[Mpls] Chicago Style gun shot detecting cameras for Minneapolis?
Traditionally, local law enforcement agencies have relied on street interdiction to prevent gun violence. This is a dangerous task, it often times puts the safety of the public and police officers at risk. The right technology can decrease this risk. ShotSpotter®, a gunfire and weapons detection system, which can identify the precise location of gunfire or weapon fire to police within in seconds, thereby increase weapons related arrests, save lives, and add to the safety of neighborhoods. YTD, MPD officers have been dispatched to 25% more shots fired calls than last year (Y04/3109 to Y05/3873). MPD is interested in this technology to improve neighborhood safety and provide the much needed tactical help to augment police officers efforts. The system uses wireless sensors (approximately 8 sensors per square mile). Anytime a gun shot is fired within the coverage area, notification would be sent to MECC within 3-6 seconds. MECC would be equipped with either a stand-alone or CAD integrated system which would sound an audible alarm and show the location with address listed on a GIS map. The system can be integrated with existing cameras or with new cameras which could be purchased and installed separately. The system records a permanent audio record of the gunfire event which can be used to enhance subsequent investigations or in court. It is portable and expandable. If funded, the initial installation of the system will cover four square miles of the high crime areas. As most police technology, it requires boots on the ground ; officers who will follow up and investigate with pinpoint precision, the shots fired events. Experience from other cities has demonstrated that ShotSpotter creates the impression, if not the reality, that if you discharge a gun in the city you will be caught by the police. The goal is to reduce indiscriminate gunfire, reduce gunshot related injuries and deaths, and to increase arrests associated illegal gun related activities.I currently working to secure funding for this technology and plan to install it before summer 2006. If you have further questions on this MPD project you can contact me off list at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gregory W. Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Chicago Style gun shot detecting cameras for Minneapolis?
Dennis is quite correct. With gun-fire recognition systems, the number of shots fired calls will go up dramatically within the first year. It reports 24-7 365, with no fear of retaliation or apathy, and with greater accuracy to the location, direction of travel, and type of weapon used than does the human ear. Nevertheless, the PD would still need the help of concerned citizens as the technology does have some limitations. It can only detect gun fire in the outdoors. Shots fired in homes, apartments, stores, other buildings, and inside of a vehicle, would not be detected. It will detect a drive-by as the gunfire directs the muzzle blast outside, along with its noise signature. The military is currently using this type of technology and it was also used in locating the Ohio sniper. It is expensive; sensors alone are 6 to 8 thousand a piece. Sensors will be placed covertly (you won't see them and the PD won't tell you where there are); and cameras (if used) may or may not be visable dependent upon the need. Gregory W. Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] A Hope for Diversity in the Minneapolis Police Department
No Latino, Asian, Native American, Eskimo, Pacific Islander , or AARP member? Or do these groups not count? Neither the position, name , race, or any personal details of any promotional candidate are too be released. Civil service rules, was when I was promoted and ever shall be. Nor should any membership in any diverse qualifier (age, race, sex..etc) be of importance to be promoted. It's the candidates character that was evaluated. And even this far along in a promotional process candidates can be skipped and not promoted at all. Count your eggs after they have been hatched (promoted). Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] A Hope for Diversity in the Minneapolis Police Department
Clever. Never. My point is that it's individual effort and element's of character that are important not what category or slot a person belongs to. If credit and thanks are due, it doesn't rest on the shoulders of politicians, it belongs to the individuals who's decision process, values, and charcter (not, race, sex, or age...) that were reviewed in the interview process. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] An additional comment to the PCRC review of the PS RS/schools
Because an applicant must have licensure from the MN POST Board (Police Officer Standards and Training) or reciprocity from the military/or another state, Law enforcement classes must be from one of the college/schools approved by the Minnesota Professional Peace Officer Education Program. See the list at MN POST website http://www.dps.state.mn.us/newpost/PPOE%20Programs.htm. To increase the number of Minneapolis residents, have the Legislature exempt the city of Minneapolis from State POST Board requirements. A neat trick if you can do it and a step backwards in employment standards. Greg Reinhardt Excelsor REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] An additional comment to the PCRC review of the PS
No, any incentives to public employees smack of an unethical Quid pro Quo pro no matter how noble the intent. Employment with the city exists to serve the public not to be served by the public. House the homeless, create affordable housing for all (not just for city employees), provide hope, jobs, and opportunity to citizens first. Once done you won't need a zip-code qualifier. And in spite my heritage (Ein Deutsch- Amerikanaisch, albeit Volga) nevertheless , ein Freir Burger, nich ein grobes Hessian! Gregory Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Police Accountibity
