Public Safety Committee

City Council - Public Safety Committee Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St When: Jan 29, 2026 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: Public Safety Committee Meeting Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://zoom.us/j/93604290986 Phone one-tap: +16469313860,,93604290986# US +19292056099,,93604290986# US (New York) Join via audio: +1 646 931 3860 US +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 305 224 1968 US +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 360 209 5623 US +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US +1 564 217 2000 US +1 669 444 9171 US +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 689 278 1000 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 253 205 0468 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Webinar ID: 936 0429 0986 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adFI6Szpkv 1. Adopt the Agenda 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda 2. Adopt Minutes 2.1. Motion to adopt draft minutes from November 20, 2025 3. Public Forum Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments Page 1 of 50  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 3. Public Forum Department Type 4. Chiefs' Reports Subject 4.1. BPD Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 4. Chiefs' Reports Department Type Recommended Action Subject 4.1. Policy re: ICE Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 4. Chiefs' Reports Department Police Department Type Recommended Action Subject 4.2. BFD - guest Marsha McCombie Battalion Chief of EMS Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 4. Chiefs' Reports Department Type Recommended Action 5. State's Attorney Data Subject 5.1. State's Attorney Data Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Page 2 of 50  Category 5. State's Attorney Data Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 6. Revisit 2020 Resolution Subject 6.1. REIB Work Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 6. Revisit 2020 Resolution Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action Subject 6.2. Joint Meeting w/ Police Commission Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 6. Revisit 2020 Resolution Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 7. Trusted Community Voices Feedback Subject 7.1. Trusted Community Voices Feedback Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 7. Trusted Community Voices Feedback Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 8. Other Committee Business Subject 8.1. Other business Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Page 3 of 50  Category 8. Other Committee Business Department Council and Board Type 9. Next Meeting Subject 9.1. Next Meeting Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 9. Next Meeting Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 10. Adjournment Subject 10.1. Motion to adjourn Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 10. Adjournment Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Subject 11.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in advance so that proper arrangements can be made. The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St Category 11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Department Council and Board Type Page 4 of 50  Public Safety Committee Thursday, November 20, 2025 Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall, Burlington, Vermont DRAFT MINUTES Members Present: Melo Grant (Chair), Mark Barlow Staff Present: Hayley McClenahan (Assistant City Attorney), Shawn Burke (BPD Chief), Michael Curtin (BFD Chief), Lacey Smith (CAIP Assistant Director) Public Present: Richard Eaton Meeting called to order at 5:31 PM by Councilor Grant. 1. Adopt the Agenda 1.01 Adopt the Agenda Motion to Adopt Agenda as written. Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Grant Final Resolution: Motion Passes Yes: Unanimous 2. Adopt Minutes 2.01 Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from October 23, 2025 Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from October 23, 2025. Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Grant Final Resolution: Motion Passes Yes: Unanimous 3. Public Forum 3.01 Verbal Comments Richard Eaton asked the Committee to consider Burlington implement a curfew for youth, given a recent assault incident perpetrated by juveniles. No action taken. Public forum closed at 5:40 PM. 4. Chiefs’ Reports 4.01 BFD Chief’s Report Chief Curtin presented the October incident and department data to the Committee. No action was taken. Page 1 of 2 Page 5 of 50  4.02 BPD Chief’s Report Chief Burke shared the latest incident and department data to the Committee. No action was taken. 5. CAIP Report – Review of City Council Work Session 5.01 CAIP Report – Review of City Council Work Session The Committee reflected on the upcoming changes to Burlington CARES. No action was taken. 6. State’s Attorney Data 6.01 State’s Attorney Data Councilor Grant reviewed State’s Attorney caseload data through October 2025. No action was taken. 7. Future Guests/Topics 7.01 Future Guests/Topics Councilor Grant suggested asking the Urban Park Rangers and the Howard Center to future meetings. No action was taken. 