Police cite response to efficiency review

Petersburg City Council members got feedback from the Police Department last week about recommendations from an independent efficiency review that highlighted several flaws in the department and other city agencies.

Police Chief John Dixon III said the department has implemented several of the study's recommendations, including addressing racial tensions within the department. But he said he would not support recommendations to eliminate community-policing initiatives.

The report by Berkshire Advisors Inc. at the request of the City Council, which was released in August, said police officers had said racial tension is an "800 pound gorilla" in the Police Department. It recommended having focus groups, surveys and interviews to assess the problem.

The report also suggested that the racial composition of the department does not match that of the city.

Dixon said he started addressing racial tensions when he took over as police chief in September 2007. He said he has focused on recruiting minorities and women and has implemented a system in which promotions or transfers are based on skill or knowledge, not longevity

The agency also is developing a priority system for calls, Dixon said. The study said officers are often called to get children out of bed and send them to school, or to serve as mediators between neighbors.

The study recommended that the department stop assigning officers to jobs that "do not have a direct and immediate impact on crime and service to residents." Such functions include serving as community liaisons.

Also, in an effort to save money, the department is evaluating the program that allows officers to take patrol cars home, officials said.

Dixon, who was hired because of his focus on community policing, has emphasized the need for officers to get involved in intervention and prevention efforts.

The consultant examined several areas of city government. Overall, the report concluded the city must establish high expectations for all departments and hold all employees accountable. It also said City Manager B. David Canada should be held accountable for the performance of city department heads.

The study suggests a need for more transparency in city government, better communication between city government and residents, and improved response to residents' inquiries.

Residents have expressed anger over the city's handling of the study, which the City Council ordered. The city and the Cameron Foundation shared the $150,000 cost of the review. Some residents have said city officials chose not to publicly respond to the study until pressured by the residents.

The rest of the departments that received recommendations will report to the City Council over the next few months.

Mayor Annie M. Mickens said the council will prioritize the recommendations that will help the city save money this year and can be implemented in the next fiscal budget, which is expected to be a lot slimmer because of state cuts and a weak economy hurting city revenues.

"First of all, we have to make decisions with regards to the budget," Mickens said. "Once each department gives us their [response], council will have to develop a plan. . . . We will have to work a strategy."

Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or .