NEWSLETTER VOL. 2

12/13/01  

NEWS

Meeting with Officers and Labor: The team met with Faye Roe, Bus. Rep. For SEIU Local 790, SEIU IP Chapter members, and an SFIPOA Exec. Board member. The meeting was cut short due to Ms. Roe’s scheduling conflicts but some issues were discussed and the Transition Team provided a 2 page memorandum addressing some of labor’s concerns. SEIU indicated that they would respond. A couple important issues were discussed:

·         Minimal Staffing levels. Captain Waters clarified some misunderstandings about the concept of developing minimum staffing. The goal is to set safety minimums for IP staffing for patrol (exclusive of fixed posts, dispatch fill in, etc.). SEIU stated they would provide input into the matter.

·         Post assignments. There was discussion as to the impact of post assignments on overall public safety at SFGH, workload issues, overtime, etc. There was agreement that the pulling of officers from IP duties to man a fixed post was negatively impacting staffing for patrol functions. One method suggested was to develop a minimum staffing figure for “IP patrol” which would be exclusive of fixed post assignments. SEIU said that they would look at the issue.

·         Hiring. The team advised the attendees that one 8204 position is tentatively hired pending the applicant passing his medical exam, a second applicant is pending hiring approval. Both have passed background. We have also gotten tentative approval to initiate the hiring process to replace a retired Communications Dispatcher.

·         Use of deputies. There is no intention to have deputies work in place of IP personnel unless the IP operation is merged with the Sheriff’s Dept.  The only Sheriff’s Dept. personnel assigned to DPH are Transition Team members. We are in a “transition” period during which deputies will not be used to work in place of IP personnel.

Sweeping the Patio: On Monday, 12/03/01 SFGH IP members and SFSD personnel (and “Jedi” the dog) conducted a surprise sweep of the 2^nd floor patio area. After conducting surveillance, identifying known offenders, and monitoring suspected drug activity for several weeks, IP and SD personnel initiated a morning “sweep” of the patio. Over twenty people were on the patio at the time of the action. Several suspects were taken into custody on warrants, weapons violations, and drug related offenses. Several others were cited out on misdemeanors. Jedi, the Sheriff’s K-9, was used to detect contraband. The overwhelming response from hospital staff was totally supportive, and we received many requests to conduct more crime suppression operations in the future. Several officers received written commendations for their participation. John Kanaley personally expressed his and the administration’s support and gratitude for the operation. NICE WORK!

Uniforms: If any of you have been waiting over 30 days for previously approved uniform items which Butler has not yet delivered, please deliver or fax  (415 206-4928) a copy of the uniform request or any other documentation you have to us at the team office. We’ll follow up with Butler’s and try to determine the status of your order and get Butler’s to expedite delivery.

Meeting with John Kanaley: On 12/10/01 Capt. Waters, Lt. Williams, Lt. Kong and Sgt. Restauro had a lengthy meeting with Facilities Director John Kanaley. Several issues were discussed including funding for IP operational needs. Capt. Waters presented a report detailing the status of the transition process

Space: The team has examined potential IP space at 25^th and Utah St on both the ground floor and the third floor. This area would be in addition to the current IP station and the captain’s office. IP would retain the current station areas even if the 25^th and Utah St. facility was remodeled for use by IP.