2009-01-14 Set Agenda & Handouts

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1/12/09 I'd like to take a minute to reflect on our contract with the Upper Midwest Community Policing Institute, and in particular, our goal of moving to more of a 'problem-oriented' approach to policing for our three communities. Because I believe this is the most important initiative we've ever undertaken, even more important than spending taxpayer dollars for this new building a few years ago. Remember that we undertook this initiative because we want more from our Department than just enforcing laws - we saw a need for proactive solutions to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and all across our communities. Problem oriented policing is what we need fer our three smaller communities - going beyond evaluating just whether a law has been broken by instead looking for integrated solutions to the problem - who else can be brought in to help resolve ongoing issues with that one troublesome neighbor or for that senior who's having trouble maintaining their property. This is the next level of policing and service to our communities - bringing a new meaning to the 'Serve' in the slogan "Protect and Serve". Obviously, this change hasn't been easy or fast for our department. But already we have seen improved crime stats for our communities which have led to better attention to problem areas. And we are seeing, for the first time, the top five response addresses in each of our communities which helps us identify possible community problems that we as elected officials need to work on. And, in our community of Circle Pines, we have seen a dramatic drop in skateboarding complaints since a problem oriented approach has been used. All of this is due to talented police officers and staff working in a better structure, one with more emphasis on partnerships, accountability and performance. The final phase of our work with the UMCPI involves the coaching and evaluation important to aligning the police department organizational values. It also addresses the accountability of all members of the department to ensure they are carrying out the vision of the Governing board. I know we are all looking forward to a complete and successful transition to this sort of police services for our communities - it's the biggest budget item for each of our communities and it is the most important element to quality of life in our neighborhoods. It's that important, and that's why I support this proposal to have Dennis Cusick and the UMCPI continue assisting us as we move forward. (Dave Bartholomay, Mayor of Circle Pines)