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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes <br /> April 22, 2003 <br /> Page 6 <br /> • <br /> highlighting part one crimes, going back from 1998 through 2002. Chief Engstrom mentioned <br /> that because of an increase in the 0— 19 year olds, crimes are expected to go up also. Chief <br /> Engstrom gave specific totals for each type of crime during 2002, including the fact that <br /> burglaries have gone up. <br /> Chief Engstrom listed the totals for the part two crimes, which include all crimes that are not part <br /> one or index crimes. Chief Engstrom stated that clearance rates for 2002 were 64%. <br /> Mayor Hodson asked for clarification of clearance rates. Chief Engstrom stated that it related to <br /> crimes that had been solved. <br /> Chief Engstrom then discussed other crimes of interest, metro comparisons, the patrol statistics, <br /> investigations, significant cases including a bomb threat at the high school and others. <br /> Chief Engstrom noted that many changes have been made since 9/11, including updates to <br /> emergency plans, various seminars, work with securing the water supply and other changes. <br /> Chief Engstrom stated that on the flip side there has been a lot of community involvement and <br /> listed various public education programs including the DARE program and National Night Out. <br /> Chief Engstrom mentioned that volunteers have been a significant presence and that the police <br /> reserve in 2002 had 1,629 squad hours, 175 ride along hours, and 351 event hours. <br /> • Chief Engstrom listed the 2002 accomplishments and discussed the work plan for 2003. Chief <br /> Engstom asked for questions. <br /> Councilmember Sparks asked for explanation of youth population connection to crime rates. <br /> Chief Engstrom explained that with the youth population going up there is an expectation of <br /> youth committed crimes going up. <br /> Councilmember Sparks mentioned that St. Anthony has a declining population of youth. Chief <br /> Engstrom stated that surrounding communities could have an impact on the community and that <br /> he is not attributing the rise in crime to youth in the St. Anthony community. <br /> Councilmember Sparked requested that the Police Chief discuss block parties. Chief Engstrom <br /> expressed a desire to encourage more block parties because they were important to public safety <br /> and accounted for many tips by residents that helped with the 64% clearance rate. <br /> Councilmember Faust related the National Night Out to community policing. Chief Engstrom <br /> agreed and stated that there was no such thing as a bad call. <br /> Mayor Hodson asked if it is all right for residents to report suspicious activity by calling 911. <br /> Chief Engstrom answered in the affirmative. <br /> • Mayor Hodson thanked Chief Engstrom. <br /> VIII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS. <br />