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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 29, 2020 7 <br />Undersheriff Ramacher replied that when they are dispatched to a call they are required to <br />activate their camera. Typically, when they get a call and get into their squad car they are required <br />to activate the body camera and the in -car camera system. When they trip the switch to turn on <br />their red lights and siren the camera system recording automatically starts. <br />Councilmember McClung asked for a description of deputy compliance with activating the <br />cameras. <br />Undersheriff Ramacher explained the body cameras were a welcome piece of equipment to <br />deputies. It's a tool that shows the public that they are out there doing the right thing. They want <br />to be accountable to the citizens. They had a very short learning curve for officers getting used to <br />turning them on. It is very rare that someone forgets to turn the camera on, but when that happens <br />it is typically because they are thrust into a situation and didn't have a chance to turn it on. <br />Councilmember McClung noted that until recently Minneapolis' policy would allow an officer <br />to review body camera footage prior to writing a report. He wondered what the procedure is for <br />the Sheriff's Department. <br />Undersheriff Ramacher said they do allow deputies to review body camera footage prior to <br />writing a report. They haven't looked at changing that but the majority of the time they don't <br />review it. A longer incident may be looked at to refresh their memory. The Minnesota Police <br />Officers Association is a proponent of allowing officers to review body camera footage. He <br />personally felt it was reasonable. <br />Councilmember Scott wondered if any schools within the contract cities had asked to remove the <br />school resource officer. <br />Undersheriff Ramacher replied not as of yet and they don't anticipate it happening. They have <br />seven school resource officers within the contract cities serving Mounds View School District and <br />the 916 School District. He is hopeful the relationships will continue. <br />Councilmember Scott noted that he felt it was important for the communities for the Sheriffs <br />Department to take an interest in talking on a one to one basis with the residents. <br />Councilmember McClung said in his day to day work he works closely with law enforcement <br />and knows there are a lot of good officers out there and he appreciates those that are protecting us. <br />He said he was sorry that when there is a bad apple it hurts all of them. His interaction with law <br />enforcement has been positive and he thought the things they said make sense, but if he had <br />different experiences with law enforcement he might not be as forgiving and as quick to trust. He <br />thought they have an excellent crop of deputies but like it or not, those doing good each day are <br />having their reputation sullied. He wondered what more they can do to try to bring trust back to <br />some other members of the community. <br />Undersheriff Ramacher thanked Councilmember McClung for his comments. He said they have <br />done a lot of work but have more to do. He felt no one anticipated where we are with regard to <br />what has happened in Minnesota and the nation. All they can do is continue to try to gain the <br />public's trust by doing the right thing — treating people with kindness and respect, going into the <br />