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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-09 Regular Police Oversight Commission Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Police Oversight Commission October 9, 2025 REGULAR MEETING - 5:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 CALL TO ORDER ,MINUTES: Chair Carpenter called the meeting to order at 5:03 P.M. ATTENDANCE Commission Members Evangeline Gawronski Amalia Mejia Carlos Perea Nadin Said Danny Vega Vice Chair Gabriel Castillo Laughton Chair Keith Carpenter Staff Members Independent Oversight Director T. Jack Morse Jr. Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez Deputy Chief Roland Andrade Police Commander Jorge Lopez Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Martinez Recording Secretary Abigail Y. Alcala POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 1 OCTOBER 9, 2025 ROLL CALL MINUTES: Recording Secretary Abigail Y. Alcala conducted roll call. Commissioners Gawronski, Mejia, Perea (arrived at 5:07 P.M.), Said, and Vega, Vice Chair Castillo Laughton, and Chair Carpenter were present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES: Chair Carpenter led the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENTS—Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for all comments on agenda items. Members of the public may provide comments on any agenda or non-agenda items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the commission. MINUTES:None. CONSENT CALENDAR RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar Items: 1 and 2. MINUTES:At 5:04 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered. MOTION: Chair Carpenter moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 and 2, seconded by Commissioner Said. The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONER GAWRONSKI, COMMISSIONER MEJIA, COMMISSIONER SAID, COMMISSIONER VEGA, VICE CHAIR CASTILLO LAUGHTON, CHAIR CARPENTER NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONER PEREA Status: 6—0 — 0 -1 — Pass 1. Excused Absences Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members. 2. Minutes from the Regular Meetings of September 11, 2025. Recommended Action: Approve minutes. ***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR*** BUSINESS CALENDAR MINUTES:At 5:06 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered. POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 2 OCTOBER 9, 2025 3. Senate Bill 719 and Santa Ana Police Department Policies 307 & 308 Recommended Action; Receive a presentation on the Santa Ana Police Department's Vehicle Pursuit and Response to Calls policies and provide input for staff consideration. MINUTES: Commander Joe Weber gave a presentation regarding Senate Bill 719 and Santa Ana Police Department Policies 307 and 308. Commissioner Said requested traffic collision statistics from the past three years, asked what the four-hour training for officers includes, and whether it addresses distractions such as phones and laptops to help prevent accidents. She inquired whether there is an internal traffic review board and what measures are in place to assist officers with multiple collisions in improving their driving. Commander Weber stated he does not have current traffic collision statistics, spoke regarding the four-hour training provided to officers and distractions, and explained progressive disciplinary action is used for officers who have multiple collisions and remediate ways to help officers avoid collisions. Deputy Chief Roland Andrade stated the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) does not have a traffic review board, explained the levels of review conducted for collision reports, and noted Chief Robert Rodriguez has mandated all sworn officers to complete EVOC training again to help mitigate traffic collisions. Commissioner Mejia requested information on the decision-making process covered during the four-hour training and whether pursuit data can be made available on the Department's website. She inquired about the authorization of pursuits fornonviolent or property crimes such as stolen vehicles or traffic violations, what risk analysis is conducted prior to authorization, the process and training guide to officers' decision-making when initiating a pursuit, the factors leading pursuits to escalate to use of force or deadly force, whether additional training is provided to address language barriers, and what measures SAPD is taking to ensure pursuits do not result in excessive use of force. She requested information on body-worn cameras and in-vehicle cameras used during pursuits, and whether SAPD utilizes Artificial Intelligence (Al) to review body-camera footage. Commander Weber explained the authorization analysis for nonviolent or property crimes, what leads officers to pursue an individual, discretion behind the pursuit, procedures in place to minimize risks among officers and individuals during pursuits and custody, policy for excessive use of force and process if an officer is accused of excessive use, and explained activation on body-worn cameras and equipment. He stated training on languages is not offered and the department does not utilize Al. Deputy Chief Andrade further explained the process behind officers pursuing an individual and ongoing evaluation during pursuits. Commissioner Gawronski asked for clarification regarding officer vehicle training in the rain and the