09-09-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 Fischer noted a recent incident in Little Canada where a Deputy made a traffic stop and there were bystanders shouting obscenities at the Deputy. He asked what the City or even the average citizen can do relative to increased tensions being directed at law enforcement. Bostrom reported that recently he has had many people approaching him to thank the Sheriff's Department, and law enforcement in general, for the job they do. Bostrom reported that that thanks goes a long way for Police Officers and Deputies and he would invite people to continue to do this. Bostrom also reported that in the Sheriff's Department's recruitment and skills training process, the qualities that they are looking for are character, truth, responsibility, and respect, and anyone without those characters will not be hired on with the Department. Bostrom felt that with this hiring philosophy, eventually the tide will tip and people will realize the quality of the men and women who serve the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. Keis asked about cameras for trouble spots within the City. Bostrom reported that the Department has some cameras that can be set up either long-term or short-term within the City and indicated that he will discuss this with the City Administrator. He reported that he is interested in implementing a camera surveillance program, but the Department has not yet come up with a cost-effective method to do so. With regard to body cameras, Bostrom reported that the Department is currently evaluating available products. He noted, however, that he has concerns with the current data practices laws, and indicated that before a body camera program is implemented, the Legislature will need to make some changes in the law. Bostrom noted, as an example, under the current law if an Deputy responds to a suicide, the camera will be rolling and all tape would be subject to data practices request. Bostrom did not want families facing that situation to be victimized a second time by the release of video data. Montour asked the number of crime prevention groups in the City and if there are things the City could do to generate more interest. Gustafson was not sure of the number, but indicated that any publicity in the City's newsletter or on its web site would be helpful. He also reported that the Sheriff's Department is streamlining the processes required of neighborhood watch groups to make it less cumbersome for the groups. Montour asked about the City's multi -family housing committee. The City Administrator reported that a meeting will be held within the next couple of weeks and that he would notify the committee members. Mayor Keis thanked Sheriff Bostrom, Chief Deputy Serier, and Information Official Gustafson for the presentation this evening 3