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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 13, 2022 2 <br /> <br />John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney, spoke to the Council regarding referral and charging data <br />from the County and how the County was working to address these concerns. He encouraged the <br />public to engage him in order to have further conversations. He reported there has been a decline <br />in youth cases and the charging rate has been much tighter. The uptick in violent crime in St. Paul <br />was reviewed. He believed solutions to this concern would be found when groups begin working <br />together and was pleased to report that numbers were trending down in 2022 when compared to <br />2021. He commented on how national crime trends, the pandemic, civil unrest, the proliferation of <br />guns, and policing challenges were impacting crime in the community. The Rule 20 “Gap” cases <br />were discussed along with how the Minnesota Freedom Fund and cash bail system in the State <br />was impacting crime. He reviewed the members of the community that have joined the Violence <br />Reduction Leadership Group and discussed the great work being done by this group. His view on <br />non-public safety traffic stops was discussed, along with how his office prioritizes violent crime. <br />He thanked the Council for their continued support and asked for comments or questions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott requested further comment on the cycles of crime. <br /> <br />Ramsey County Attorney Choi discussed how crime increased after three day weekends, but <br />noted he was not seeing cycles or patterns throughout the year. He commented on how many cases <br />were not heard in court but rather handled through a plea bargain because there were not enough <br />judges and attorneys to try all of the cases. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant commented on the crime rates over the past decade and requested further comment <br />on how the County Attorney chooses which cases will be tried. <br /> <br />Ramsey County Attorney Choi explained which cases were and were not tried by his office. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden asked if the County was prosecuting the theft of packages from <br />doorways. <br /> <br />Ramsey County Attorney Choi indicated this would depend on the value of the item that was <br />stolen, but noted the County was prosecuting these cases. He stated any item stolen that was <br />valued over $1,000 was a felony. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes discussed the case gap situation and how some police departments now <br />have social workers working alongside police officers. <br /> <br />Ramsey County Attorney Choi stated there was really good work being done and noted the <br />Board of Commissioners has allocated money to have co-responders that would work or support <br />police with regard to mental health cases. He commented on how Ramsey County was working to <br />adjust its dispatch system noting the police may not always be sent to every 911 call. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant thanked Ramsey County Attorney Choi for his presentation and for all of his work <br />on behalf of the community. <br /> <br />5. STAFF COMMENTS <br /> <br />A. Transportation Update