number of freeway pursuits by SAPD. POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 3 OCTOBER 9, 2025 Commissioner Vega requested traffic collision statistics and clarification regarding Policy 308. Commander Weber spoke regarding vehicle training in the rain, freeway pursuits, and provided clarification regarding Policy 308 regarding traffic laws. Vice Chair Castillo Laughton asked for clarification regarding police officer discretion in vehicle pursuits, who is responsible for reviewing and investigating pursuits, whether the California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducts its own pursuit investigations, the definition of "due regard" in pursuits, and how use of force is applied to end vehicle pursuits. Commander Weber explained discretion regarding vehicle pursuits, process of investigating pursuits, confirmed pursuits are reported to the CHP and stated they do not conduct their own investigation, `do-regard pursuit' definition and practice, and different circumstances justifying use of force in terminating pursuits. Chair Carpenter asked why pursuit reports are provided and what the connection is between CHP and SAPD. He requested clarification regarding the use of force during and after a pursuit. Commander Weber stated reports given to CHP are for statistical purposes and explained use of force during and after a pursuit. Commissioner Perea requested data regarding traffic collisions and traffic pursuits that resulted in a death from 2015 to now, and asked what laws are in place for pursuits happening outside the City's jurisdiction. Commander Weber explained there is no current policy for the department to be involved in outside pursuits unless requested. Commissioner Said asked whether cameras within department vehicles are turned on once sirens are initiated. Commander Weber stated the department vehicles are not equipped with dash cameras. Commissioner Mejia asked whether information is available to assist in decision- making related to use of force or deadly force, and what tools are provided to officers for taking individuals into custody at the termination point of a pursuit. She inquired how often pursuits occur for minor offenses and requested information on the cost of traffic collisions within SAPD. Independent Oversight Director T. Jack Morse Jr. asked how often trivial pursuits occur. Commander Weber explained uses of force are determined on a case-by-case basis. Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Martinez explained the available traffic collision statistics only include settlement costs resulting from traffic collisions. POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 4 OCTOBER 9, 2025 Deputy Chief Andrade explained different scenarios relating to termination point of pursuits regarding use of force when needed. Commissioner Gawronski asked whether SAPD has their own helicopter to use during pursuits, where these helicopters are held, and how many are available. Deputy Chief Andrade stated SAPD obtains police helicopter services from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, which operates four helicopters, and explained the factors considered when deploying helicopters during pursuits. Commander Weber stated helicopters are held at John Wayne Airport and explained the process behind using air support during pursuits. Vice Chair Castillo Laughton asked whether SAPD collaborates with news station helicopters during pursuits and how the Department coordinates with other agencies if no helicopters are available, and requested data on the use of force employed to end pursuits over the past five years. Commander Weber confirmed SAPD does not collaborate with news agencies during pursuits. Deputy Chief Andrade stated use of force to end pursuits is not common. Chair Carpenter asked regarding the potential effects of not pursuing individuals and requested more information on policies regarding pursuits involving vehicles with children. Commander Weber explained the necessity behind pursuits and the discretionary factors dealing with children within vehicles during pursuits. Vice Chair Castillo Laughton inquired regarding drone use during pursuits and how many drones are to be obtained for the department. Deputy Chief Andrade explained the possible instances drone use could be beneficial and stated the department is looking into how many drones are to be obtained. Commissioner Perea requested clarification regarding the purchase of drones in the military budget proposal. Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez confirmed there has not been any budget approval or proposal presented to City Council regarding drone policies, procedures, and implementations. Commissioner Vega asked whether a warning system could be sent to those within the area of a high-speed pursuit taking place. Deputy Chief Andrade explained sending alerts during pursuits would be difficult due to high-speed pursuits happening so quickly. POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 5 �^ OCTOBER 9, 2025 MOTION: Vice Chair Castillo Laughton moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 3, seconded by Commissioner Vega. The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONER GAWRONSKI, COMMISSIONER MEJIA, COMMISSIONER PEREA, COMMISSIONER SAID, COMMISSIONER VEGA, VICE CHAIR CASTILLO LAUGHTON, CHAIR CARPENTER NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Status: 7—0 -- Pass 4. Police