HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-10 97-113 RESOLVECOUNCIL ACTION
Date: 2-10-97 Item No. 97-113
Item/Subject: Resolve, Calling Upon the Maine Commissioner of
Corrections to Improve Communications with the
Bangor Police Department and to Establish a
Community Advisory Committee to Work with the
Bangor Pre -Release Center
Responsible Department: City Council
Commentary:
Councilor Aube has requested that the attached Resolve be
introduced. It expresses the City's displeasure in how the
transfer of Norman Dickenson to Bangor was handled by the
Department of Corrections, calls upon the Department to take the
necessary steps to insure the public's safety and to make
permanent and safe arrangements for him, to improve
communications with Chief Harriman and our Police Department, and
to establish a Community Advisory Committee to work with the
Bangor Pre -Release Center.
Manager's Comments
Associated Informationt
Resolve
Budget Approvals
Legal ApprOval:
�Ty S(lII T
�ntrodacsd For
x Passage
First Reading Page—of—
Referral
age 0£Referral
97-113
Assigned to Councilor Aube February 10, 1997
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) �iPWIbf cauiag Upon the Maine Commissioner of
C"` i......................._....._................._...._.._...._......................_...._6.....6............_.._
corrections to Improve Communications with the Bangor Police
Department and to Establish a Community Advisory Committee to
'6Yo'fTc""wifli"'t'li'e'B'6'u'3e2"p'£e'-Tlelect§A.••CEnE'LY'•••"••••"•••�•••�•••_............_..._..._....�..._...
By the Clry CaawHKW CiN afBaam»:
REBOLV&D,
WHEREAS, an January 30, 1999, the Department of Corrections
transferred Norman Dickenson from a mental health
crisis center in Portland to the Bangor Pre -Release
Center; and
wHEREAS, this transfer was precipitated by the concern of
Portland residents and Police Officials that Mr.
Dickenson posed a risk to their community; and
WEEREAS, Mr. Dickenson was transferred to and arrived in Bangor
prior to any communications between officials of the
Department of Corrections and City officials including
our Police Chief who learned of the transfer from the
media; and -
WHERRAS, the steps taken by the Department of Corrections did
not take into account reasonable concerns
erne of residents
of the City of Bangor and our Police Department; and
WHEREAS, we believe that the Bangor community deserves and
should have a greater rale in working with and advising
Correction Department officials and officials of the
Bangor Pre -Release Center to insure improved
communications and the continued safe and effective
opration of the Pre -Release Center and its programs;
NON, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLV BY THE CITY CODHCIL OF THE CITY OF
BANGOR, THAT:
1. we object to the way in which the transfer of Norman
Dickenson was handled by the Department of Corrections and
call upon the Commissioner to take the necessary steps to
improve communications with City Officials, in particular
the Chief of Police, to insure that no further such problems
occur; further
2. We call upon the Department of Corrections to continue to
take the necessary steps to insure that our community is
protected from potential future criminal activities on the
part of Mr. Dickenson and to move rapidly to find a
permanent solution to his residential needs which is
consistent with a high level of public safety; further
3. We call upon the Department of Corrections to move
expeditiously to implement existing plane to establish a
Community Advisory Committee to work with the Bangor Pre -
Release Center to insure that the community becomes
knowledgeable about the nature of the center's programs and
operations and is given full opportunity to participate i
and advise on Center management and issues of concern. We
recommend that such a Committee include representation, at a
minimum, from the Bangor Police Department and residents of
neighborhoods in the vicinity of the Center.
The City Clerk shall forward copies of this Resolve to the
Commissioner of Corrections, the Director of the Bangor Pre -
Release Center, the Governor of the State of Maine, and the City
of Bangor's Sytate Legislative Representatives and Senators.
IN CITY COUNCIL 9J-113
February 10,1997
Passed R E S O L V E
Cit Clerk - Calling Poon the Maine Commissioner of
Corrections to Improve Countunicatlons
with the Bangor Police Department and
to Establish a Community Advisory Com-
mittee to work with the Bangor Pre-
Re le Canter �J
a,
�`