HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2024-072RESOLUTION NO. 2024-072
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING POLICY CLRK-002: THREATS OF
VIOLENCE DIRECTED TOWARDS COUNCIL MEMBERS AND
CANDIDATES
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert is committed to maintaining a safe
environment for its Council Members, Candidates, and staff; and
WHEREAS, threats of violence directed toward public officials are becoming an
increasing concern nationwide and pose significant safety risks; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the importance of establishing formal
protocols for reporting and responding to such threats to ensure the safety and security
of Council Members, Candidates, and City staff; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
(WVPP) and state laws, including SB 553, support proactive measures to mitigate risks
related to workplace violence; and
WHEREAS, Policy CLRK-002, attached as Exhibit A, has been developed to
provide clear procedures for the reporting, assessment, and managemen t of threats of
violence directed toward Council Members and Candidates; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that adopting this policy will promote safety,
consistency, and confidentiality in addressing such threats and ensure cooperation with
law enforcement authorities as needed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the foregoing Recitals are true and correct and are incorporated
herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby adopts Policy CLRK-002: Threats of
Violence Directed Toward Council Members and Candidates, as outlined in Exhibit A
attached hereto.
SECTION 3. The City Manager is authorized to implement and enforce the
provisions of Policy CLRK-002, including any future revisions necessary to comply with
applicable laws or enhance the safety protocols therein .
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this
resolution and shall enter it into the official records of the City of Palm Desert.
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ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2024.
KARINA QUINTANILLA
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 2024-072 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert on September 26, 2024, by
the following vote:
AYES: HARNIK, KELLY, NESTANDE, TRUBEE, AND QUINTANILLA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
RECUSED: NONE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Palm Desert, California, on ___________________.
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
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Exhibit A
CITY OF PALM DESERT
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Subject THREATS OF VIOLENCE DIRECTED TOWARD
COUNCILMEMBERS AND CANDIDATES
Policy No. CLRK-002
Date Approved: September 26, 2024
Amended:
Approved by Resolution No. 2024-072
Authored by Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk
I. PURPOSE
To establish a protocol for responding to threats of violence received by or directed toward
Council Members and Candidates.
II. SCOPE
This policy applies to all City staff and officials who may become aware of threats of
violence directed at Council Members or Candidates. This policy supplements the
Workplace Violence Prevention Plan which would otherwise exclude candidates.
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Candidate: An individual who has filed the necessary paperwork and is actively
campaigning for election to the Palm Desert City Council, in compliance with
applicable election laws and regulations.
B. Confidentiality: The obligation to keep all details related to threats, investigations,
and protective measures private and to share such information only with
authorized individuals as necessary for the safety and security of Council
Members, Candidates, and City personnel.
C. Council Member: An individual currently serving in an elected capacity on the City
Council of Palm Desert.
D. Law Enforcement Authorities: This refers to any local, state, or federal agency
responsible for enforcing laws and protecting public safety. This may include the
local police department, sheriff’s office, or other agencies involved in investigating
and responding to threats.
E. Threat of Violence - Any verbal or written statement, including, but not limited to,
texts, electronic messages, social media messages, or other online posts, or any
behavioral or physical conduct, that conveys an intent, or that is reasonably
perceived to convey an intent, to cause physical harm or to place someone in fear
of physical harm, and that serves no legitimate purpose.
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F. Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP): A policy adopted by the City of
Palm Desert designed to prevent and respond to incidents of violence in the
workplace, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees. This plan is
referenced in conjunction with this policy but excludes Candidates.
IV. POLICY
A. Responsibilities of Council Members and Candidates:
1. Reporting Threats of Violence: Any Council Member or Candidate who
perceives, experiences, or believes there is a threat to their safety must
immediately report the threat to the City Manager and law enforcement authorities.
This includes threats made in person, through electronic communications, or via
other means.
2. Basic Due Diligence: Council Members and Candidates are responsible for
taking basic safety precautions in the event of a threat, such as :
a. Notifying law enforcement immediately if the threat appears imminent.
b. Avoiding public appearances or activities that may increase risk until guidance
from law enforcement is received.
c. Keeping a record of any threatening communications or actions, includi ng
written or digital communications, recordings, or eyewitness statements, to
assist in any investigation.
3. Cooperation with Law Enforcement: Council Members and Candidates must
fully cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation and assessment of a ny
threats of violence. This includes providing all relevant details and following any
recommended safety measures.
4. Confidentiality: Council Members and Candidates must also maintain the
confidentiality of the investigation and avoid sharing details about the threat with
unauthorized individuals, unless advised otherwise by law enforcement.
