02-27-12-WS Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 27, 2012 2 George Altendorfer, Ramsey County Sheriffs Department, thanked the Council for their time this evening and stated the training being presented is becoming routine to assist with increasing security for municipalities. He explained that this County training has been created to inform elected officials and City workers on the front-end, prior to incidences or threats. Ramsey County has been a leader in this area for several years. Undersheriff Altendorfer stated the Arden Hills City Hall was well designed and laid out. He indicated the construction was well thought through and he commended the Council for the bullet proof barrier. Steve Yochim introduced himself to the Council stating he has been in law enforcement for the past 18 years and works now in tactical training. He encouraged the Council to break in with questions throughout his presentation. Mike Hankee then introduced himself stating he has been with the Sheriff's Department for the past 12 years and also works in training. Mayor Grant requested the information presented improve the safety of Council and staff with specific recommendations of what to do and what not to do in a critical situation. Mr. Yochim then discussed a PowerPoint presentation with the Council. A discussion ensued regarding Ramsey County's active shooting training. Time was critical in these situations and the County's response time throughout the County was approximately three to nine minutes. Several past active shooting cases were described in detail, along with the February 2008 City Council shooting in Kirkwood, Missouri. Mr. Hankee indicated law enforcement agencies know that these events are spontaneous and that suspect behavior is unpredictable. In addition, these events occur in target rich environments. He indicated officers are being trained to attend City meetings armed, but in plain clothes, to increase the security of public officials. Mr. Hankee stated active shooting events are occurring at schools, universities, places of work/business, and malls. The law enforcement response is critical in each of these events. After the suspect has been apprehended or taken out, the law enforcement officers will attend to the wounded. He noted that most active shooting events are over within three to four minutes. Mr. Hankee played a 911 tape from an active shooting situation that took place in Utah. An event from Panama City was also played in full. Mr. Yochim discussed several roll play scenarios with the Council and encouraged them to flee the building in a critical situation. He reiterated that 90% of active shooters act alone. He encouraged the Councilmembers and staff to have an escape plan in mind. He added that a gathering point could also be determined amongst Council and staff. All belongings are to be left behind. Keep hands visible when exiting the building to assure law enforcement understands you are friendly.