Police Advisory Commission
Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island, RI 02807
Thursday, March 16, 2023
4:00pm
Present: Chair Jim Hinthorn, Members John Spier and Andy Transue. Also, in attendance Police Chief John Lynch and Laurel Payne to take minutes. Member Carolyn Collins was absent.
Jim Hinthorn called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm
1. Discuss and act on Minutes of November 17th, 2022 Meeting
Mr. Spier made a motion to approve the minutes from November 17th, Mr. Transue seconded, all were in favor. 3 ayes (Hinthorn, Transue, Spier) 0 nays 1 absent (Collins)
2. Discuss and act on PAC meeting with Town Council, Chief of Police and Town Manager.
The meeting with the Town Council will have to be scheduled for a time following Easter weekend. Ms. Payne will speak with Town Clerk Highet about scheduling this.
3. Status of Police Blotter in BI Times as communication vehicle to the community.
Mr. Hinthorn commented that the community has gotten back to the Police Commission requesting a police blotter in the paper. Mr. Spier noted that raw statistics are what would be helpful to the public, stating there is no downside to disseminating accurate information. Mr. Transue would like the community to realize all the work the police are doing, giving the department credibility. Chief Lynch noted that this would depend on the resources available at this time.
4. Discussion with new Chief John Lynch about his background, challenges he anticipates in his role, and his thoughts about the role of the Police Advisory Commission.
Mr. Hinthorn began by asking Chief Lynch about his qualifications. Chief Lynch spoke of his experience, community programs and strengths. Mr. Transue asked Chief Lynch what his connection to the Island was. Chief Lynch explained his history with Block Island.
5. Discuss and act on what role we believe we should play in the budget process for the police department.
Mr. Hinthorn noted that they will be at the budget hearing in support and told the Chief to let the board know if they can be of assistance in any way. The board asked if the Department has anything specific in their budget they have asked for.
Chief Lynch mentioned the budget had been completed for the most part, they would be asking for a fingerprinting machine but this was dependent upon completion of the Broadband installation. In the future they will be requesting a new records management system currently under development.
6. Discussion with the Chief regarding his plans for the summer season.
Chief Lynch has submitted requests for the same seasonal help which we have received in the past, including State Police officers and CSOs. They will also have portable speed signs which register several things.
Mr. Hinthorn told the Chief that the board is here to help and to be supportive to the Police Department.
7. Discuss and act on annual meeting schedule for 2023
. Mr. Transue made a motion to approve the 2023 calendar moving the future meeting dates to the 3rd Thursday of every other month. Mr. Hinthorn seconded, and the motion passed.
3 ayes (Hinthorn, Transue, Spier) 0 nays 1 absent (Collins)
The next meeting will take place May 18th, 2023.
Respectfully submitted, Approved: 5/18/2023
Laurel Payne