PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING Thu 09.24.2020. at 08:00 am > Agenda & Meeting Details

At a critical time now when we need confidence and trust in public employees hired to serve and to protect us, there were some prime issues of paramount concern raised last Thursday over job-related mental stress and stability and the impact of behavioral health on the performance of the Mesa Fire & Medical Department, as well as a lengthy presentation looking at the Mesa Police Department's Policies & Procedures that included performance recommendations and public outreach.

These issues are alarming to say the least when the quality of Public Safety is dependent on the qualifications and stability of public employees to handle "mental stress" when their reactions are harmful or present dangerous risks to the public that may involve excessive use-of-force or unjustified killings of civilians.

 

Council Committee Meeting Notice: To decrease COVID-19 exposure, the City Council Chambers is closed, but public participation will be available telephonically.   Members of the Council Committee will appear electronically for this meeting, via a video conferencing platform, and the audio of the live meeting will be accessible telephonically.    

Because of the current public health emergency, the City Council Chambers is closed for Committee meetings. However, the audio of the live meeting, including viewing any presentation materials, are available at: https://mesa11.zoom.us/j/5301232921 or, audio only of the live meeting is accessible by calling 888-788-0099 or 877-853-5247 (toll free) using meeting ID 5301232921 and following the prompts.     For any difficulties accessing this meeting, please call 480-644-2099.

Meeting Agenda - Final
Mesa Council Chambers 57 East First Street
David Luna - Chairperson Mark Freeman, Kevin Thompson
8:00 AMVirtual PlatformThursday, September 24, 2020
Roll Call
1 Presentations:

20-0979 Hear a presentation and discuss the State of the Court update.1-a As you can see there are no attachments provided or made available

File #:

20-0979

Type:

Presentation

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

Public Safety Committee

On agenda:

9/24/2020

Title:

Hear a presentation and discuss the State of the Court update.

20-0978 Hear a presentation and discuss an update on the Public Safety Peer Support Team's efforts relating to employee mental stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 1-b

File #:

20-0978

Type:

Presentation

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

Public Safety Committee

On agenda:

9/24/2020

Title:

Hear a presentation and discuss an update on the Public Safety Peer Support Team's efforts relating to employee mental stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Attachments:

1. Presentation

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUPPORT

IMPACT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
• Mental health conditions cost employers $100 billion and 217 million lost workdays each year

• COVID-19 impact: No timetable for ending. Recent study shows increase in signs and symptoms of Depression/Anxiety from 11% to 36% in year over year comparison.

FIRE AND MEDICAL DEPARTMENT UTILIZATION OF EAP
• From 2018 to 2019 total number of in person utilizers went from 74 to 142

• This is an increase from 14% of fire employees to 28%

• Excluding public safety, all other City of Mesa employees utilize EAP at 14%

• A similar increase as MFMD would result in approximately 500 employees receiving in person care

HOW DO WE DO THIS?
• Streamline the process: Accessing care can be difficult and frustrating when you are mentally struggling. • Supervisor education: Signs and symptoms of stress. How to initiate conversations about mental health

.Resources available.

• Proactive approach: Creating a template for Bereavement, injuries, and new employees.

• Designating a confidential “go-to” person to call for guidance and assistance. This person coordinates the above-mentioned programs.

CRISIS SITUATIONS
• Death or major injury to a co-worker

• MFMD has already responded to a number of these circumstances

• Create a policy for Supervisors to follow to streamline the process and shorten the response.

20-0980 Hear a presentation and discuss an update on the Police Department’s policies and procedures, including PERF recommendations and public outreach. 1-c

File #:

20-0980

Type:

Presentation

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

Public Safety Committee

On agenda:

9/24/2020

Title:

Hear a presentation and discuss an update on the Police Department’s policies and procedures, including PERF recommendations and public outreach.

Attachments:

1. Presentation

THE PRESENTATION 1S 29 PAGES/POWER POINT SLIDES

Mesa Police Department Public Safety CommitteePresentation

2 Adjournment.
City Councilmembers who are not members of this Committee may elect to attend this meeting for their own information. These Councilmembers will not take any legal action, nor will they participate in any deliberations or discussions regarding any item on this agenda.