Agenda

Third-precinct Advisory Council (3-PAC) Meeting

3000 Minnehaha Avenue, Community Room (first floor)
January 25, 2010

6:30 P.M.
- Call to order
- Introductions
- Minutes from the November 2009 meeting
- Treasurer’s report

6:45 P.M.—State of the precinct—Inspector Lucy Gerold

Hear updates on activities in the 3rd Precinct, recognition of Officer(s) of the Month
for November and December, and more. Bring your questions and concerns.
Thank you to everyone who donated to and helped with the December 2009
Police Appreciation Holiday Dinner, making it a huge success!

7:15 P.M.—Report from Lt. Dean Christiansen, Community Response Team (CRT)

7:25 P.M.—Report from the Crime Prevention Specialists (CPSs)

7:40 P.M.—Questions and comments

8:00 P.M. Adjourn

Future meetings will be held on the fourth Mondays in April, June, September, and November 2010

The mission of the 3rd Precinct is:

- reducing crime
- establishing good relationships with the community
- achieving high officer morale

The geographic area included in the 3rd Precinct is:

From Interstate 94 on the north, to the Crosstown Highway (62nd Street) to the south, and
from Interstate 35W to the west, to the Mississippi River to the east. The 3rd Precinct is the
largest of the five precincts in Minneapolis in both area and population.

Welcome to the monthly meeting of the 3rd Precinct Advisory Council (3-PAC). Thank you for your interest.

Meetings are open to all residents, block club leaders, and business people in the third precinct. Parking for 3-PAC
meetings is available anywhere in the unfenced area of the precinct lot, on the street on Snelling and Minnehaha
Avenues, and in the lot on the north side of Lake Street (the Target and Blockbuster parking lot). This meeting is
held in the Community Room on the first floor of the precinct building which is handicapped accessible.
Minutes from the Third-precinct Advisory Council (3-PAC) Meeting—November 30, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 P.M. by chairperson Gwen McMahon. Thirty people were present.

Introductions—Those present introduced themselves, mentioning their neighborhood or affiliation with the
3rd Precinct (3rd P.).

Treasurer’s Report—In the absence of treasurer Janell Holmberg, Gwen reported the balances in the accounts:
$1,401.51 in the savings account and $50 in the checking account.

Information About the December 10 Officers’ Appreciation Meal

Gwen McMahon announced that the annual appreciation meals (served in July and December) are the only events
that “come from the whole community.” She said set-up begins around 9 A.M for lunch that is served from 11 A.M.
to 1 P.M.; supper is served from 6 to 9 P.M. The schedule enables officers and staff working any shift to enjoy food
that is donated by precinct restaurants and stores, and that is also cooked by Gwen and several other volunteers.
On a large poster displayed outside the Roll-Call room where the meal is served, Gwen lists everyone who contrib-
utes. Contact Gwen at (612) 722-2241 to make a donation or volunteer to set up, serve, or clean up.

State of the Precinct—Inspector Lucy Gerold reported that so far this year in the 3rd Precinct (3rd P.), Part 1
crimes (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, auto theft, and arson) are down by 20% compared to
2008. (Part 1 crimes in the city decreased by 15%.) Statistics for the 3rd P. in 2009 compared to 2008 show that the
homicide rate has decreased by 45% (from 11 to 6), and the incidence of aggravated assaults has decreased by 18%
with robberies down by 10% and burglaries down by 27%. • Arrests for theft are up by 55% compared to 2008, with
324 this year; 209 last year. • Robberies—which are defined by the use of force—have not revealed a pattern to their
occurrence with varied locations, times of day, items taken, and suspect descriptions noted. Each shift’s officers
developed strategies to pursue robbery suspects which resulted in very good arrests; no robberies occurred for days
or nights due to arrests and charges making an impact on decreasing robberies.• A “Prevention Tip of the Week” is
available via email to subscribers.