Oversight Commission Bylaws Recommended Action: Approve Police Oversight Commission Bylaws. MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez presented the Bylaws incorporating comments provided by Commissioners in previous meetings. Commissioner Vega asked whether the Police Oversight Director is able to add items to the agenda. Deputy City Manager Vazquez stated the Director is able to add to the agenda after consulting with the City Manager to build an agenda together. Commissioner Mejia requested clarification on the process for consulting with the Police Oversight Director and the City Manager regarding memos to be placed on future agendas. Deputy City Manager Vazquez explained the process behind consultations. Commissioner Castillo Laughton requested a highlighted overview of any significant changes made to the bylaws. Deputy City Manager Vazquez noted a significant change regarding excused absences. Chair Carpenter noted Article 3, Section 1 B was added to the bylaws and asked whether this bylaw applies to all Commissions regarding special meetings, and requested the Appointments and Boards Division 2, Article 2—Section 1, be updated on the City's website to include current Commission information. Deputy City Manager Vazquez explained Article 3, Section 1B was added to allow the Commission to bring a special meeting forward. Assistant City Attorney Martinez further explained other commissions do not have the ability to hold special meetings, but the newly added article provides this Commission to have the ability to do so. POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 6 OCTOBER 9, 2025 MOTION: Vice Chair Castillo Laughton moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 4, as amended to consider the bylaws upon ordinance approval, seconded by Commissioner Said. The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONER GAWRONSKI, COMMISSIONER MEDIA, COMMISSIONER PEREA, COMMISSIONER SAID, COMMISSIONER VEGA, VICE CHAIR CASTILLO LAUGHTON, CHAIR CARPENTER NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Status: 7 —0 — Pass Chair Carpenter requested to reconsider the bylaws upon ordinance approval. ***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR*** STAFF COMMENTS MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez expressed enthusiasm with the bylaws moving forward and encouraged continuing to bring back data and previously discussed items, and noted the special meeting with City Council regarding the Police Oversight Commission ordinance review work study has not yet been scheduled. Deputy Chief Roland Andrade stated seven recruits recently graduated from the Sheriff's Academy and will be joining SAPD, and invited the Commission to attend SAPD's Trunk-or-Treat event on October 16, 2025. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS MINUTES: Commissioner Gawronski suggested the Commission visit the yard to observe police vehicles involved in pursuits, and thanked everyone for theirhard work and Commander Weber for his presentation. Commissioner Mejia asked whether memos sent to the City Manager within the last few months need to be resent, requested additional data on vehicle pursuits to allow for any recommendations, and suggested the Commission establish email addresses to facilitate communication with community members who wish to contact a Commissioner. Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez explained the process for resending memos and stated general email correspondence should be sent to the Independent Oversight Director to ensure communication is directed to the Commission as a whole. Commissioner Perea requested data from 2010 to 2025 on settlements related to officer complaints, deaths, and injuries, and requested the establishment of a general POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 7 OCTOBER 9, 2025 email address for the Police Oversight Commission, rather than routing correspondence through the Independent Oversight Director. Deputy City Manager Vazquez explained general communication from the public is to be sent in or done as a public comment. Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Martinez suggested members of the community come speak during public comments or submit e-comments to avoid conflicts of violating the Brown Act. Commissioner Said thanked staff for their work, requested data regarding arrests made under Penal Code 148, asked how many cases the District Attorney is moving forward with, and wished everyone a safe Halloween. Commissioner Vega thanked staff for their hard work and inquired regarding arrests and their effects in relation to Proposition 36. Deputy Chief Roland Andrade stated arrests have been made under Proposition 36, but it is too early to determine the effects to date. Vice Chair Castillo Laughton thanked staff their efforts and the presentations. Chair Carpenter requested previously discussed agenda items be brought to a future meeting, suggested the possibility of adding a whiteboard, and thanked staff for the presentation. ADJOURNMENT -Adjourn the Police Oversight Commission Meeting. MINUTES: Chair Carpenter adjourned the Police Oversight Commission meeting at 6:57 P.M. The next meeting of the Police Oversight Commission is scheduled for November 13, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. Resp btfull �ub it a Abigail Ic Rec r ing_le POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 8 OCTOBER 9, 2025