12-5-06 MCP&PSG COFFEE & DISCUSSION 6:45AM MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

Attending were Keri Desjardin, Joe and Mary Ann Blazevich, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Paul Gilligan, Richard Dillworth, Ron Rada, Bob Parks, Ken Amo, Dave LaRose, Officer Bob McFamm, Officer Frank Cavalos.  Recent news releases were handed around that were received from the Sheriff's Department and the Kitsap Sun.  Bud noted that our weekly meetings will be held on the 12th and the 19th.  We will take a seasonal break on the 26th and on January 2nd.

Completion of the Non Profit status paperwork with the IRS seems to be moving ahead for the Manchester Community Foundation, the check has been cashed.  We are all looking forward to the options available to us for grants and other means of funding our efforts towards more law enforcement presence in Manchester, including a potential Sheriff's sub-station in the area.

Work on the "Transportation" segment of the Manchester Community Sub Area Plan, will continue after the holidays.  We have made preliminary contacts with various agency representatives and look forward to working closely with them to complete and updated "Transportation" outline.

Our guests this morning included David LaRose Asst. Supt. for School Support, Bob McFann School Resource Officer Kitsap County Sheriff's Dept., and Frank Cavelas School Resource Officer Port Orchard Police Dept.   All three gentlemen enlightened us with how their departments work with the schools, with the students, and with the parents in a proactive and preventative atmosphere to educate families without frightening them.  Their goal is a belief in patterns of behavior that can move forward in a positive manner by working closely with family groups through contact information.

We reviewed the 3 recent incidents in North Kitsap, Ollala, and Manchester relating to men in vehicles attempting to entice young girls in to vehicles.  Immediate reporting of the incidents by the girls has produced an excellent information outline.  After countless contacts it appears that the 3 reported incidents are not related in any way.  Reports are still coming in but no definite leads to date.  Fortunately the girls were aware of the importance of making an immediate report to 911, or to school officials, parents, family, etc.   In the high school video announcements were made to classrooms.  In working with students, teachers, family, etc., they stress family friendly sessions featuring both black and white and right and wrong.  This has proved very affective.

Dave LaRose stressed his willingness to assist with problems between property owners and students on their property before or after school hours.  Accountability of students during school hours is vital and he reported if he is called, a response can happen in short order.  It is important that students learn that productivity on their part is a major part of turning a problem around.   This relates to progressive discipline taught to "follow the rules"  can help all the way around.  There are several mentoring groups used to assist with children who may refuse to go to school, fight parents and others, etc.  Pal's is one group, as are the Boys and Girls Clubs.  They can give a child the sense of community.  In many cases they are mentoring children with special needs, such as single parent homes, lack of food, lack of clothing, lack of adequate housing.

The subject of groups of unsupervised groups of kids was reviewed.  LaRose suggested that the Port of Manchester provide him with a list of the resolutions that will be posted on Port property.  This enables the school to provide adequate teacher to student ratio supervision for any school sponsored field trip, this is a responsibility of the school sponsoring any field trip.  If you observe groups of unsupervised school age children during school hours call Dave's office at 360-874-7064.

School is the safest place for children to be.   What about wooded areas on school property which might prove dangerous on dark days?  They have been discussing just this issue and are talking of trimming back bushes to a size that does not block visibility, add lighting, and other safety methods.   They recommend guidance parameters, is the child accountable?  In their training sessions they seek to layout their expectations to young people who have been dismissed from school for any violation, to ensure they understand they are responsible for restitution, full accountability, drug tests if needed, etc.  In other words, YES they can come back to school if they have participated in behavior modification.  They need to understand that in growing up they are expected to be prevention oriented.    Again the resource officers are family friendly and work towards obtaining the trust of students and parents they invite their participation and encourage them to engage in positive behavior.

Bussing was discussed.  Video monitoring is available on some buses.  Progressive discipline is encouraged.  Anyone having problems in their area at bus stops, or play areas, etc. is encouraged to contact the resource offices for advice, they are more than willing to work with you.    They support advocacy group around all schools, get the community involved as much as possible.  Support the schools in meaningful ways.  How can we help individual families, we need to educate them and market school services that are available.  This will have long term impact.

We will be inviting Terry Patton to attend an upcoming January meeting to outline community growth, boundary changes, keeping numbers manageable, anticipate growth of population, cost of living increases.  He can outline the districts wants for what is right, good, and new.  Dave LaRose stated that Patton is the one to talk to about figures and requirements.  We will look forward to having him with us.

Today's meeting was very interesting and highly informative.  It shows us that we are able to do things to help improve our fast growing community, and community crime prevention and public safety is our purpose.

Submitted:   Wanda Larsen