I grew up in Minneapolis, what priority did it give me when I was hired to serve? None. I lived in Minneapolis, what priority did it give me for promotions? None. Am I less deserving of my job, assignment, or rank because of where I live? I can't care enough because I bought a home elsewhere? Nonsense. I and others were hired and/or promoted because of excellence of character. Our moral character reflects the department's core values of courage, commitment, honor, character, and pursuit of excellence. These traits are no less prevalent and are consistent with all types of peoples regardless of race, color, sex, creed, and other points of diversity. Should it be any less? Points are given for possessing the elements moral character: deliberation, discretion, compassion, honesty, leadership potential.etc. It isn't real estate (location, location, location) it's policing and all about character. The Community Service Officer (CSO) program is the great opportunity for getting exactly what you want. Young men and women who are employed by the city, trained on the job, given an opportunity and funding to earn a college degree in Law Enforcement, coached in behaviors, attitude, and service. By the time they are eligible to be hired a police officer they have been observed and have established a strong work record with the city. But it's incredibly slow. Takes years. Hiring qualified officers under a lateral transfer program is a quick way of diversifying the ranks. It's a common business practice to hire away the competition. But you do sacrifice community familiarity. However, as Delatte states it's easier to teach police about an area and residents than to make good police from unqualified candidates. Nevertheless, you hire only the best of character. Gregory W. Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] The PCRC Item for next week's PS RS meeting on 10\12 at
No alarm needed. The disclaimer is posted for every PS RS Hearing. At times the counsel may invoke attorney client privileges or discuss items that are considered non-public data. See http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/13D/. As a general rule, it would seem that PCRC discussions do not fit under non-public data which can be exempt from open meeting laws. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Mpls Digest, Vol 21, Issue 25 - Stopping Crime
Car prowlers not burglars. The statement this is a policy handed down by the chief sweeps away the reams of information already provided which identifies State, County and City responsibilities choices concerning the process in which suspects may booked into jail. Mn. Supreme Court decisions have also restricts who can be locked up or not. Furthermore, while changes are welcomed, where you going lock em up? See Kaszuba's article in today's Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5609008.html. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] A serious problem with stopping crime
More cops will certainly bring more arrests. Last year MPD arrested over 46,000 people for a variety of offenses from jaywalking to murder. Granted this is significantly fewer people than in 2001 (over 57,000 arrested in 2001). Once arrested, what do you do with the arrestee? City, county , and state are struggling to find meaningful sentencing options for those convicted. Ideally those options should fit the crime and criminal but also should involve changing the behaviors that lead to criminality. How many arrests and convictions are enough? Note: Wisconsin arrests rate are more than double than Minnesota. It's incarnation rate is 175% higher than Minnesota's, while it's crime rate is 8% less. See link for comparative data. http://www.wistax.org/news_releases/2004/0409.html. So where do you wish your local and/or state public safety dollars to go? Load the front-end for crime prevention strategies including; education, jobs, housing, health-care... etc. The middle for crime detection will bring more cops, judges, and attorneys. Or the end for more jails , rehabilitation, and/or retribution. It's a difficult task to achieve the proper balance and at the present few are willing to pay more. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Rybak retort to Minneapolis Police Federation
It seems to me , a significant amount of influence in determining the course of Minneapolis public safely efforts rests in the hands of next chair of the Public Safety and Regulatory Services committee and not solely in the mayor's or mayors-to-be. This Council sub-committee is where the public safety policy is set, discussed, and ultimately voted upon for presentation before the full council. It's where logistical support begins, whether it is budgets, personnel, or materials that are needed to accomplish the public safety mission. Someone needs to make the decision to allocate those resources. If it doesn't make it out of committee, it not going to happen. So who are the most likely candidates? And what will their affect be upon the city's safety? Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] A serious problem with stopping crime
MPD arrest procedures are driven by, state law, policies, and finances. An in-depth look at just these factors was requested by the City Council's Public Safety and Regulatory Services sub-committee. Members of the City Attorney's Office along with myself and other MPD officers were commissioned to present a series of White Papers regarding arrest policy, booking policy and fees, chronic offenders, and payable conditions. See documents filed under the PS RS agenda for 4/20/05 Arrest Policy, 5/18/05 Chronic Offenders, 6/22/05 Payables, and 7/27/05 Booking Policies and Fees. Point of clarification: The people arrested were not burglars. Burglary is felony crime and the behavior is defined by State law, the stated actions of these car prowlers does not fit the criminal behavior labeled as burglary. The fact that Mr. David Shegstad made a citizens arrest indicates the behaviors of the car prowlers is a misdemeanor criminal violation, and that it was not committed in the presence of a licensed police officer. Although familiar with the details of the case, I shall not make comment on them as others are tasked with that function. Although there are merits to arresting misdemeanants and hauling all of them off to jail, there are some roadblocks (some morally and justifiably so) to doing that. In short, if the police can identify a misdemeanant, they must issue a citation and release the defendant. A simple fix is to unilaterally change State Law, Hennepin County Policies, MPD and City Policies, and finances. Baring that, here are the limitations that have been alluded to: ARREST POLICIES Excerpts from PS RS 4/20/05 The Minneapolis Police Department's arrest and detention policies are governed by state statutes, rules of criminal procedure, and policies of the Hennepin County bench. The policies related to arrests are found in the Minneapolis Police Department Manual, chapters 8 and 9. Generally MPD officers make arrests in three circumstances. The first is an arrest based on information about a newly committed crime. An example would be an arrest for DWI based on an officer seeing a person driving erratically and failing field sobriety tests. The officer bases the arrest on