a press release regarding the captioning and availability for showing.
Members decided a letter would be sent to Mayor Ezard, and then to a complainant, regarding interpreting services at the Jacksonville Police Department summarizing the report from Chief Mefford. (see Agenda item 1)
4. NEW BUSINESS
• Guest Speaker (see Agenda item 1)
• New Members
Chairman Whewell indicated that several interested persons have submitted resumes, biographies, and letters of interest to Mayor Ezard. The Mayor plans to submit at least two names to the City Council for approval at the November 13 meeting, Ralph Hastie and Salina Masas. The Mayor is still accepting recommendations and interested parties for the Commission’s few remaining seats.
• Recognize Past Member – tabled until next meeting
5. HUMAN RELATIONS ISSUES
None
6. MISCELLANEOUS
• Next meeting date: December 6, 2018 - Will include a farewell party for Cyndy Benton for over 10 years of
service to JCDHR
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
• Salina Masas told Commissioners of a sign posted on October 9, in a Jacksonville business that says, “If you can’t speak English, we can’t fix your car! God bless the USA.” Salina asked if the JCDHR was aware of the hundreds of critical social media posts, and whether or not this would be an opportunity to promote understanding and investigate bias against minorities.
Joan Engelmann reported that the business made a public social media post on October 10, stating, “The sign was not intended to be racist or insulting, but to let customers know that we do not have interpreters on staff. We apologize for any misunderstanding and the sign has been removed. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.”
JCDHR Members agreed that no action would be taken at this time.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by: Alan Bradish
Seconded by: Eddie Lowe
Carried: Unanimous 5:05 PM
http://www.jacksonvilleil.gov/city_government/boards_commissions_and_committees/docs/Boards%20Commissions%20Committees/Disabilities_&_HR_Minutes/2018/Minutes%2011.1.18.pdf
Alerts Sign-up