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� LI��17yd1I1 I s� �-- �'�,?lit�n��' ,-�.,�, ��: - � . September 20,2005 ror 1.5k1115' :"".' Neal Beets City Manager Mayor and City Counsel City of Roseville 2660 Civic Center Drive Roseville, MN ��3 Ladies and Gentlemen: The Tubman FamilyAlliance Legal Program serves over 3,000 people every year in Hennepin, Washington and suburban Ramsey Counties. We advocate in criminal court after an abuser has been arrested, by supporting the victim of the assault with his/her immediate needs. Our work within the court system relies heavily on the relationships we build with prosecutors, judges, probation officers, and other court personneL The working relationship that our agencyhas with Caroline Seckman, a city prosecutor in Ramsey County, exemplifies the type of partnership necessary to tackle the community problem of domestic violence. As the prosecuting attorney for the cities of Roseville, Vadnais Heights, North St. Paul and White Bear Township, Caroline Seckman has established herself as an effective litigator and a strong advocate for justice. `�ubman FamilyAlliance (formerly the Family Violence Network) has worked closelywith Ms. Beckrnan for nearly thirteen years in the prosecution of domestic assault cases and other related charges. While her expertise and knowledge of the law spans far beyond the scope of domestic violence, her unique understanding of this issue has made her a valuable asset to our advocates and, more importantly, the families with which we work. The prosecution of domestic assault cases is a time consuming and difficult process. There may be little or no evidence, reluctant witnesses, numerous other family issues, and crowded court calendars, which can impede the progress of these exceptionally sensitive and complicated cases. Despite the many challenges presented by domestic assault cases, Ms. Beekman has consistentlyhad one of the highest convictionrates among city attorneys in Ramsey County. Using her negotiation skills and her comprehensiveknowledge of the law as it pertains to these crimes, Ms. Beckman almost invariably reaches plea agreements with defendants, which demonstrate accountability,but also spare victims from the emotional strain of testi�ying at a criminal trial. In addition, Caroline is very willing to united way PO Box 854 OfFice 651 770 8544 3111 First Avenue South Office 612 825 3333 Lake Elmo, M N 55042 F�c 651 770 5506 Minneapolis, M N 55408 F�c 612 825 6666 info@tubmanfamilyalliance org www tubmanfamilyalliance org