Minutes-020501
MINUTES
Call to Order
Attendance/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Chair Peterson at 5:33 PM. Present at the meeting were Bruce Peterson, Gloria Kumagai, Bill Hobbs, Bob Shellum, Roger Johnson and Liz Atherton.
Agenda Approval
Peterson asked for a review of the agenda for any additions or corrections. Two agenda items were added as follows: Police Officer Hiring Process and Staff Retention Program. The agenda
was approved with these two additions.
Opening Comments by Chair
Peterson opened the meeting by congratulating sworn and civilian staff members on their Year 2000 accomplishments and the high quality performance of the police department.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the February 7, 2000 meeting were approved by consensus.
Director’s Report
Shellum reported on the 2000 Department Accomplishments, the 2001 Department Goals, the Technology Update for Year 2001, Staffing Projections for Year 2001, the Police Officer Hiring
Process and the City Staff Retention program and Johnson reported on the Police Officer Hiring Process with highlights as follows (see attachments for details):
2000 Department Accomplishments
Shellum noted the police department continues to have a strong community outreach network in place in such areas as Neighborhood Watch, Safety Camp and Junior Safety Camp and the Apartment
Managers Association as well as others.
Johnson reported that every officer receives state-mandated emergency driver training every three years in response to statewide pursuit concerns. This training has also included a 4-hour
course in pursuit psychology. The department has also added four spike systems to its pursuit tools, bringing the total to six. A written pursuit policy is in place as well.
Shellum stated we continue to nurture programs regarding juvenile issues in the area of alcohol and tobacco compliance. Our compliance model has become a resource for other agencies.
Shellum reported over this past year we have had a complete turnover in our usual complement of eight Community Service Officers, with CSO’s departing in most cases to accept police
officer positions.
Peterson queried whether the squad MDT’s have proven effective and functional. Shellum stated officers are able to conduct local queries regarding driver's license status, warrants,
etc., but anticipate a statewide integrated system by approximately 2006.
2001 Department Goals
Shellum noted speeding cars, barking dogs and active youth remain citizens’ most frequent concerns and the Golden Valley Police Department is dedicated to responding to and serving those
needs, i.e. ongoing communications with involved parties and directed enforcement through continued use of the speed trailer.
As regards the Twin Lake Beach Safety Program, Shellum stated we are very optimistic that plans to open a Hennepin County trail in the area will create more public access to the area
and alleviate safety issues at the beach.
Technology progresses toward implementation of live scan fingerprinting utilizing equipment and an integrated program provided by the state. The photo imaging system update continues
to be on course to accommodate Hennepin County’s vendor change. We anticipate future data sharing across the state between LOGIS and state systems.
As a result of Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office cutbacks in prisoner transport and booking services, we continue to look to develop plans with neighboring jurisdictions to meet our needs.
We are also looking to expand the Emergency Response Team (ERT) from a three-agency unit (Golden Valley, New Hope and Robbinsdale) to a four-agency unit to include the Crystal Police
Department.
The department plans to continue to develop and present 4-hour blocks of department specific in-service training to all officers twice a year. Peterson remarked about quality management
and customer focus programs and their relevance to police department personnel. Shellum assured Peterson the department maintains a customer ingrained conscience and is part of the
culture developed in all our training for all staff. The Field Training Officers (FTO’s) emphasize “first time” attention to all customers.
Shellum emphasized the department is working to ensure contracted special program services are being delivered, such as domestic assault services, and also continued department strategies
toward park safety.
Public Communications are an important priority and the department plans to be aggressive in reestablishing, maintaining and building a strong relationship with the Human Rights Commission
as well as being proactive with local media regarding the services we provide.
Annual Tobacco and Alcohol Compliance Checks continue to be a high profile, important issue and we will continue to conduct compliance checks. A recent issue of concern is the proposal
to sell wine and beer in grocery stores, the addition of which would result in significant difficulty monitoring and checking for compliance.
Peterson raised the question of continuance of programs such as Safety Camp and Junior Safety Camp. Shellum confirmed these are ongoing and part of what we do, our routine business,
rather than identifying them as “Department Goals.” This routine practice also includes juvenile issues and working with other organizations, such as the YMCA. There has been some
discussion of adding a “Senior Safety Camp” in the future.
Discussion also arose about the speeders and school crossing guard violators at Meadowbrook School at Glenwood and Xenia Avenues. Additional time and attention has been spent educating
crossing guards, school staff and offenders as well as the addition of more visible and larger signs in the area to promote safety and awareness.
Staffing Projections for 2001/Police Officer Hiring Process
Johnson reviewed upcoming staffing needs, noting two police officers openings in the spring with the retirements of Detective James Beardsley on 04/30/01 and Detective Rodney Dehmer
on 05/31/01. He also projects two openings spring 2002. To that end, the Police Officer Hiring Process has begun with 153 applications received and 113 scheduled to take the Phase 1
LEAP test this week. Eight or nine other police departments are also currently in an officer hiring process with many applicants applying at several agencies, which could ultimately
impact our
eligibility list with candidates on our register accepting positions at other departments. For Phase 2, applicants with scores 70+ with participate in a 15-20 minute interview and take
PDI’s “Accomplishment Record Index Test.” Phase 3 will consist of an oral interview and by late March, early April the Civil Service Commission will meet again to approve the register/eligibility
list.
Staff Retention Program
Shellum explained the City of Golden Valley’s employee retention program designed to educate, prepare and encourage employees to stay. One element provides 100 percent tuition reimbursement
for continuing education for any employee wishing to enhance their current career, change careers or any other educational path, no signed contracts required. Currently, five officers
are enrolled in the Hamline University graduate program. Golden Valley will also provide career and financial planning services to new employees throughout their careers.
Department Structure/Deputy Chief Position
Peterson, Kumagai and Hobbs approved by consensus support for restructuring of the department having been involved in discussion and review of the Deputy Chief of Police position.
Police CSC Membership – Appointments
Gloria Kumagai agreed to serve another 3-year term (expires 01/01/2004) with her appointment approved by the City Council in January 2001.
Election of Officers
Peterson called for election of officers for the Chair and Secretary positions. By consensus, Bruce Peterson will continue as Chair and Gloria Kumagai as Secretary.
Closing Comments
Congratulations to Deputy Chief of Police Roger Johnson on his new appointment. High acclaim to the Golden Valley Police Department and its greatly respected position in the seven-county
Hennepin County area.
Next CSC Meeting: April 2001 (date to be determined) – Review Police Officer Hiring
Retirement Reception for Detective James Beardsley and Detective Rodney Dehmer, Thursday, April 26, 2001, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, Brookview.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Kumagai, Secretary