personal observation and the examination of evidence at the scene. The second general type of arrest is an arrest for a PC pickup issued by an investigator. In these circumstances, the arresting officer may have no knowledge of the crime committed, but relies on the pickup order. The pickup order is a statement from an investigator that probable cause exists to arrest the named person for a particular crime. PC pickups are generally issued only for felony level crimes, although some misdemeanors, like domestic violence, can result in a PC pickup under certain circumstances. Finally, officers also make arrests based on arrest warrants. Warrants are issued by the courts and are a court order to arrest a named subject and deliver that subject to the court. Warrants are issued against persons charged with a crime (for failure to appear in court for example), and against people already convicted of a crime (for violations of probation or parole). Warrants can be issued for misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony crimes, and can be issued by both state and federal courts. I. MISDEMEANOR ARRESTS LIMITATIONS A person first enters the criminal justice system through a variety of means. The most common means are through arrest, citation, or tab charge by a police officer. Pursuant to Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.01, police officers must issue citations to persons subject to lawful arrest for misdemeanors unless it reasonably appears to the officer that arrest or detention is necessary to prevent bodily harm to the accused or another or further criminal conduct, or that there is a substantial likelihood that the person will fail to respond to a citation. In addition, pursuant to Minn. Stat. section 629.24, a police officer may not arrest someone for a misdemeanor offense unless the officer personally observes the person commit, or attempt to commit the offense. Police officers exercise discretion, within the constraints of Rule 6.01 and Minn. Stat. § 629.34 in determining whether to make an arrest or whether to issue a citation. II. COURT APPROVED BAIL SCHEDULE Several years ago, because of serious over-crowding in the old jail, the practice developed that the Sheriff released all misdemeanor arrestees with no bail required (NBR). There is no longer a need for this practice, which has contributed to bad policy in the area of arrest, detention, and release (the revolving door problem). A committee comprised of representatives from the Sheriff, Court, City Attorney, Probation, and Public Defender met for several months to gather and review data, discuss alternatives, and recommend new procedures. Based on these discussions the
[Mpls] REDUCE TAXES AND GREENHOUSE GASSES/Illegal Immigrants
These so called-illegal immigrants are illegal as the result of national policy not local Minneapolis shenanigans. There are no round ups of illegal Canadians, no raids on factories or farms for Quebecers. It is American-Latino community which faces this state sponsored bias every day. There is no mistake of fact or you took my words out of context; in Minnesota the term illegal is our Minnesota Nice way of labeling anyone who is Latino. Woe is the day, when a copper, teacher, or ethnical confused politician treats my Latina-American daughter as an illegal. In the zeal to protect us from illegals, candidates and others alike fail to recognize that 60% of the Latinos in the US are born in the United States. They are called citizens, and oh by the way; they can vote. As for undocumented Latinos sucking up resources including housing in Minnesota, fire up your solar lamp and read these by the glow. In particular the study by HACER highlights a $1.5 to $3.8 billion positive yearly economic impact by undocumented Latinos (the preferred term). http://www.google.com/search?hl=enlr=rls=GGLG,GGLG:2005-26,GGLG:enq=related:www.hacer-mn.org/PDFs/Undocumented.pdfhttp://www.che.umn.edu/img/assets/12840/Contributions.pdfhttp://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/immigration/latino.htmGregory ReinhardtExcelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Civilian oversight of MPD
Testilying is nothing new; it is perjury and is not the excusive domain of one profession or community. Perjury is rarely charged against cops, citizens, or crown princes. If police departments operated strictly as businesses, people do indeed have the right to complain about product, personnel, and delivery of services. Some Fortune 500 companies thrive on this process, they listen and adapt and in the end create high customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. There is nothing inherently wrong with civilian oversight of policing; it's just in most cases it's applied backwards. Civilian input should be at the hiring process setting values, measurements of character, and ethical principles for candidates to achieve. Instead it is at the end, and it is too late for all involved. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Guns and Nirvana
From the Sunday's Tribune: Ron Edwards, a civic leader who serves on the Police Community Relations Council, said the hit-and-run in broad daylight is symptomatic of bigger problems. It's part of a pattern of violence that has been predicted to sweep through the city, and not as much because of gangs and guns but because of economic desperation, he said. 08/14/2005. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5559107.html. Mr. Edwards's statements reduce the latest homicide to a mere statistic prediction. If in fact, Mr. Edwards has a bona fide report predicting crime trends and linking it to the current social-economic climate, then why has it not been shared with policy makers? Such a report with its predictions could be utilized by all the segments of government service and community partnerships to proactively combat both crime and economic issues. Unsupported claims such as this should be challenged. Populace social-economic babble may seem to explain current trends and validate community's feelings about why things happen; but it is hardly lends its self to any scientific validation and meaningful social action. In the case, show me the prediction. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Guns and Nirvana
I go a little further..to protect children ( constitutional right or not) we need to reduce the need for guns. I was suprised to read in the Trib. today that shooting of the city's youngest was related to the price of gasoline. Certainly, there are social and economic factors that affect crime, didn't know petro was one of them. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Do More with Less.
