03/09/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Emergency Management - Emergency Management is responsible for the operation of City Government /Public Safety during an emergency whether the emergency is natural, technological or a terrorist act. The Lino Lakes Police Department is mandated to use the National Incident Management Sys- tem (NIMS) during an emergency and has trained paid and volunteer staff from all the city de- partments in this incident command communication protocol. Chief Dave Pecchia and Captain Kent Strege maintained their certifications as emergency managers while Sgt. Mike Rumpsa continued his training to become certified in emergency management. The police department continues to update the emergency plan to incorporate the Homeland Security challenges and the latest statutory changes. The updated plan and knowledge of NIMS was instrumental in our successful incident command post activation, response and recovery related to the May 2008 storms that impacted over 2500 homes in Lino Lakes. During 2008 the Lino Lakes Police Department also utilized table top exercises. These exer- cises are designed to replicate actual events that have or may occur within the city of Lino Lakes. This training enhances unified command which involves representatives from various first responder organizations who must work together as a unit to address the disaster or emer- gency. During 2008 the CERT team was included in the training to better integrate them into the response plan. The CERT members provide another valuable resource for the Lino Lakes Police Department when a disaster or large scale emergency occurs. Active Threat Response- The Active Threat Response is comprised of all officers from the Lino Lakes Police Department. The officers are trained to respond to critical incidents involving an active shooter in businesses, government buildings and schools within the City of Lino Lakes. Active Threat Response training was conducted at various locations throughout the city. One of the training sessions was conducted at the Centennial Middle School. While officers were en- gaged in the active shooter scenarios, a live video feed of the training was being presented to teachers and administrators so they could see what to expect if an active threat response was needed in their school. Police Department personnel were in the auditorium with the school staff to explain exactly what was happening and why. This provided an opportunity for school staff to experience an active threat situation in a nonthreatening and educational setting. Area school officials have been very supportive of the active threat response concept and assisted us with our training scenarios at their schools. We continue to review incidents that occur around the nation and design our training to address the most recent events. Police Officer Training Program (PTO) -The PTO process is 16 weeks long and consists of four phases. Phases A -D are each three weeks long and there is a different training officer for each phase. In addition to the four phases, there is a two week mid -term evaluation and a two week final evaluation. The PTO program offers some cutting edge opportunities and challenges for our new officers as they implement problem based learning principals that are unique to this program. Upon successful completion of the program, new officers transition to solo patrol for the remainder of their one year probationary period. Officer Joel Martin went through the PTO Program in 2008. 25