The Banning Police Officers Association plans to host a public meeting 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 7 at Russo's Italian Kitchen, "to update the community on the state of the Banning Police Department and to answer questions," according to organizers.
The BPOA is the union for all 24 sworn non-administration personnel who work for the Banning Police Department, said Banning police Cpl. Brandon Smith, an elected representative of the Banning Police Officers Association.
The event will be the first public meeting of the BPOA since former Chief Leonard Purvis left the police department, and since the department's acquisition and crash of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which the city is investigating.
The Banning Police Department is currently without a chief. Lt. Mike West and Lt. Phil Holder have shared command since former Purvis went on leave in October. Purvis accepted a $300,000 settlement from the city in November and he was rehired by the Sheriff's Department in December.
There is limited seating for the meeting at Russo's, 1335 W. Ramsey St.
Johnny Russo has created a special menu for the event, organizer Jim Smith said. Dinner will be $8 per person, excluding tax and tip. To make a reservation email jim@jimsmith4banning.net.
For background see:
Banning's Employment Risk Management Attorney Weighs in on Purvis Settlement Debate
UPDATE: Councilman Blasts PD's Acquisition of MRAP Vehicle, City Manager 'Not Happy'
UPDATE: Banning Police Have No Chief, Purvis on Voluntary Paid Leave
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