Alternative sources of energy require large sources of capital outlay. In the long run, cost will go down as technology and efficiencies improve. The problem, for local governments or self enterprisers is having sufficient venture capital to start such a worthy project. It would seem the quickest way to fund the project would be through bonding. However, 10 to 20 years or longer, is to long time for most voters to wait for lower taxes. So in the short run, taxes would go up (if funded publicly). How would this project be funded without grants or new revenues (taxes)? Actually, most do less with less. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] County vs.City participation on Homeless issues
Several questions on the City/homeless issue. Where does this issue rank within the City's electorate? Important as is, will a stance on one side or the other make or break the mayoral election? If new funds are needed, how much and where will the money come from? While the mayor proposes a budget, it's the city council who votes to approve. In this issue, other than a mayoral support via vision, it seems the true power to affect change resides with Council Members. I expect you will not find one who is for homelessness, but how do members vote when it comes to funding homeless initiatives? Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Automated traffic law enforcement system
Contact me off forum line and I will assist. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] crime reports and claims for needing more police
Part I Crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, auto theft, larceny, arson and burglary) generally give a indication of the amount of criminality in area; these crimes are driven by citizens reports. Part II crimes (prostitution, narcotics, weapons...) are an indication of police proactively, they are driven by arrests. In theory, these two categories are linked. If officers make more Part II arrests then Part I crimes should decline. This however is not a fix rule, and in some years Part I crimes have decreased while Part II number decreased. Those who engage in criminal behavior do not specialize in one type of deviant behavior. I know from experience, that if you sit and wait many hours or days for a burglar, you'll never find one. I have caught a murderer, not because he was standing in the street with the smoking gun, but because he jaywalked in front of my patrol car. More often than not officers are in the position to see Part II crimes occur than Part I. Both are important and should be enforced. Also, both categories need attention, and focus too much on one category of crime will lead to problems elsewhere. Imagine the whole police department dedicated to focus on one crime only, let's say homicide. Such an effort may result in the solving of every case. It may even lead to a lower homicide rate. But there would be chaos in the city because of the deliberate neglect of other types of criminal behavior and crime control. There is a balance between the two and it is not quantifiable. It is easy to demand that officers should be in the right spots, at the right times, and doing the right things: but very difficult to do because of competing demands for all types of police services. Directing a healthy mixture of Part I and Part II enforcement is more of an art than a science in ensuring that the work is done in the right areas and right times. The CJIS division of the FBI does indeed audit the crime numbers submitted to the BCA each year. However, those numbers are not routinely checked at the source. This falls audit involves a look before the numbers are submitted to the state. It is necessary, not because of any chancery with entering or reporting of crime, but because the Department has lost the institutional knowledge on how it is done. This link is the complete FBI handbook on UCR crimes http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/handbook/ucrhandbook04.pdf. It provides all sorts of rules and examples on how to count crimes. A smaller department takes these rules and counts crimes by pencil and paper. The Department has taken these rules and concepts and integrated them into a computer program that counts crimes. The computer program was created and works with the Department's Report Management System. The people who programmed the application are gone and there is not anyone left who could diagram how the program works. The Department thinks it is working correctly , although there have been some interruptions in service, but needs to know if it is working correctly, as staffing, budgets and many other policing service choices are based (in part) on crime numbers. Before spending tens of thousands of the cities tax-payers dollars to deconstruct and examine the program, it would seem to be prudent to bring in an outside agency that might confirm the program is counting all that it is designed to count. And to do such an audit without further cost to the city. It's not extraordinary, just never been done at MPD. That said, you can count all the crime stats you want, but you need a adequate complement of cops to do something about it. How many? The report from DC suggests that a 50% increase in police staffing brings a quantifiable 15% decrease in crime (the majority of reduction in properety crimes) See details at the following link http://mason.gmu.edu/~atabarro/TerrorAlertProofs.pdf. Using this model, this would equal 400 new MPD cops at an additional $30 million per year. If the City is not in the position to make such a bold leap, then 60 new cops is a good start. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Crime Wave: Reality or Fiction (Election time, folks)