5. Facility Access Control:
a. Council Members are prohibited from inviting members of the public into City
Hall after hours or on weekends without a special exception from the City
Manager. This restriction is intended to reduce vulnerabilities during times
when staff and law enforcement presence may be limited.
b. Family members or guests of Council Members may be permitted to visit their
offices or take brief tours of City Hall, but entry into employee-only areas is
strictly prohibited unless authorized by the City Manager. Guests must remain
under the direct supervision of the Council Member while on City premises .
B. Training:
The City shall provide regular training to relevant staff and officials on recognizing,
reporting, and responding to threats of violence, specifically including those directed
toward Council Members and Candidates. This training should include scenarios and
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best practices to ensure preparedness. The policy will also be provided during
candidate orientations and new Council Member orientations to ensure all individuals
are familiar with the procedures and protocols. This training is to be conducted in
alignment with the City’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) to ensure
comprehensive safety measures across all departments, as mandated by SB 553.
C. Immediate Reporting:
Any City employee, official, or individual who becomes aware of a threat of violence
directed at a Council Member or Candidate must report the threat as soon as
reasonably possible to the City Manager and local law enforcement authorities.
The report should include all available details of the threat, including the nature of
the threat, how it was received, and any identifying information about the person
making the threat. Refer to Exhibit A for a step-by-step checklist on the immediate
reporting procedures and necessary actions following the receipt of a threat .
D. Law Enforcement Involvement:
The City Manager or designee will ensure that the threat is communicated to law
enforcement and/or appropriate personnel for assessment and appropriate action.
Law enforcement will determine the level of risk and take necessary steps to protect
the Council Member or Candidate, which may include monitoring, investigation, or
providing protective services.
E. Confidentiality:
The identity of the Council Member or Candidate and the details of the threat shall
be kept confidential, shared only on a need-to-know basis with law enforcement and
key City officials, or as otherwise required by law.
F. Communication:
The City Manager or designee, in consultation with law enforcement, will guide the
Council Member or Candidate on appropriate steps to take, in cluding any changes
to their public schedule or activities.
Any public communication about the threat will be handled by the City Manager or
designee in coordination with law enforcement, ensuring that the information released
does not compromise the investigation or the safety of the individual involved.
G. Policy Updates and Amendments:
This policy may be amended or updated as needed to reflect changes in the law,
organizational structure, or operational needs. It shall be reviewed periodically to
ensure alignment with the City’s WVPP and compliance with applicable state laws,
including SB 553. All amendments shall be approved by the City Manager and
communicated to relevant staff.
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H. Effective Date:
This policy is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until amended or
rescinded by the City Manager or City Council.
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EXHIBIT A
INCIDENT RESPONSE CHECKLIST: THREATS OF VIOLENCE
Immediate Reporting (Reporting Party)
☐ Report any threat (verbal, written, electronic, etc.) to the City Manager and law
enforcement authorities immediately.
☐ Include all available details in the report (e.g., nature of the threat, how it was received,
and any information about the person making the threat).
Responsibilities of Council Members and Candidates
☐ Take basic safety precautions (e.g., avoiding public appearances or high -risk activities
until guidance is received from law enforcement).
☐ Document any threatening communications or actions to assist investigations.
☐ Do not share details of the threat with unauthorized individuals unless directed
otherwise by law enforcement.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation (City Manager’s Office)
☐ Ensure law enforcement is requested to conduct a risk assessment.
☐ Review security procedures and any vulnerabilities exposed by the incident.
☐ Conduct a security audit of facilities and adjust access controls, surveillance, or other
measures as necessary.
Guidance from City Manager and Law Enforcement
☐ The City Manager or designee, in consultation with law enforcement, will advise the
Council Member or Candidate on any immediate steps to take, including changes to
their public schedule or activities.
☐ Ensure that the Council Member or Candidate is advised on safe transportation
options, including escorts if necessary.
☐ Determine whether the Council Member or Candidate should temporarily work
remotely or limit exposure at public facilities such as City Hall.
☐ Advise on any necessary changes to communications, such as limiting public access
to contact information or social media accounts.
☐ Establish a direct line of communication between the Council Member or Candidate
and designated law enforcement personnel for real-time updates and support.
Coordination with Legal and Communications Teams (City Manager’s Office)
☐ Coordinate with the legal team to ensure compliance with relevant laws and any
potential legal ramifications.
☐ Review any necessary legal filings, restraining orders, or other legal actions that
should be taken following the threat.
☐ Collaborate with the City’s Communications Team for a controlled public response,
ensuring that messaging aligns with safety and confidentiality protocols.
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Post-Incident Review and Documentation (City Manager’s Office)
☐ Conduct a debriefing with law enforcement, the City Manager, and relevant personnel
to review the incident.
☐ Update the City's threat database or incident log with pertinent information to track
recurring issues or patterns.
☐ Identify any areas for policy improvement or further training based on the incident.
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