Inspector Gerold also summarized a presentation made earlier that day (November 30, 2009) by Police Chief
Tim Dolan to the Ways and Means Committee of the Minneapolis City Council regarding the Minneapolis Police
Department budget. The Chief, in looking for ways to trim $5.3 million for the balance of the year 2009 and all of
2010, proposed cuts to personnel. (Eighty percent of the budget is represented by personnel costs; the balance goes
toward “contractual services” such as vehicles and tech. costs). Although veteran employees were offered an oppor-
tunity to retire early, only four people accepted the offer. Thus, the Chief suggested the following reductions to the
budget: eliminate cells phones for all officers except those ranked supervisor and higher, eliminate the employee
assistance fund, and eliminate the positions of chaplain and all 51 civilian employees including all crime prevention
specialists (CPSs) and transcribers, property and evidence personnel, and records employees.

The budget forecasts for the years 2011 and 2012 are also bleak. An additional challenge is that the MPD used
$3.2 million in federal funds to hire new police officers. If those officers are laid off, the MPD must repay that
money to the federal government.

In the discussion that followed the summary of the Chief’s proposal, those present alluded to city and state budgets
and the impact any changes will have on the community. We anticipate that future discussions within the MPD
and the city council will determine priorities, which services and positions will be cut, and who of the remaining
staff will perform the required tasks. One citizen encouraged each of us to contact the Ways and Means committee
members due to “the importance of health and safety.” Gwen added that “we have officers who go over and above
what’s expected on a regular basis.” • The Inspector, referring to crime prevention specialists, remarked that “in
addition to them helping reduce crime, solve problems, and organize members of neighborhoods to be involved in
their community, the CPSs provide a foundation of continuity in our community. Their contribution is immeasur-
able and they are invaluable.” Tom Arneson, an attorney with the Hennepin County attorney’s office, stated that
the CPSs provide “incredible work” in gathering input from citizens toward prosecution of nuisance crimes and
problem properties. “Getting the community involved in the criminal justice system makes courts work so much
better, and CPSs are a big part of that.” Continued on next page
Minutes from the Third-precinct Advisory Council (3-PAC) Meeting—November 30, 2009,
Page 2 of 2
Inspector Gerold provided the following history of crime prevention specialists. In the late 1970s, federal funds
fostered experimentation with collaboration between citizens and law enforcement entities. The collaboration
became citywide in Minneapolis in 1983-1984, with the establishment of SAFE teams (civilians paired with police
officers) from then until 2003. Since then, CPSs have worked without police officer partners.

Phillips resident, Cecil S., moved that 3-PAC express to the members of the Minneapolis City Council’s Ways and
Means committee the following resolution: “The residents of the 3rd Precinct, as represented by 3-PAC, wish to
express their grave concern about and strong opposition to the proposed budgetary cuts to the Minneapolis Police
Department budget as proposed on November 30, 2009, by Police Chief Tim Dolan.” (The letter that was emailed to
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, MPD Chief Tim Dolan, and the 13 city council members is reproduced at the end
of these minutes.) During the discussion following the resolution, Kristine H., a member of the security staff for
Abbott/Northwestern Hospital, said staff and guests are uncomfortable walking to their cars parked near the hos-
pital and in the parking ramps due to multiple break-ins. The resolution was passed unanimously by voice vote.

Community Response Team (CRT) Report— Lieutenant Dean Christiansen CRT employs relationships with con-
fidential informants and many other methods to address the crimes of prostitution and narcotics. The CRT unit
consists of 10 officers, two sergeants, and one lieutenant. CRT has issued 90 search warrants so far this year and set
up 436 “controlled-buy” drug deals. The following statistics through October 2009 are the result of short-term and
long-term investigations: 24 guns were recovered, 66 vehicles have been seized, and “lots” of drugs have been con-
fiscated such as more than 1,662 grams of crack. There have been 245 felony arrests, 150 gross misdemeanor, and
326 misdemeanor arrests through October. Money that is seized goes into a general fund and is also divided by
city, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Officers for the Months for September and October

September—Officer Chad Meyer. “On 6-28-09 at approximately 0320 hours, Officer Meyer and his partner located
two suspects in a SHOTS/PERGUN call. Officer Lessard took one of the parties into custody while Officer Meyer
chased one that had fled on foot. After chasing the suspect for one block, the suspect turned and pointed a gun at
Officer Meyer who was forced to fire at the suspect. Officer Meyer and Cushenbery then tackled the suspect. The
suspect was treated for a gunshot wound to the arm.”