Total UCR crime reports do not include MPD's e-Reports which are self reported crimes via the internet and when this service was offered late 2003 and into 2004. Many thousands of people took advantage of the crime reporting tool.However, the program to intake these new crimes did not nor do mesh with the old programs which count UCR numbers. Nor does the program assign the crimes per police precinct, and so those numbers are also subject to review. The service was discontinued mid-year 2004. The majority of these crimes are theft related and larceny is the single most occurring crime in Minneapolis. When factoring in eReports, it usually drives theft crimes up and drives any reduction in total crime down by a significant number. Therefore the total number of crimes stats posted on the web is not completely valid when comparing year to year. An FBI/CJIS audit will review these numbers this fall. Now that people can no longer use eReports they call the police directly. The result: an unexplained jump in theft related calls which typically are 50%of all police reports. Violent crime figures were not affected by this program have been and are the most accurate. In retrospect, although the service was design to increase reporting, in fact, it discourages people from doing so. A good idea but not executed well. Stats aside, if you're the victim of a violent crime then there has been one too may crime. People vote not only with facts, but with their perceptions, which oft times shape and influence the way people behave. In the up coming city elections, those who win most likely will those who can tap in and validate citizen's perceptions and offer alternatives. Greg Reinhardt, formally a number cruncher but moved on to Elsewhere REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Rybak: every new state dollar to the city for public safety
While the restoring some of the funds cut from LGA is welcomed and sorely needed; it highlights the complications and consequences of funding essential services, such as fire and police, from outside revenue sources. LGA, after all, is a statewide program that levels the playing field for cities whose expenses outstrip the cities property tax base and/or its willingness to pay for the statewide average for public services. The 2003 LGA Program Reform outlined each of the six criteria that calculate a cities fair share: number of pre-1940 housing stock, population decline in the last 10 years, traffic accidents per captia, average household size, metro vs. non-metro status, and the adjusted tax capacity per capita. Last years LGA contribution to the city was $84,273,424. In short, an 84 million dollar budget shortfall. The risk in becoming too comfortable in accepting (and perhaps creating a perpetual need) of these funds is that when the revenue source is reduced; then services must be cut. Therefore the reduction in public safety staffing was not made on a declining need for services (fewer fires and/or lower crime rates) but a cut in funding.Crime and fires too, do not wait for anyone, let alone funding. These would seem areas in which the local government would concentrate its resources upon, the health, welfare, and safety of its citizenry. The above arrangement sets-up a curious corundum; if the need for public services is determined by local citizens; and funding is (in part) determined by statewide criteria, who then has the control to set the agenda of the delivery of these public services. By accepting LGA, the city has abdicated a portion of its ability to meet citizens needs and relies on a subsidy to provide a level of average services that are de5termined by state, not higher levels of quality and services that may be demanded by citizens. Another option is higher taxes. Granted the 2003 LGA Program reform place a partial freeze on increase in 2003 and 2004 property taxes, but did not do for 2005. Many have expressed the need for more police officers. A few have offered to even pay more for these services. To borrow a page from Jim Graham's May post it is not for the few to contribute to this fund, but for each and every resident in Minneapolis. The last I heard that was called TAXES. It is the OLIGATION of the elected politicians to tax us ALL to the degree necessary provide adequate public safety for ALL of us. Higher taxes would certainly equate to more public safety personnel. How many are needed to provide a level of average services (as controlled by the state's LGA formula)? How many are needed to provide adequate services as defined by the city's obligation to its citizens? Or how many are need to provide a superior level of quality and service that would be defined by a community's vision? It may be premature to wane the city from LGA, but over-reliance on LGA to fund essential services has had the net effect of muddling toward the middle of the quality and quantity of your public services. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re; [Mpls] Rybak: every new state dollar to the city for public safety
Not having the eloquence of others, nor apparently the fiscal insight, it seems to me that if the city receives nearly every penny it sends off to the state; why then does it need to wait at the doorstep as a poor suffering waif only to have its own money given back under an elaborate set of criteria? What is to prevent the same scenario two years from now? What has change to ensure citizens shall not endure more of the same? Tax, slash, borrow, or any combination thereof: it's who has control of the money who sets the agenda for public policy and services. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Crime initiatives and lost statistics
As stated before on this very forum, the lack of crime statistics on the city's web is due to program errors that were encountered in the beginning of the year and then a reduction in staff within the CODEFOR Unit, the police department section tasked with crime statistics, which has prevented the timely release of information to the public. Skills sets have been transferred to the remaining staff and the publication of these figures will resume soon. The Chicago model is quite impressive, and there are others equally so. It is what I am trying to steer towards: a more transparent and accessible set of crime figures. It's not for lack of imagination, its lack of funding. Until then, I use the tools that are available. It is categorically not the result of the implied duplicity. Few have taken advantage of the prior offers, but if you need crime statistics you can call or email me. You need only ask. Lt. Gregory W. Reinhardt Minneapolis Police Department 612-673-3587 [EMAIL PROTECTED],mn.us REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Murderapolis: Time to Move Beyond Triage
It's $75,000 per cop, including salary, benefits, material and logical support. This figure was and is being used in strategic planning. Also, I believe the the 2% cap is for negotiated wage increases, not budget increases. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Violent gangs get smaller, younger
