Cape council chooses police board members
Cape Coral City Council selected seven members and two alternates for a newly formed police review board that will, in part, review investigations conducted by the internal affairs division of the Cape Coral Police Department.
The seven member selected are: Duane Adams, Rich O’Donnell, Michael Lorenzo, Charles Cobb, Gary Vendenberg, Gary Celestino, Jason Menapeace, Julia Tinkham and Carmen Salome. It wasn’t immediately known who would serve as the two alternate members.
Adams, O’Donnell and Lorenzo were the three former law enforcement officers selected to the board, which could have a maximum of three former law enforcement officials.
Councilmember Bill Deile said the internal affairs department would be more likely to follow protocol during their investigations and not attempt to protect any of their brothers and sisters in blue knowing they’ll have a set of eyes reviewing their work.
“They know if they try that it will be picked up,” Deile said.
At least one committee hopeful withdrew himself from contention because he said the committee’s scope of responsibilities exceeds those of a civilian review board.
Peter Danchuck, a former New York Port Authority and Transit officer, felt the committee’s responsibilities would equate to the “boy scouts investigating the US Army”.
“I don’t think they have it set up correctly,” Dunchack said. “I think they just want to put something out there that looks like it works when it doesn’t.”
Internal Affairs is responsible for investigating criminal activity, Dunchack said, and the committee won’t have any power other than to look at the paperwork on file.
“It’s not going to work, it’s only going to be moving paper from here to there,” Danchuck added.
Still, there were applicants eager to lend a hand to the city and serve in any capacity asked of them by council.
Rich O’Donnell, who sits on the Burnt Store Right-A-Way Committee and is an active member of community organizations, said it was important to approach each case with an eye toward the city’s policies. O’Donnell is a retired law enforcement officer from New York state.
“It might not be the way I would do it, but if it’s the way Cape Coral wants it done, then that’s good,” O’Donnell said.
Michael Lorenzo, a 40 year law enforcement professional from Pennsylvania who retired to Cape Coral this year, said his status as a newcomer is an advantage.
“I have the experience and knowledge and I want to give back (to the community),” Lorenzo said. “I have no problems with anybody here, I don’t know anybody and no one knows me.”
Mayor John Sullivan said it was important that committee members act in a neutral capacity.
“I want to make sure the people who get on this board have enough experience to tell the difference between a cow and a goat it’s important this committee be neutral,” the mayor said.
“The civilian population on this committee is going to need some guidance,” the mayor added.
Councilmember Erick Kuehn said one of the most important things for him was the manner in which police officers spoke to the public.
“My philosophy is always been not what you say but how you say it we will have a much nicer police force if we learn to say things more politely,” Kuehn said.
It’s unknown when the new committee will have their first meeting.
Cape council chooses police board members
Cape Coral City Council selected seven members and two alternates for a newly formed police review board that will, in part, review investigations conducted by the internal affairs division of the Cape Coral Police Department.
The seven member selected are: Duane Adams, Rich O’Donnell, Michael Lorenzo, Charles Cobb, Gary Vendenberg, Gary Celestino, Jason Menapeace, Julia Tinkham and Carmen Salome. It wasn’t immediately known who would serve as the two alternate members.
Adams, O’Donnell and Lorenzo were the three former law enforcement officers selected to the board, which could have a maximum of three former law enforcement officials.
Councilmember Bill Deile said the internal affairs department would be more likely to follow protocol during its investigations and not attempt to protect any of their brothers and sisters in blue knowing they’ll have a set of eyes reviewing their work.
“They know if they try that it will be picked up,” Deile said.
At least one committee hopeful withdrew himself from contention because he said the committee’s scope of responsibilities exceeds those of a civilian review board.
Peter Danchuck, a former New York Port Authority and Transit officer, felt the committee’s responsibilities would equate to the “Boy Scouts investigating the US Army”.
“I don’t think they have it set up correctly,” Dunchack said. “I think they just want to put something out there that looks like it works when it doesn’t.”
Internal Affairs is responsible for investigating criminal activity, Dunchack said, and the committee won’t have any power other than to look at the paperwork on file.
“It’s not going to work, it’s only going to be moving paper from here to there,” Danchuck added.
Still, there were applicants eager to lend a hand to the city and serve in any capacity asked of them by council.
Rich O’Donnell, who sits on the Burnt Store Right-of-Way Committee and is an active member of community organizations, said it was important to approach each case with an eye toward the city’s policies. O’Donnell is a retired law enforcement officer from New York state.
“It might not be the way I would do it, but if it’s the way Cape Coral wants it done, then that’s good,” O’Donnell said.
Michael Lorenzo, a 40-year law enforcement professional from Pennsylvania who retired to Cape Coral this year, said his status as a newcomer is an advantage.
“I have the experience and knowledge and I want to give back (to the community),” Lorenzo said. “I have no problems with anybody here, I don’t know anybody and no one knows me.”
Mayor John Sullivan said it is important that committee members act in a neutral capacity.
“I want to make sure the people who get on this board have enough experience to tell the difference between a cow and a goat it’s important this committee be neutral,” the mayor said.
“The civilian population on this committee is going to need some guidance,” the mayor added.
Councilmember Erick Kuehn said one of the most important things for him was the manner in which police officers spoke to the public.
“My philosophy is always been not what you say but how you say it we will have a much nicer police force if we learn to say things more politely,” Kuehn said.
It’s unknown when the new committee will have its first meeting.
News from around the region
San Cap Bank to underwrite concert season
Fundraiser to benefit local nonprofit helping women
