04-24-2023 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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(Nagin, 2013) and "police deter crime by increasing the perception that criminals will be caught and punished" (Nagin, 2013). If there are fewer law enforcement officers present to respond to growing crime, there is even less hope they will be able to successfully deter crime in our communities. RECOMMENDATION: Respectfully requesting the support of the Mounds View City Council on a future bill that would provide Minnesota Legislature funding for healthcare costs for all active Minnesota Peace Officers. Support for this legislation will provide a permanent equitable solution to the recruitment and retention crisis facing all Minnesota Law Enforcement agencies, while also dramatically improving agency efforts towards diversity, morale, and wellness. State funded medical and dental care for single and family insurance plans — for all licensed peace officers in Minnesota for the duration of their careers. The following areas would be significantly impacted for the benefit of all agencies and communities: Recruitment • Minnesota becomes a desirable career destination for local, regional, and national candidates. Retention • Officers will stay in the profession if they can obtain health care benefits unrivaled by private sectors Wellness • Officers will be motivated to seek mental health services, prevent and recover from PTSD, and be healthier, happier people. Diversity • A new strategy to attract diverse populations, women, and non-traditional applicants to Minnesota peace officer careers. Equity • Current rising healthcare costs have a greater impact on smaller agencies, making them less desirable to retain and attract officers. • Medical and dental care for all officers will provide equity to all agencies, communities, and budgets, by making all agencies as attractive as the next in the benefits that matters most — healthcare.