Minutes-022503
MINUTES
Call to Order
Attendance/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Chair Peterson at 5:50 PM. Present at the meeting were Bruce Peterson, Gloria Kumagai, Marshall Tanick, Bob Hernz, Roger Johnson and Amanda Johnson.
Opening Comments
Chair Peterson stated the Commission is thankful for Golden Valley Police Department professionalism demonstrated in 2002.
Approval of Minutes
Chair Peterson wished to amend the minutes of the December 9, 2002 meeting.
Marshall Tanick was added to the minutes as an attendee.
The approval of the December 9, 2002 Police Officer Eligibility Register should read that it was “unanimously approved by formal action.”
Director’s Report
Hernz thanked the Commission for their willingness to serve the City of Golden Valley.
Hernz advised of the city’s budget concerns and that the City Manager would like department heads to cut 4% of their total budgets. Hernz stated 82% of the department’s budget is personnel,
therefore, this may affect filling vacancies in CSO and officer positions.
Chair Peterson inquired about the potential for outside funding and Hernz advised that while their may be grants available for equipment, he is not aware of any available for personnel.
Tanick asked if the vacancies in positions would make up the shortfall in the budget and Hernz stated the vacancies would make up about half of the total amount.
Crime Trends
Hernz advised many factors have impacted crime in Golden Valley. He stated typically young males between 15 and 24 account for the highest percentage of crime and Golden Valley’s population
of these males declined by 49% from 1980-1990. This population changes gradually in Golden Valley due to the nature of development and housing.
Hernz advised the department’s connection to the community affects crime and we have implemented programs such as Neighborhood Watch groups and the I-394 Virtual Block Club in order
to keep community relations strong and to help people feel comfortable contacting the police when crimes occur or something seems suspicious.
Hernz stated the economy impacts crime and in these uncertain times, with budget cuts, etc., we may see a rise in property crimes.
Hernz stated with the advances in technology the department has received more alarm calls, because new homes are being built with wired in security systems and more people are installing
them to protect their homes/businesses.
Hernz advised the department will continue to improve and expand crime prevention programs in order to decrease crime rates.
2002 Department Accomplishments
Hernz stated the department has seen a few personnel changes over the year including the promotion of two sergeants and the hiring and successful field training of one officer. The
department also conducted a hiring process which included the involvement of CSOs as applicants.
Hernz stated the department continues to use the speed trailer and do follow-up enforcement in complaint areas. The department also conducts traffic enforcement details with state,
county and local law enforcement agencies and is working to coordinate the processing of community traffic concerns with the public works staff.
Hernz stated the department trained and added two field training officers, completed review and update of the Field Training Manual, trained sergeants in complaint investigation for
first-line supervisors, trained two sergeants in advanced complaint investigation, conducted informal roll call training on new technology tools and planned for an all-day in-service
training session during first quarter of 2003.
Hernz stated we continue to use Safety Camps and the Kids and Cops program. We also continue to conduct alcohol and tobacco compliance checks at all licensed establishments. CounterAct
classes are still being taught in all Golden Valley fifth grade classrooms.
2003 Department Goals
Hernz stated with respect to traffic enforcement, we will continue to focus on high complaint areas using the speed trailer and follow-up enforcement. We will work closely with school
staff to ensure school zone safety. We will conduct traffic details in high accident areas and will also target serious traffic offenders including alcohol-related offenses, speed
and pedestrian crosswalk violations.
Hernz stated we will continue to conduct Safety Camps and CounterAct programs with youth. We will continue Public Safety Awareness sessions for 5th grade students at Noble Elementary
and Park Valley School. He also stated we will continue to offer Child Passenger Safety Inspections and will work to enhance the Kids and Cops after-school program by working with
community organizations and businesses to expand activities.
Hernz advised we will conduct a Senior Safety Fair in the Spring. We will continue to work to coordinate Neighborhood Watch group meetings and National Night Out activities. He stated
we will also continue to meet with and educate apartment managers, and will look to expand the I-394 Virtual Block Club as well as explore new Virtual Block Clubs for businesses outside
the I-394 corridor.
Hernz stated in regards to training, we will conduct field training for three new officers; although budget issues may only allow for two. Supervisory training will be conducted for
internal affairs issues, labor relations and leadership, and in-house staff development training will be conducted in use of force, core technology and policy review.
Hernz advised we will work to establish a radio communications task force to examine future communication needs and options involving police, fire and public works staff, and will also
work with St. Louis Park in evaluating these needs.
Hernz stated we will continue to work with state and county officials to prepare for terrorist or weapons of mass destruction incidents. We will also review and revise the City Emergency
Operations Plan.
Technology Update
Hernz advised the LiveScan system continues to be effective in updating criminal histories in a timely manner and identifying suspects. He also advised the Photo Imaging System was
installed along with HNRAP and MRAP and they have been very effective and helpful as well.
Chair Peterson asked about LOGIS upgrades and Hernz stated we will begin switching over to the new Printrak software sometime in mid-2004.
Staffing Projections for 2003
Hernz advised the hiring of one officer and one CSO have been put on hold until further notice by the city manager due to budget shortfalls.
Chair Peterson inquired about providing more training to Police Reserves and expanding their roles to assist the department in incidents such as Homeland Security emergency responses.
Johnson advised Reserves would continue to respond to major incidents, but they would not have an expanded role.
Election of Police CSC Officers
Hernz advised state statutes regulate Commission membership and set provisions for the election of Commission officers. In reviewing the statutes, it was determined each member of the
Commission should be Chair of the Commission during the last year of the member’s term.
Chair Peterson asked Kumagai if she wished to serve as the Chair and Kumagai stated she did.
Chair Peterson asked Tanick if he wished to serve as the Secretary to replace Kumagai and Tanick stated he did.
By consensus, Kumagai will serve as Chair and Tanick will serve as Secretary until the annual meeting in February 2004.
Other Issues
The next meeting was set for Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at 5:30 PM to approve the addition of CSO Brian Sloat to the Police Officer Eligibility Register (dated 12/09/02).
Closing Comments
“The Commission remains supportive of Golden Valley Police Department staff and programming. We are most appreciative of the continuing positive stature of the Golden Valley Police
Department within the local law enforcement community. As Commissioners, we remain privileged to serve.”
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marshall Tanick, Secretary