08/08/1994 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 8, 1994 Sheriff Wilkinson said that the purpose of his visit this evening is in an effort to maintain good communications and to update the City Council regarding the activities of the Sheriff's Department during the past -year. He outlined several services available through the Sheriff's Department to local police departments. These services include the Criminal Investigation Unit, the Sexual Assault Unit, the Drug Enforcement Unit and the Crime Scene Processing Unit (crime lab). Sheriff Wilkinson noted that crime throughout the County has increased and he expressed concern because five (5) of the eight (8) homicides that occurred in the County were committed by juveniles. He provided details regarding the number of crimes handled by each of the units of his department. Sheriff Wilkinson explained the federally funded program, Minnesota Fugitive Task Force and noted that its responsibility is to seek out and to locate people who have been identified as committing crimes. He noted that many arrests would not have been made if this program were not in place. Sheriff Wilkinson noted two (2) recent technological advances in the crime field. One is computerized finger printing and the other is computerized photo imaging. A data base will be constructed encompassing the entire metro area with these technologies. Sheriff Wilkinson said he was seeking feedback from the City Council and ways to enhance the Sheriff's Department services. Council Member Neal explained he has heard some reference to a prisoner transport program. Sheriff Wilkinson said he has tried to start this program for the last four (4) or five (5) years. He had thought that he could get some federal funding for the program. However, funding is not available. Sheriff Wilkinson said contributions from the Anoka County communities would be needed to support the program. He has included the program in his 1995 budget but was very sure that it would be eliminated. Mayor Reinert noted that the new federal crime bill has funding for crime prevention and the hiring of additional police officers. He was concerned that when the federal government provides funding, it also wants to control the program. Mayor Reinert said he feels it is best to leave law enforcement to local officials. Sheriff Wilkinson said that he is a member of the board of the National Sheriff's Association. This board did not see any strings attached to the program but there are limitations. He noted that all grants have a "sunset clause" so that if the community is to continue the program, the community will have to fund the program. PAGE 3