8. Next Meeting 8.01 Next Meeting The next meeting dates were set for January 22, February 26, and March 26 of 2026. No action was taken. 9. Adjournment 9.01 Motion to adjourn The meeting was adjourned with no objection at 7:08 PM. Page 2 of 2 Page 6 of 50 January 29th, 2026 Chief’s Report – Public Safety Committee Personnel & Staffing Update The department welcomed two new officer candidates on January 20th, 2026. Officer Krista Towne and Officer Hannah Schoene will attend the 121st Session of the Vermont Police Academy beginning in February. The department currently has 61 sworn officers, with 51 available for duty. Ten officers are on long-term leave: 5 injured, 2 on FMLA, 2 pending Use of Force review, and 1 on military orders. All the officers on long-term leave are assigned to Uniformed Services, resulting in significant staffing shortages in that bureau. Officer Sergio Caldieri will transfer from the Recruitment Officer position to the Uniform Services Bureau in February. Detective Krystal Wrinn will assume the Recruitment Officer role and is currently working alongside Officer Caldieri with the new officer candidates to ensure continuity. Officer Randall Webster was transferred to the Detective Services Bureau, filling the vacancy created by the promotion of Sergeant Eric Kratochvil. Detective selection follows a competitive process evaluating casework, criminal law knowledge, and departmental experience. CAIP Leadership Update CAIP Assistant Director Lacey Smith resigned to pursue a new position with CVOEO. The department extends deep gratitude for her decade of service and leadership in developing the CAIP. Community Support Supervisor Anna Wageling has assumed leadership of the CAIP, which now includes the Community Support Liaison Team and the Domestic Violence Advocate. 2025 Incident, Arrest, Traffic Stop & Use of Force Data The Police Commission received an annual incident, offense, and arrest data report for 2025 this month. Data Analyst Jeff Nicholson is preparing multiple datasets modeled on prior annual reports. Historically, this report was delivered later in the year to allow for full development. Page 7 of 50 The department will report on traffic stop data and use of force data in February. The Use of Force data requires additional time due to reporting – the department changed use-of-force reporting systems four times between 2019 and 2025. Parallel to his work on the annual report, Analyst Nicholson is reestablishing workflows to resume regular data transfers to the City of Burlington Data Hub. Recruitment Although the department did not meet our metric of having four candidates for the January 2026 hiring cycle, we did increase the number of applications received 2024 – 2025 by 32%. There are still seven viable candidates in the process from the 2025 calendar year, and the department has received three applications in 2026, two remain as viable candidates. 2025 Accomplishments Despite a significant leadership transition and operational challenges in 2025, the department advanced several mayoral priorities: • DD 01 Law Enforcement Role & Authority revised and ratified (VCJC compliant) • DD 14.1 Body-Worn Camera Systems revised and ratified (VCJC compliant) • DD 29 Online Incident Reporting Revised; new platform launched • DD 30 Public Information Directive revised; mayoral executive order rescinded • DD 44 Community Service Officer Program developed and ratified (first CSO directive; essential for liability insurance) • PowerDMS launched with public-facing policy access • Burlington School District–BPD MOU and response protocol finalized • CSL Street Outreach Incident Response Protocol developed and implemented • Improvements in department image, community trust, and engagement • Notable gains in data quality and internal leadership development Lastly, the department launched the Situation Table in partnership with the Department of Public Safety and the Mayor and Governor developed and implemented a 14-Point Short-Term Action Plan aimed at improving public safety. These efforts both contributed to improved conditions in the downtown district. Page 8 of 50 BPD Annual Report INCIDENTS AND ARRESTS JANUARY 29, 2026 Page 9 of 50 Incidents Page 10 of 50  All Incidents, 2012 - 2025 Data 1/1/2012 – 12/31/2025 Page 11 of 50  Top Incidents, 2025 Data 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2025 Page 12 of 50  Incidents with Greatest Rate of Change, 2021-2024 average to 2025 Directed Patrol excluded, as it is essentially a new incident type and had a 3500% increase 2022 – 2024 average shown for Service Coordination, as the incident type started in 2022 Filtered to incidents that Data occurred at least 50 times 1/1/2021 – in both years 12/31/2025 Page 13 of 50  Service Coordination Incidents Data 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2025 Page 14 of 50  Highlighting Discretionary Incidents Incident types included: Traffic, Data Foot Patrol, 1/1/2012 – Directed Patrol 12/31/2025 Page 15 of 50  Monthly Calls for Service by Area Officer-initiated incidents removed. Foot patrols, traffic stops, and outreach removed. Airport incidents not shown, as well as ~1,400 incidents with missing Area values. Data Some automation was 1/1/2020 – used to fill missing Area 