October—Officer Dan Horn. “Officer Dan Horn is assigned as the 3rd Precinct traffic enforcement officer. His
enforcement action/traffic enforcement’s work on accidents and hit and runs have resulted in numerous uninsured
vehicles being removed from the street. 2009 January through July totals: 377 traffic stops/tags, 150 traffic arrests,
197 offense reports, 154 accidents handled. Officer Horn is a good, steady, veteran cop. He is always volunteering
for calls and writes excellent reports. His calls are always handled in the most professional manner. Officer Horn
is a valuable member of the Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd Precinct.”

CCP/SAFE Report—CPS Don Greeley, sector 1 (Phillips), has moved his focus from the Peavey Park area near
Franklin and Chicago Avenues to an area bounded by Park Avenue to 11th Avenue, and from 28th St. to Lake St.
where robberies have occurred. Don, police officers, a problem-property officer, and community members are also
working on problem properties.
Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M. —Recorded by Sue Filbin, 3-PAC secretary.

Minutes from previous 3-PAC meetings are posted at this web site:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/outreach/pac-schedule.asp.
If you’re receiving these minutes via U.S. mail and via email, and if you’d prefer to save paper, postage, and time by receiving
only an email version, please email a note to crime prevention specialist Karen Notsch at karen.notsch@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
If you’d prefer to not receive these minutes, please contact Karen Notsch: karen.notsch@ci.minneapolis.mn.us —Thank you.

Continued on next page

 THANKS!!!!
to everyone who made the
2009 Police Appreciation Holiday Dinner
a huge success!!!!
Thank you for your donations of food, money, and time.
Don Colston
Delila Cotton
Christopher & Leslie Dagnault
Susan & Graham Ford
Pat Gregersen
Jerry Harris
Marilyn Jones
Paula Kruchowski
Val Lies
Gwen McMahon
Elaine Parsons
Cecil Smith
Phil Williams

Carbone’s
Cedar Quick Stop
Chatterbox Pub
Holiday Station Stores—Franklin Ave.
Minnehaha Liquors
New French Bakery
The Rail Station Bar & Grill
Super USA
Nancy Kolander—VOA
Amy Lanning—VOA
Winner on 46
Zipp’s Liquor Store
 Third Precinct Advisory Council (3-PAC)
3000 Minnehaha Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55406

December 10, 2009

Name
Council Member, ___ Ward
Minneapolis, MN

Council Member ____________:

We are writing to convey our view of the proposed cuts to the Minneapolis Police
Department (MPD) budget. We realize the city is under significant financial pressure,
and that deliberations about the entire budget are ongoing. However, we would very
much appreciate your consideration of the following resolution.

“The residents of the 3rd Precinct, as represented by 3-PAC, wish to express their grave
concern about and strong opposition to the proposed cuts to the Minneapolis Police
Department budget as proposed on November 30, 2009, by Police Chief Tim Dolan.”
It is the proposed elimination of the Crime Prevention Specialists’ (CPSs) position—
and to a lesser extent that of civilian transcribers, property and evidence personnel,
and records employees—that is of particular concern to us.

Crime prevention specialists have spent decades building connections between block
club leaders, their neighbors, and the police department. A CPS knows people in the
communities for which they’re responsible; the activities of the CPS prevent and reduce
crime. And while chiefs, inspectors and officers change, the CPS provides continuity in
the relationship between neighbors and the MPD. While speaking of the role of a CPS,
the statement was made at the November 3-PAC meeting, “Their contribution is
immeasurable and they are invaluable.”

If the CPS and civilian positions are eliminated, trained law enforcement officers quite
possibly may spend their valuable time and skills prioritizing problems and typing
reports. Please consider retaining the civilian positions within the MPD and look else-
where to balance the budget. The condition of everything from parks to potholes is
meaningless if citizens don’t feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. Thank you
for considering our point of view. We appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Gwen McMahon, Chair
Kathie Carlson, Vice Chair
Janell Holmberg, Treasurer This letter was emailed to Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak,
Sue Filbin, Secretary MPD Chief Tim Dolan, and the 13 city council members.