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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Rights and Diversity - 11/14/2000 APPROVED MINUTES Eden Prairie Human Rights & Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission Tuesday, November 14, 2000 7:00 PM - Prairie Rooms A/B, City Center 8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie MN 55344 Citizen Advisory Commission Members: Dorothy Fifield, Angie Garcia, Harry Moran (Chair), Darryl Stanton, and Philip Young (Vice-Chair) Student Representatives: Amber Swiggum, Rachael Harlos, and Jaclyn Matzen Commission Staff: Michael Barone, Supervisor of Personnel & Payroll, Tanya Jansen, Recording Secretary I. Roll Call and Call to Order ® Dorothy Fifield ❑ Harry Moran ® Philip Young ❑ Angie Garcia ® Darryl Stanton Student Representatives present: Amber Swiggum, Rachael Harlos and Jaclyn Matzen. Guest speaker present: Molly Koivumaki, Manager of Public Safety Support Services, Eden Prairie Public Safety Services. Meeting called to order at 7:18 p.m. by Vice-Chair Philip Young. II. Approval of Agenda MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Fifield to amend agenda as published, moving New Business item VIA. Discussion of Bias Crime Activity issues ahead of Reports of Staff and Old Business, in the interest of time for guest speaker, Molly Koivumaki. Motion carried 3—0. III. Approval of Minutes for October 10, 2000 meeting MOTION: Fiefield moved, seconded by Stanton to approved Minutes as published. Motion carried 3—0. VI. New Business A. Discussion of Bias Crime Activity issues—Molly Koivumaki, Manager of Public Safety Support Services Molly Koivumaki spoke to the Commission. She discussed the duties of her position in the Public Safety Services area, and explained her involvement in dealing with bias crimes and how the Bias Crime Response Network(BORN) operates in the City. Koivumaki distributed a flow chart from the BCRN training manual that show the steps followed if a bias crime occurs. Koivumaki said the BCRN began as a result of a cross-burning incident years ago in Eden Prairie. Although a tragic incident for the community, the Police Department better learned how to respond to such an incident if it were to occur in the future. She stated that the BCRN helps possible bias crime victims deal with issues in a variety of ways. Types of help offered by the BCRN ranges from phone calls, face-to-face conversation, etc., Eden Prairie Human Rights &Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission Unapproved Minutes of November 14,2000 Page 2 depending on the needs and wants of potential bias crime victims. These crimes can be racial, gender or religiously biased crime. Sometimes a crime originally reported as a bias crime turns out to not be biased. The Police department has investigated such incidents. For example, a few years ago, an African- American family had their house and property "egged", and reported the crime as a bias crime. The Police investigation determined it wasn't a bias crime, since several families in the large neighborhood (of different races) had also been "egged" randomly overnight. If an Officer collects evidence and speaks to victims at a crime scene, that Officer may determine a bias crime has occurred. If this is the case, the Commanding Officer on Duty is then notified, as well as the Chief of Police. In severe cases, the City Manager may be notified. When crimes occur, Police generally focus is on the "bad guy" and how to catch that person(s). What happens to the victim? This is where Koivumaki and the BCRN can be important to help handle bias crime victim issues and needs. Barone commented that an incident doesn't necessarily have to go to the Police first. In a recent example, someone called the Mayor, thinking she may have been discriminated against based on her race. The Mayor contacted Barone, who then contacted Koivumaki so the Police could address the issue. Koivumaki said that she serves an important role in the Police Department in coordinating the communications for the department. She said the Police rely on many resources to help solve crimes, including the media. Not reporting a crime to the media may be for a number of reasons. Some in the community feel they "have to do something", yet some victims don't want anything done,but the majority of the people want crimes reported. Fifield asked how many people are in the BORN, and how are they chosen. Koivumaki responded that participation in the BCRN is purely voluntary, and these volunteers are people who can provide resources, whether they are based as individuals, as part of church groups, etc. The number of people used for an incident would be based on the need. Harlos asked if a