12/31/2025 values where possible. Page 16 of 50  Violent Crime Incidents Data 1/1/2020 – 12/31/2025 Page 17 of 50  Violent Crime Incident Map Incident types (in order of frequency): Assault – Simple, Assault – Aggravated,, Robbery, Data Reckless Endangerment, 1/1/2020 – Homicide 12/31/2025 Page 18 of 50  Domestic Assault Incidents Data 1/1/2020 – 12/31/2025 Page 19 of 50  Domestic Violence Related Incidents Shown: Domestic Assault incidents plus all incidents where the ‘Domestic Violence’ related box in Data Valcour was checked 1/1/2020 – 12/31/2025 Page 20 of 50  Burglary / Larceny Incidents Other types: Theft of Service, Possession of Stolen Data Property, 1/1/2020 – Larceny from a Person 12/31/2025 Page 21 of 50  Burglary / Larceny Incident Map Incident types (in order of frequency): Larceny – from Motor Vehicle, Burglary, Larceny – from Building, Retail Theft, Stolen Vehicle, Larceny – Other, Larceny from a Person, Data Possession of Stolen Property, 1/1/2020 – Theft of Service 12/31/2025 Page 22 of 50 Arrests Page 23 of 50  Arrests, 2012 - 2025 Data 1/1/2012 – 12/31/2025 Page 24 of 50  Highlighting Top Arrest Categories Data 1/1/2012 – 12/31/2025 Page 25 of 50  Arrests by Type Data 1/1/2012 – 12/31/2025 Page 26 of 50  Arrests on Warrant Includes arrests where the charge is “Arrest on Warrant” or the arrest type is Data “Arrest on Warrant” 1/1/2012 – 12/31/2025 Page 27 of 50  Drug Arrests Includes any arrest with a drug charge, regardless of the most serious Data charge 1/1/2012 – 12/31/2025 Page 28 of 50  Drug Arrest Charges Counting arrest charges that reference the substance by name. Arrests can have Data multiple charges. 1/1/2012 – 12/31/2025 Page 29 of 50  Top Arrest Charges Counting most serious charge per Data arrest. 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2025 Page 30 of 50  Top Arrest Charges Compared to 2021 – 2024 Average Counting most Data serious charge per 1/1/2021 – arrest. 12/31/2025 Page 31 of 50  Top Arrest Charges by Type Counting most Data serious charge per 1/1/2025 – arrest. 12/31/2025 Page 32 of 50  Arrests by Area, 2021 - 2025 Airport arrests not shown. Some automation was Data used to fill missing Area 1/1/2021 – values where possible. 12/31/2025 Page 33 of 50 Questions? Page 34 of 50  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 Chief’s Report to the Public Safety Committee: End of Year Data Points January 22, 2025 Call Volume & Activity Summary Total Incidents for the month of December: 864 2025 Total Incidents: 11,533 (Busiest Year) • Fire Incidents: 1,782 • EMS: 7,689 • Hazmat: 220 • Service Call/Public Assist: 2,186 • Significant Events: ➢ 12/26 2nd Alarm Structure Fire 365 St. Paul St. ➢ 12/30 1st Alarm Structure Fire with multiple rescues 103 Archibald St. During the same period in 2024, we responded to 10,995 incidents, a 4.9% increase from last year. Page 35 of 50  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 EMS Data: The following charts presents monthly data on EMS-confirmed overdose and drug-related incidents in our community from 2021 through December 31, 2025. Confirmed drug and overdose incidents have increased significantly since 2021, rising from relatively low monthly totals to a consistently higher baseline beginning in 2022. The data show recurring late-summer and early-fall peaks, with notable surges in August 2022 (39 events), September 2023 (47 events), August 2024 (38 events), and October 2025 (39 events), indicating both sustained growth and a seasonal pattern. While monthly totals fluctuate year to year, overdose-related calls remain elevated and represent a continuing demand on resources, requiring advanced life support interventions, medications, and extended on-scene times. Overall, this trend underscores that overdose response is no longer episodic but an ongoing operational workload. Page 36 of 50  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 • From 2021 through 2025, confirmed overdose and drug-related incidents show that opioids remain the primary driver of overdose activity, with frequent and sometimes sharp monthly spikes, particularly from late 2023 through 2025. Overdoses involving other illicit drugs or misuse of medications consistently represent the second-highest category and often rise alongside opioid cases, underscoring the growing prevalence of poly-substance use. Events involving psychoactive or hallucinogenic drugs, cocaine, and intentional self-harm via medication occur at lower but steady levels, contributing to ongoing EMS and hospital demand. Overall, the data reflect a sustained overdose environment that continues to place significant operational, training, and public health demands on emergency response and healthcare systems. Page 37 of 50  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 • This chart shows that a significant portion of BFD calls initially dispatched as overdoses are not confirmed as overdoses once crews arrive on scene, with confirmation rates fluctuating month to month. Overall call volume varies, with noticeable spikes in spring and late summer 2025, but confirmed overdoses consistently represent roughly one-quarter to one-half of dispatched incidents. Several months (e.g., Dec 24, Jan–Feb 25, Oct–Dec 25) show higher confirmation percentages