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FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -2- Apri19, 2003 PRESENTATIONS: Saint Anthony Police Department -Report About 2002 Crime Statistics Mayor Gehrz said that each year, the Saint Anthony Police Department does a presentation to the Falcon Heights City Council about the previous year's crime statistics, enforcement, and other calls and incidents. Lt. Jeff Scholl, Saint Anthony Police Department, introduced himself and said he is a night supervisor for the Department. He explained that he was substituting for Lt. Cotroneo, who could not be here this evening. Lt. Scholl gave a brief, oral review of the written report that had been provided earlier. He reviewed patrol statistics, investigations, crime prevention activities, domestic terrorism, police officer education and training, the reserve officer program and 2002 accomplishments. Lt. Schull said that the Department couldn't do its job without the help of the citizens of Falcon Heights. The City's numbers are low because of the citizens of Falcon Heights. Mayor Gehrz asked for comments and questions from the Council and the audience. Council member Lamb asked how many additional hours are scheduled during the State Fair. Lt. Scholl said their hours are doubled. All vacations and training are cancelled that may come up during the State Fair. The reserve units are also called in. About 20%-25% of the fair attendees take the bus, which helps greatly with traffic management and control. Mayor Gehrz said the City has been working with the State Fair and the hope is that an agreement will be reached that will reimburse Saint Anthony for all their efforts. Council member Kuettel asked what the biggest challenge is for the police department in Falcon Heights. Lt. Scholl said the biggest challenge is to keep the training at a high level. There are concerns about budget cuts and a fear that training might disappear. Council member Kuettel asked what the City Council can do to help the police department do their job. Lt. Scholl said that public awareness and public responsiveness are key. Council member Talbot asked if there is a profile of who steals and robs. He also complimented the Department on their community policing approach. The officers make a point of being involved in the community and letting people get to know them. Lt. Scholl said that crime is mobile and looking for opportunity. Burglaries occur around 5:00 PM, during rush hour. He doesn't see bikes out as much in Falcon Heights and garage doors are down. Neighbors know one another in Falcon Heights. The community policing approach gives people the opportunity to become comfortable with the officers and more willing to contact them if situations warrant it.