HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report-Staffing for Police ServicesSTAFF REPORT
DATE: November 22, 2016
CONSENT
ITEM #:
AGENDA ITEM: Staffing-Sheriff’s Deputy/Sergeant
SUBMITTED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
As discussed in the development of the 2017 general fund budget, the Sheriff’s department has asked the
city to consider adding another deputy in Lake Elmo due to the changing nature of calls and the increase in
call volume.
Council asked for more information related to the need. Chief Deputy Dan Starry shared the following
information with me. After three years of Part I and Part II crimes declining, which was a consistent trend
in other areas around the state and country, we experienced an increase in 2015 for both of these areas. Part
I crimes include arson, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny/theft, rape, robbery and theft of motor vehicles.
Part II crimes include DUI, disorderly conduct, narcotics, other assaults, sex offenses, liquor law violations,
forgery, fraud/embezzlement, gambling, prostitution, runaway, sex offenses, stolen property vandalism and
weapons violations.
Part I crimes in Lake Elmo were:
2015 169
2014 147
2013 173
2012 186
Part II crimes in Lake Elmo were:
2015 464
2014 391
2013 443
2012 481
Service Related Totals were:
2015 5,237
2014 4,717
2013 4,778
2012 5,372
The sheriff’s department, anticipates the trend of more Part I and Part II crimes to continue. In addition,
they expect to see the quality of life concerns that are often reported by residents (noise complaints, animal
complaints, parking issues and curfew violations) to increase as well as the population increases.
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
The Council should discuss if the number of contracted deputies should be increased in Lake Elmo in 2017.
If so, further discussion may be had as to what level of expertise that new position has. One option would
be to just hire another patrol deputy similar to what Lake Elmo utilizes now. Another option would be to
add a sergeant. A sergeant would perform more supervisory duties (similar to a department head type
position), be a resource for the city on public safety issues/concerns, and help build community
relationships. While it wouldn’t be expected that the sergeant would attend all Council meetings, s/he may
when there is a topic of public safety being discussed.
If the Council would like to add personnel, the City’s contract with the Sheriff’s Department would need
to be amended via resolution at a future meeting. Staff is looking for direction at this meeting so we can
prepare the resolution for a meeting in December, if needed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The police budget for 2017 was increase in the preliminary levy to allow for additional personnel. Since
estimates were between $120,000-140,000, staff asked for an increase of $130,000.