OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL

                                                                     

117 WEST DUVAL STREET, SUITE 425

4TH FLOOR, CITY HALL

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202

904-630-1377

 

 Public Health and Safety Special Committee Meeting Minutes

 April 4, 2017

10:00 a.m.

 

Topic: Security at block parties and other special events

 

Location: City Council Chamber, 1st floor, City Hall – St. James Building, 117 West Duval Street

 

Attendance:   Council Members: Sam Newby (Chair), Bill Gulliford, Anna Lopez Brosche, Katrina Brown, Aaron Bowman, Tommy Hazouri, Joyce Morgan

 

Also: Paige Johnston – Office of General Counsel; Kyle Billy – Council Auditor’s Office; Jordan Elsbury – Mayor’s Office; Philip Zamarron – Legislative Services Division; Chiquita Moore – ECA AL 5; Terrance Freeman – ECA Dist. 3; Haleigh Hutchinson – ECA AL 3; Yvonne Mitchell – Research Div.

 

Meeting Convened: 10:05 a.m.

 

Chairman Newby called the meeting to order. Chief Brian Shore, JSO Zone 3 Commander, reported that additional officers were added to downtown special events. He stated that trespass warrants were recently issued to restrict certain violators from the area and minimize potential issues. Michelle Cook, JSO Director of Patrol & Enforcement, commented that the overall security at special events and block parties is properly staffed. There are unexpected issues that require additional officers. She stated that JSO is working closer with organizations during the planning stages of special events, especially downtown, to ensure the correct number of officers is available. The biggest concern during special events is popup protests. Depending on the number of protesters, officers are sometimes pulled from patrol for additional enforcement; a practice Sheriff Williams does not want to do because it lessens the presence and protection of officers within the community.  Director Cook stated that JSO was drafting a holistic approach solution to address downtown security. The proposal should be available for the Council in a few weeks.  In response to an inquiry, Director Cook shared that JSO does utilize auxiliary officers. There are approximately 100 auxiliary officers that provide a valuable service to the department.

 

Meeting Adjourned: 10:17 a.m.

 

Minutes: Yvonne P. Mitchell, Council Research

04.04.17   Posted 5:00 p.m.

 

Tapes:  PHS agenda meeting– LSD

04.04.17