Agenda Packets - 2002/10/14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2401 County Highway 10 Mounds View, MN 55112 Ramsey County All members of the police department are current with POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) training requirements for licensing. New Equipment (and Old): In April 2002 an officer attended training to become a certified instructor of the M26 hand-held Taser unit. We have revised our use of force policy to address the training, use and reporting to go along with the Taser. Officers trained in the use of the Taser are now allowed to purchase and carry this very effective, non-lethal/non-impact tool. A community organization is considering the possibility of donating one or more Taser units to the police department. Some of the monies received as an award under a 2001 LLEBG Grant remains to be used. Approximately $4,000.00 of the $12,000.00 grant has gone toward the purchase of a video-printing unit used for making still images from surveillance tapes. One option being explored for the remaining funds is voice recognition software and hardware. This would help to increase the overall efficiency of the department. The deadline for expending these funds is February 2003. Digital Cameras: with the addition of two digital cameras in 2001 we have been able to capture a much greater number of incidents benefiting from this type of documentation (graffiti, assaults, vandalism, etc.) One concern is the reduced level of resolution available through digital photography. With advances in technology new “mega-pixel” cameras are now available at a fraction of the cost that they were at just a year ago. The department has budgeted for one additional digital camera in 2002, and is currently evaluating several models for consideration that would offer higher resolution and better results. Ongoing problems with the MDT (Mobile Data Terminals) in the squad cars resulted in all units being taken in for service. Due to the age of these units the technician suggested this preventative maintenance be done on an annual basis. Since the service was done the units have been operating much better. Replacement/upgrade to MDC’s (Mobile Data Computers) is being considered for the 2003 budget, which would allow for much better information sharing with our own and other agencies. Grants: As a means of obtaining otherwise unaffordable equipment and training, the police department has pursued grants to help provide additional resources whenever possible and practical. Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant (JAIBG): This is an ongoing grant which reimburses various expenses incurred though program offerings such as the weekly email crime updates and juvenile conferencing to address minor criminal violations. During 3rd quarter of 2002 the police department will receive $1843.00 in reimbursements. Federal Bullet Proof Vest Partnership and State Bullet Proof Vest Grant: Under these combined grants the department is replacing all body armor throughout the department that is five years old or older. Eight sets have been replaced thus far in 2002, and two more sets are eligible for replacement. Once the remaining two sets have been purchased, 100% reimbursement will be obtained, saving the city over $6500.00. Police Training: Partial reimbursement for police training was available under a state program offered through the POST Board. On 8/15/02 the city received a check for $6,787.60 for reimbursement of police training expenses.