Shaw Lewis comments: I have noticed that when K-12 schooling is out, homicides with young people go up, fast. This seems to me, too vague and an unsupported to be a valid assertion. Define young people. If it is meant that young people are under the age of 18 then the theory could be tied back to K-12 schooling, if and only if those school-age young people involved were still enrolled in school.Do homicides with young people include suspects, not just victims? What are we comparing the alleged increasing rate of homicides with young people? What is fast? What time period for comparison? Statements such as these contribute to the body of discourse that influences public policy. Public policy should be supported by fact, not by anecdotal evidence. Gregory Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Early-morning noise
Construction at 28th and Portland is for the installation of red light cameras NB and EB. Construction has gone through the permit process. It will last a few days, depending on weather and traffic and then the camera system will be operational. Those violations captured will receive a warning notice until July 7th. Thereafter, the violations will cost a $142. See the following link the City's Stop on Red Program http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/stoponred . Lt. Gregory W. Reinhardt Minneapolis Police REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Information on violence prevention
CODEFOR is the Minneapolis version Of NYPD's COMPSTAT paradigm. Both use, in part, the broken window theory advanced by Wilson and Kelling. The theory in short: A broken window--or a littered sidewalk, a graffito, or what you like--does no great harm to a neighborhood if promptly addressed. But left untended, it sends a signal: that no one cares about this neighborhood, that it is a safe place to break things, to litter, to vandalize. Those who engage in such behaviors will feel safe here. And once these minor miscreants have become well established, perhaps it will seem a safe enough neighborhood in which to be openly drunk, in which to beg for money, and possibly extort it. In short the smallest symptoms of antisocial behavior will, left to fester, breed greater and greater crimes, all the to murder. Using strategic deployment and the above management theory, NYPD reduced levels of reported crime by 70% in the last 12 years. Minneapolis has had a similar, but to a lesser degree, of success. Reported Part I crimes (Murder, rape, robber, aggravated assault, theft, auto theft, arson, and burglary) have decreased nearly 40% since the 1998 inception of CODEFOR (Compute Optimized Deployment Focused On Results). Much like a Fortune 500 company the police industry, including MPD, employes best pratices that have been used with success elsewhere. Gregory Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] New snitch law / Rounding-up the usual suspects / No
Whether one enforces laws against gangs, narcotics use/trafficking; or enforce laws against discrimination, this tactic relies on the same Achilles heal: laws. Laws are mere agreements among men, sometimes law reflects the mores of the people, sometimes it reflects the worldview of those empowered. Its not that we have too few cops, we have too many who engage in deviate behavior. Those who act outside of accepted norms of society. A moral people need no laws; do not need police, courts, or jails for they will always do what is right. No intended harm will come to another because such action would be contrary to social norms; but also against personal moral character. Is there a push to do something? Decidedly yes. Why? Perhaps as Confucius pondered to see what is right and not to do it, is want of courage. There are many good honest courageous men and women, in civil service, in our neighborhoods and in our homes and lives who are trying to do just that. To do, rather than stand by. A mere civil servant/citizen Gregory W. Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
STOP [Mpls] Terrill's open letter
STOP is not funded by General Mills. If you follow the money, you'll find that Minneapolis citizens fund it, through taxes paid by you and your neighbors. All funding for STOP comes from the Fiscal 05 Police Budget. It is not a program, but a deployment of resources (personnel). It is designed to be flexible and mobile, to provide police services throughout the city as needed. You may have issues with the assigned personnel; the tactics used, or even the overall concept; to reduce violent crime in impacted neighborhoods. But running Mr. Terrill's comments, other community leaders, and Homeland Security into the structure and function of STOP is mixing apples and oranges together and calling them bananas. There are no funds via Homeland Security to combat gang or inter-city violence. Check. During the Clinton years and early in Presidents Bush's first term, there were, in fact, Federal Funds that went to supplement the police industry and its mission. Since 9-11, those funds have been diverted to Homeland Security. General Mills is funding research conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Mr. Wexler's recommendations will be rather predicable, if you wish to reduce the number of total homicides and violent acts within the city, and then concentrate what resources you already have in the neighborhoods that are currently impacted by violent crime. Don't wish or wait for more resources; use what you got to get the job done. Nevertheless, as simple as this may seem, it will require help from all segments of the city. The police department is only one tool to work on the symptoms of crime; other city departments, governmental agencies, and public private partnerships, with citizen cooperation, will need to work to continue working on eliminating the root causes of crime. Evoking the Patriot Act is a red herring. The real issue is control; who decides what will be done. It is the essence of politics. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Where's R.T.? (no clear plans for a second term)
When the PD had 930 officers, the budget was $98 M. Today the PD budget is $102 M with approximately 780 officers. There are negotiated wage increases, health care, fuel, and other costs which rise each year. Bottom line, it takes $4 M more, to police with 150 officer less. G.W. Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Endorse! Crime Stats
