2012-09-19_HRC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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411 412 413 414 415 416 417 Human Rights Commission Minutes September 19, 2012 Commissioner Thao stated this was an emotional situation for her as her daughter was autistic. She understood the needs of inentally-challenged individuals. Commissioner Brisbois felt the department was making a simplistic statement in earlier saying that the young man functions in public because he was found in a bar. The underlying issue was he had a gun and that he had autism. 418 Ms. Greiling questioned why the young man was charged, as this was a source of grief for his 419 mother. She understood the charges were dropped; however, this was not retracted in the 420 newspaper. Police Chief Mathwig explained that crimes were committed and it was up to the 421 judicial system to iind him able to stand triaL It was not law enforcement's job to understand his 422 intent. 423 424 Ms. Greiling indicated the press followed the case and did the write up, which had caused 425 distress to the young man's family. She suggested that future cases with mentally challenged 426 individuals be not charged until there was a clear understanding of the facts. Chair Grefenberg 427 questioned whether the Police Department had any control over the press release account of this 428 incident. 429 430 Ms. Moen reviewed a recent article in the Roseville Review regarding the matter. She asked 431 why the public was not invited when the SWAT Board and police department reviewed the case. 432 Police Chief Mathwig stated this was a public meeting and notice was sent. He commented there 433 were safety issues that would not have been discussed publicly. 434 435 Chair Grefenberg responded that the SWAT Board meeting notice did not indicate the subject of 436 the meeting, nor was any agenda posted for the meeting. 437 438 Commissioner poneen said mentally-ill persons sometimes communicate only with people they 439 know. She questioned if the recent training allowed for this much flexibility in crisis situations. 44o Police Chief Mathwig stated the report does discuss this and the young man's mother was asked 441 to provide assistance, but was reluctant. Two recorded conversations were attempted and the 442 officers were very patient through the entire process. 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 Commissioner Thao asked if there was a language barrier in this situation. Police Chief Mathwig stated this was not an issue. The mother was somewhat difficult to understand, but understood the officers clearly. Commissioner Groff encouraged all to move beyond the specifics and provide further feedback. 45o Chair Grefenberg agreed and suggested the group now discuss the ramifications this event has 451 had on the neighborhood. He also suggested the department hold a meeting with the 452 neighborhood watch in this area. Police Chief Mathwig was in favor of this recommendation. 453 454 Youth Commissioner Dao proposed having a forum on anti-stigma to educate the public further 455 on mental illness. 456