2016.11.01 Work Session Packet (2nd)
Posted: Oct. 28, 2016
City Council
Second Work Session Agenda
Nov. 1, 2016
Immediately following the regular City Council meeting
Conference Room A
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the second work session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on
Nov. 1, 2016 in Conference Room A at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Parsons ____ Norris
____ Peak ____ Therres
____ Adams ____ Revering
____ Dahl ____ Gilchrist
____ Deshler
____ Kolb
____ Libby
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. C.O.P.S grant
2. Constituent issues update
3. New business*
4. Announcements*
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763) 531-
1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
CCCRRRYYYSSSTTTAAALLL PPPOOOLLLIIICCCEEE DDDEEEPPPAAARRRTTTMMMEEENNNTTT
“Service with Compassion and Integrity”
TO: Mayor Adams & Council Members
FROM: Stephanie K. Revering, Chief of Police
Cc: Anne Norris, City Manager
DATE: October 26, 2016
SUBJECT: Work Session Agenda Item
___________________________________________________________________________
MMEEMMOORRAANNDDUUMM
As with nearly all police departments across the country, proper funding is difficult as cities
deal with a myriad of issues requiring tax increases. As you know, the Crystal Police
Department is no different. The U.S. Department of Justice recommends an average of 2.5
police officers for every 1000 residents. The U.S. Census bureau estimates the City of
Crystal’s 2015 population at 22,943. This is an increase of nearly 800 since just 2010. Our
current patrol staffing is well below this recommendation. Our entire department is comprised
of 31 sworn Officers; this number includes the Chief, Deputy Chief, Patrol Officers and
Investigators.
Using this information coupled with the U.S. Department of Justice recommendation, the
Crystal Police Department patrol staffing is well below 50 percent of their recommendation.
Our current minimum staffing level for Patrol Officers is two, sometimes three officers, on
patrol. With our close proximity to North Minneapolis, which has been plagued by high crime
rates, constant shootings and tension between the community and Police Department, our
crime rates and calls for service in comparison to other cities of our size are very high.
Misconceptions about policing following some of the recent events in our country are only
made worse when our residents have to wait for police to arrive.
Due to our current staffing levels, there are times when low priority calls, while important,
are often held until Officers are able to clear higher priority, violent crimes. When citizens
have to wait for a police response, our long and proud tradition of community oriented
policing is damaged.
In addition to the concerns listed above, our current budget does not allow for 24 hour
supervision. What this means is our schedule may have two Officers working the entire city
and one of those individuals is considered the OIC “Officer in Charge”. This is a concern
for both our residents and our Police Officers.
Knowing the issues mentioned above, coupled with a fiscally conservative approach to
funding, in June of 2016 the Crystal Police Department applied for a federal COPS grant. As
you know, these grants are highly competitive throughout the country. In fact, to my
knowledge only two other Minnesota law enforcement agencies were awarded funding along
with our department.
I am requesting your approval of this grant application. The awarded grant is for $250,000
over three years to be used for the hiring of two additional Police Officers. Accepting the
grant would allow two current Officers to be promoted to supervisors enabling the department
to provide 24 hours supervision of our patrol unit the majority of the time.
As with many cities throughout the country, budgetary issues have not allowed Police
Departments to adequately staff the public safety needs of individual communities. The
acceptance of this federal grant money is a step in the right direction to bring our numbers
closer in alignment to the U.S. Department of Justice recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you have any questions or would like
additional information, please contact me at 763-531-1010.