Let me solve the mystery of missing crime statistics on the city web site. It is not as one tacitly alluded to; the result of hidden cabal with city hall intent on conveniently hiding information from the data hungry masses. Late last year, the computer application to retrieve Minneapolis crime statistics developed significant problems, which prevented CODEFOR Staff from retrieving some crime statistics. Staff also felt that those numbers that were retrieved might be less than accurate. Note; no one on staff is a programmer, and therefore we do not have the ability to deconstruct our computer applications. Staff continued to work to discover a path to the correct information and early this year, believe this has been accomplished. However, in the mean time, I lost 33% of my assigned personnel to another unit of the police department. I have yet to reintegrate some lost skills and abilities with remaining personnel, including but not limited to the retrieval of official Uniform Crime Report crime statistics. Until these skills are transferred, I will not post crime information on the web. I want them right. Because of the staffing, budget and other decision based on these numbers, citizens should want them right as well. Any numbers quoted by the candidates or anyone else are preliminary numbers, not official FBI stats. There are subject to verification, which the CODEFOR Unit is trying to achieve. It is a balance of time, energy, money, and priorities. Even though it my command, I know that the department has greater issues to tackle than the convenient posting of crime figures. Anyone can ask for crime statistics, I will provide them with the above disclaimer. No one on this list, or within any of the candidates' organization has asked for the numbers. Attacks such as these, both external and/or internal, are baseless. I am proud to say that there are good, moral, dedicated, hardworking people that work for me who are not swayed by the droll mechanizations of politics, but driven by public service. To obtain current Minneapolis Crime Stats please email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thank you for your attention to this matter. Gregory Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Project STOP
IMO: The STOP Unit will provide the Department some of the flexibility needed to react to crime patterns in a timely and proactive manner. If the current strategy is successful crime levels, will be reduced, eliminated, and/or displaced. It the case of the later, the STOP team would move its deployment into the area where the displaced criminals have set up shop. The current configuration of the Department is a result of decentralization. This was a widely accepted and national industry practice of providing resources and structure to support policing on a more localized level rather than a citywide response. In theory, each police precinct was a self-contained police department, with, street staffing, investigators, crime prevention, and other police services stationed and administered locally. Special investigative functions and operations (such as Homicide, Child Abuse, etc) remained centralized. Each precinct then reacted to different levels of crime patterns and desired policing services based on need and community expectations. However in practice, each precinct became somewhat rigid when new types of crimes or new levels of crimes appeared within their geographical boarders. Patrol, investigations and other tasks are for the most part set and the influx of new crimes and patterns placed a demand on the resources that were committed to provide localized sets of policing services. Nor did the precincts find an effective and permanent manner in which to borrow resources from other precincts or divisions to problem-solve and react to crime. In some ways decentralization was too successful. Five independent police departments, whose commanders (rightfully so) were concern about maintaining staffing to provide services within their assign commands. It was difficult (but not impossible) to utilize the resources of other assignments to work on local issues. Hence STOP. In essence, a 6th precinct without borders. And commanders, in theory, no longer will be faced with conflicting staffing levels or needs. If you will a permanent flexibility has been recreated. Those familiar with the department history will recall the flying squads of more than 20 years ago: squads who rushed into trouble spots and then like the wind, flew out when calm and order was reestablished. But policing units such as these are particularly vulnerable to the rise of police abuse. In this current incarnation, the STOP Unit should be monitored and held accountable for its actions and levels of crimes, just as other precinct/divisions are held responsible. The STOP Unit is a welcomed addition in MPD. But be careful for what you wish for, you might get it, and will need to pay for it. Such is the problem with simply calling for more cops. How are you going to fund an expanding workforce? Federal funding is not available and as pointed out before it may not be desirable. Cuts to LGA funds have not been restored, and more cuts are on the way. There is no interest in this legislative session to create an extra tax, user fee, or sales tax to fund public safety in Minneapolis. With less than two weeks left in session, there does not seem to be any help from the state availble. Nor does the City seem to be in position to raise taxes for public safety. The City will be force to cut other services to pay for merely maintaining the status quo, let alone increasing the size of the department. It would be helpful to hear from any of the candidates contesting for Minneapolis' public offices on how this will be accomplished. What cuts will be made and what are the ranges of services that are considered core to public service? Supporting stronger, flexible, and adequately staffed Public Safety Teams may get you elected. But without a fiduciary sound plan to do so, is disingenuous. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Chief McManus's phone number
Officer Ron Reier is the Police Department's PIO. He could help you in securing an interview or other types of PR. Call him at 612-673-2995. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Taking credit where credit may or may not be due.
