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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 29, 2020 5 are on scene and observe a co-worker that might have a fuse getting a little short, they step in and take over. That is part of the de-escalation they train for. Councilmember Holden asked if there were repercussions for officers that report excessive force. Undersheriff Ramacher didn't feel it exists in the Sheriffs department. He said size of the department makes a difference, and the deputies have worked with a diverse group of people in the jail so he felt their skill set is above and beyond other departments. He felt times where a person gets under an officer's skin doesn't happen as often at the Sheriffs department because of their previous experience. Mayor Grant asked if there were a circumstance that an officer would shoot at a moving vehicle. Undersheriff Ramacher replied there is and there have been a couple of scenarios that occurred. It is extremely rare, but there is a place for it if the deputy is in fear of great bodily harm. He could recall two incidences in the last 24 years. Mayor Grant asked for comment about exhausting all reasonable means before resorting to deadly force. Commander Baebenroth said that is what they train, to use reasonable means and a wide variety of options to choose from in any given situation. The policy mirrors the state statute, but they consider it to be a last resort. They will evaluate the situation and hopefully only have to use their words to get out of a situation using the minimum force necessary. Mayor Grant asked what the requirements are once an officer unholsters a firearm before discharging the firearm. Undersheriff Ramacher responded that when feasible, and if doing so wouldn't increase the danger to the deputy or others, they should issue a verbal warning before using deadly force. But there is a lot of gray in that depending on the situation. Deputies are trained to use verbal commands. Councilmember Holmes asked what the policy is prior to entering a person's home. Undersheriff Ramacher replied that he couldn't envision a policy that could cover every scenario. Most of the time they will announce their presence because it's safer for the officer and the others involved. But there is also "tactical consideration" depending on the call, it might not be reasonable to announce their presence. They do want officers to identify themselves if it doesn't make the situation more dangerous. Councilmember Holmes asked if they would burst into a home without announcing themselves and without a search warrant. Undersheriff Ramacher said it would probably be poor judgement to do that.