Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/239386
Sarasota News Leader January 10, 2014 Page 41 the panel by the chief of police, city manager or the city commission." The revision also would allow the panel to pursue its own initiatives. It says, "The recommendations authorized by this section include unsolicited recommendations that originate from the panel upon discussion after placement on a published agenda." The group meets quarterly. Its subcommittees can meet more frequently. The police chief is an ex officio member of the committee and therefore can participate fully in discussions but cannot vote. One change to police procedures the panel previously recommended concerned domestic violence. After a 2012 report from the panel, the Sarasota Police Department's general orders were amended by then Chief Mikel Holloway to reflect that. Chairman Berkel said of the proposed changes in December, "We've come to ask [the City Commission] to open [the ordinance] up, so we can make recommendations to the chief and city manager about police operations. These are just recommendations." Police Chief Bernadette DiPino began working in the city a little more than a year ago. Photo by Norman Schimmel As usual, the swing vote was Commissioner Vice Mayor Willie Shaw replied, "I found Suzanne Atwell. "Early on, I had some issues this panel useful to restoring trust in our with this panel. We have a new [Police community." Department] administration, and this has But Caragiulo was less enthusiastic. "If you morphed into something pretty good," she have faith in your police administration, if the said. chief is doing [his/her] job, I don't think we With the resulting motion authorizing a rewrite need this kind of panel." of the enabling ordinance, the Independent "I won't support this motion, either," said Police Advisory Panel can approve the amendSnyder. "If the administration was on the ball, ments Friday. The board will come back to this is stuff that should have been addressed the City Commission for a public hearing on the changes and a final vote later this year. several years ago."