06-29-2020-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 29, 2020 3 Community Service Officers that wear a similar uniform and drive a vehicle with Sheriff's Office markings. They are currently not exploring a major change in how they serve the community with regard to the call system. Councilmember Holmes mentioned the police department in Duluth has started using social workers in non-violent situations. Councilmember Scott asked if they could discuss specific policies to interact with an individual that can't speak English. Undersheriff Ramacher replied that they have an array of diversity, (department wide about 30%), so when scenarios happen someone is typically summoned to the scene that can speak the language. Deputies are also trained in non-verbal cues and intervention techniques. More and more deputies are being trained to recognize individuals with challenges such as autism. Councilmember Holden said through the years there have been issues with neighbors fighting and in most instances a Community Service Officer was brought along to work things out. She wondered if that was still happening. Undersheriff Ramacher said they do have a community section that includes crime prevention, community affairs, chaplains, and some volunteers. After many calls for service to situations like Councilmember Holden described they often get handled by a crime prevention officer. But it would be handled on a case by case basis. Mayor Grant asked for a description of the Ramsey County policy on the use of choke holds where less than lethal force could be used. Undersheriff Ramacher replied that the current policy doesn't specifically address chokeholds or strangleholds but through the course of training it has always been taught that any type of chokehold or stranglehold must have deadly force criteria. For example, if someone is wrestling an officer for a gun there could be an appropriate use of a chokehold because there is deadly force criteria. They are in the process of adding the following to their policy: "Deputies shall not use chokeholds, strangleholds or any other tactic that restricts oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck unless in a death force situation". Commander Baebenroth added that the current policy talks about restraint techniques. In training they use restraint techniques that do not impair respiration and discuss the dangers of positional asphyxia to ensure deputies are aware that people can die if they're not allowed to breathe adequately. Mayor Grant asked how the new policy would be put into the current manual. Undersheriff Ramacher said it would be put into the Use of Force policy, which is very comprehensive and is currently 14 pages long. Mayor Grant asked if they could share a copy of the policy manual with the City.