person reports a crime, does it have to be investigated? Koivumaki replied that yes it does. Swiggum asked what the punishment would be in the case of the egg throwing incident if it was a bias crime. Koivumaki stated that if the crime is an intended bias crime, the "enhanced crime" statute for crimes of bias can be used,but it is typically is up to the prosecutor and judge to decide punishment. Stanton asked about"opening up a victim's life". He asked what if they don't want to give information? Koivumaki replied that they that can sometimes still prosecute a criminal successfully even without a victim's cooperation. Stanton said that some people might give limited cooperation with Police because they are afraid, or they may be culturally motivated not to accept help. Koivumaki agreed and said they can request privacy,but the Police do try to work with members of different communities to find out needs and customs. Eden Prairie Human Rights &Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission Unapproved Minutes of November 14,2000 Page 3 Koivumaki explained that they keep a good relationship with the media. The Police cannot tell the newspapers what to print, so their goal is to have news items with victims to be portrayed accurately and carefully, not mentioning victims names, if appropriate, letting the community know what happened and what is being done. Koivumaki said that once a bias crime is reported, the BCRN reacts quickly, if asked. Fifield commented that it speaks well of the Eden Prairie community. Koivumaki wanted the commission to know that it can be difficult to help victims,but there is a process in place, and that the BCRN does provide some options for bias crime victim assistance. Stanton asked for general information on the BORN, and Barone referred to the HRDCAC brochure. Also, members could contact Koivumaki at any time in the Police department. Harlos suggested that someone could write a letter to the Eden Prairie News editorials and submit information so that the community gets informed. Koivumaki said that is a good idea to capture people's attention. IV. Reports of Staff A. South Hennepin Immigration Services Group (SHISG) 1. Report on November 6, 2000 meeting Barone stated that he would provide the minutes to this meeting soon. 2. Somalian Resource Fair— Saturday, November 18 Barone reported that the Somalian Resource Fair is set for Saturday, November 18. The time has been adjusted to 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. Mary Keating, Human Services Coordinator, will attend the Fair, bringing materials from the City's HOPE program. Sgt. Dennis Paulson from the Police Community Oriented Policing (COP) unit will attend. From the HRDCAC, Fifield and Moran are planning to attend from 10:00 to 11:30, and Stanton is planning to attend from 11:30— 1:30. Young stated he is unable to attend. There will be two tables for City representatives. V. Old Business None VI. New Business B. Introductions of Student Representatives Young asked for introductions of the new Student Representatives. Each commission member then introduced him/herself and spoke a little about their interests, public service and their background. B. 2000—2001 Youth Scholarship Award(s) & Human Rights Awards Barone gave out two handouts; the proposed timelines for the Youth Scholarship Award(s) and Human Rights Awards. He stated the timelines are open to any changes or additions. He said that Eden Prairie Human Rights &Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission Unapproved Minutes of November 14,2000 Page 4 the commission needs ideas to recruit people and students and encourage them to apply for these awards. Barone challenged the commission members to "get the word out" and help find applicants. Stanton suggested that the Eden Prairie High School web-site be used. Swiggum suggested that the awards be advertised in the binder at the School Career Resource Center. Harlos explained that she has information regarding the "National Campaign for Tolerance". She stated that she thinks it is something good to get involved in and could help bring the community together. Barone asked that she get him some information on the subject. VII. Future Meetings/Events ■ December 2000 No HRDCAC meeting ■ January 9, 2001 7:00 p.m. HRDCAC meeting Student Representatives At-Large— Group A in attendance ■ February 13, 2001 7:00 p.m. HRDCAC meeting ■ March 13, 2001 7:00 p.m. HRDCAC meeting Student Representatives At-Large— Group B in attendance ■ April 10, 2001 7:00 p.m. HRDCAC meeting For Your Information VIII. Adiourn MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Fifield to adjourn meeting. Motion carried 3 —0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.