despite lower total volume, while higher-volume months often have lower confirmation rates. This trend highlights the operational impact of overdose dispatches that ultimately prove unconfirmed, reinforcing the importance of accurate call triage while acknowledging the necessity of treating these incidents as high-risk until clinically ruled out on scene. CRT Data for December 2025: Staffed 5 days for the month of December CRT Total Narcan Kits Wound Care Comfort Care Referrals Contacts Kits Kit December 10 0 0 0 3 2025 Total 1,144 49 73 56 30 Personnel & Staffing Total Department Staff: Uniformed Members 90 / Authorized 95 (4 in recruit academy) • Minimum Daily Staffing: 22 • Vacancies: 5 (December) • Injuries/LOA/FMLA: 5 • Staff Training Hours: 1,237 (December) • Company Level Inspections: 3 Overtime Type 2025 Hours 2024 Hours %+- Minimum Staffing 10,611.5 7296.5 + 45.4% Mandatory 2,394.5 1415.25 + 69.2% CRT 3045.75 3326.75 - 8.4% Emergency 218.75 229.25 - 4.5% Extra Duty Events 703.25 807.25 - 12.88% 4 Recruits in school on the floor January 26 Page 38 of 50 BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 Page 39 of 50  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 December Community Engagement • 12/6 Polar Express • 12/7 polar Express • 12/17 Ladder 2 Ride along • 12/17 Joint Training with Winooski FD • 12/18 Operation Fire Cuffs • Social Media: Page 40 of 50  EMS Utilization Trends & Impact Cohort Overview Burlington Fire Department – EMS Division Public Safety Committee | January 29, 2026 DATA TIMEFRAME: JANUARY 1, 2017 – DECEMBER 31, 2025 SOURCE: SIREN (STATEWIDE INCIDENT REPORTING NETWORK), VIA IMAGETREND THIS ANALYSIS IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO REFINEMENT AS ADDITI ONAL DATA ELEMENTS ARE INCORPORATED. Page 41 of 50  What is the Impact Cohort? Impact Cohort A small subset of individuals who account for a disproportionate number of EMS encounters over time. Identified through retrospective analysis of EMS encounters in the SIREN database to better understand patterns of repeat system use and operational impact. To support analysis and discussion, individuals are grouped into tiers based on the number of EMS encounters within a single calendar month. These tiers are analytical tools only and do not reflect patient acuity, intent, or appropriateness of care. Monthly Tier Definitions Baseline Use: 1–2 EMS encounters per month Watch Tier: 3–5 EMS encounters per month High Tier: 6–9 EMS encounters per month Intensive Tier: 10+ EMS encounters per month Page 42 of 50  Impact Cohort Monthly counts of people in the impact cohort 2025 median month: 21 people Monthly counts of 2022 median month: 14 people individuals with frequent EMS encounters have increased. 2018 median month: 7 people Source: Siren Data 1/1/2017– 12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change. Page 43 of 50  All Utilizers Monthly counts of all people served by EMS They account for a small share of total EMS utilization each month. 2025 impact cohort percentage: 5% 2022 impact cohort percentage: 4% 2018 impact cohort percentage: 2% Source: Siren Data 1/1/2017– 12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change Page 44 of 50  Incidents for Impact Cohort Monthly counts of incidents for impact cohort 2025 median month: 88 incidents Monthly incident volume 2022 median month: 48 incidents for the impact cohort has increased. 2018 median month: 24 incidents Source: Siren Data 1/1/2017– 12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change Page 45 of 50  Incidents for All Utilizers Monthly counts of incidents for all EMS utilizers The percentage of total incidents they represent has also increased. 2025 impact cohort incident percentage: 2022 impact cohort 16% incident percentage: 12% 2018 impact cohort incident percentage: 9% Source: Siren Data 1/1/2017– 12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change Page 46 of 50  Mapping Impact Cohort Incidents Tracking where impact cohort incidents occur supports more efficient response. Not all incidents represented Source: due to some missing location Siren data in Siren. Currently working on a fix for that. Data 11/1/2025– 12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change Page 47 of 50  Mapping Impact Cohort Incidents This analysis provides a generalized view and does not separate specific impact categories. Source: Siren Data 11/1/2025– 12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change Page 48 of 50  Mapping Impact Cohort Incidents Inclusion required meeting EMS watch list criteria at least twice, or appearing once in the intensive tier, during calendar year 2025. People with the most impact cohort months are at the top. Source: Siren Data 1/1/2025– 12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change Page 49 of 50  Potential Areas for Further Analysis Nature of EMS Interactions Understanding call types, timing, responder impressions, and transport patterns Utilization over time Examining how individuals move between utilization levels and whether patterns persist System intersections Exploring whether EMS utilization overlaps with other systems, where appropriate and feasible Data refinement Continuing to improve data completeness and analytic methods Page 50 of 50