Jim Graham comments: Measures on the police are easier to see. How many police officers do we presently have compared to the when the Mayor took office? What is happening with the crime rate? How effectively is our police department being used, and its morale? These are things we can measure and things that are directly attributable to the Mayor. Anyone want to answer those questions?. Prior to the 2001 mayoral election, the total MPD budget was approximately $98 million dollars. Today in 2005, the total budget is $102 Million dollars; a 4% increase. Reported 2001 crimes stood at 27,202 events. The final number of 2004 Part I Crimes is 25,457 reported events, or a 6.4% decrease in reported crimes. This was accomplished while Department staffing fell from 896 sworn officers in 2001 to 788 sworn officers at the beginning of 2005, a 12% decrease in officers. Bear in mind, as the number of Minneapolis Police officers fell, the number of Minneapolis Park Police and MTC Polices increased. Both department hired many retired MPD officers. It has been suggested that the department needs 150 officers to handle the present crime patterns. This number would bring the Department back to its 1997 high of 938 authorized officers. However, is it the right level of staffing? Is it an effective use of officers? Or does the Department need flexibility, which more officers will bring, tempered with imagination and innovation? Otherwise, police services may be more of the same, just with more officers. Unfortunately there is not precise means of determining how many cops are needed. Crimes per hundred thousand citizens, number of cops per thousand people, or increase or decreases in crime, take your pick. See Feb. 28, 2005 Skyway News article for further discussion on this very issue: http//www.skywaynews.net/articles/2005/02/28/news/news01. If you want to increase the MPD by 150 officers, come up with an extra $11.25 million dollars a year, or $75,000 per FTE. Before the last election , the City benefited from a significant number of cops funded via federal dollars (Clinton Cops). However, even with federal dollars, you don't always get what you want. See the April 10th USA article on the pitfalls of accepting federal funding http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-04-10-cops-cover_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA . Regardless, this funding source is gone and any such federal monies are now diverted to homeland security, no less important than neighborhood policing. Unless local legislators can piggyback an added public safety sales tax to the proposed stadium deal, it seems unlikely that a new funding source can be identified for increase policing. What other options are available? Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] MN State demographer comments should impact races for city
La carencia de la respuesta, prueba mi punto. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] MN State demographer comments should impact races for city
An interesting, albeit one-sided, look at economic discrimination. If the research, unlike the article, included an examination of the affect of documented and undocumented Latinos, Ladinos and Hispanics on Minnesotas economy (but more specifically Minneapolis) what is the impact of these workers on the economic opportunities for African Americans? If not, yet another example of the institutional racism that exist towards this large and growing segment of our population. In September 2000, the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs Office (CURA) released the Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER) study on such impacts. They contend Minnesota sees a 1.5 to 3.8 billion dollar benefit from the work of undocumented workers. This impact is driven by the need of these workers for services, homes, education and housing. HACERs report asserts that undocumented workers do not take jobs away from Minnesotans, but create new position to support and sustain the influx of new workers. The Minnesotans for Sustainability group contend differently. Dell Ericksons position paper in November of 2000 highlights a 1997 study by the National Academy of Scientist (NAS). This study states economies do not need any immigration, documented or not, to be sustainable. A drive down Lake Street would seem otherwise. Both studies are interesting, but may not accurately reflect what is really happening on the street. Latinos fix our cars, repair our roofs, cook our meals, and clean our hotel rooms; yet for many are an invisible but necessary portion of our economy and neighborhoods. One wonders if this segment of the population was as political active as the Hmong peoples in St. Paul, what would the configuration, and indeed complexion, of the Minneapolis City Council and/or Citys state representatives look like. Meyers article generalized the sense of hopelessness and economic discrimination to only one group of people. Is the same true for Latinos or other non-white groups? If action was taken on the basis of the article would it not have a divisive effect, ignoring one group over another? Thoughts to ponder. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] nuisance houses
There is indeed away to handle problem address such as the one you describe. The dwelling and behaviors are those of a tippling house ( after hour joint) and activity described is clearly illegal and a livability issue for the neighborhood. When I was working on the street, I closed a few of these operations: drinking gambling, black-jack, and slot machines in sleepy little neighborhoods. I employed surveillance, undercover officers, and executed search warrants. The owners and operators were charged with a range of crimes from illegal liquor sales to felony weapons violations. They never opened again and I set the IRS on them for there ill gotten gains. It's much like running a drug investigation. There is a more effective way than calling 911. That said, 911 is not the best option to prevent long tern problem such as this, unless it's an emergency and/or someone's life and limb are in jeopardy. The general procedure is to do a drive by, stop and talk with the owner/operator, and give a warning. The second time around officers generally tag for some minor violation (however, this discretionary enforcement and there is not a balance between what one officer would do as opposed to another). SAFE officers do yeomen's work with the community, but rarely are working at the time the problems are occurring. Contact the precinct commander, Captain Chris Areneson, at 673-5705 and provide the exact address. She can dedicate undercover or directed patrol officers who are well suited to stemming this ongoing problem. Then, officers can take proactive measures such as undercover operations and/or active enforcement. And if evidence is discovered the responsible people can be charged with crimes or a nuisance abatement order can be applied to the dwelling. This is a civil process and the owners would need to abate the conditions which cause the prohibited conduct. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Lisa McDonald's Stonewall DFL Questionaire
The cost per FTE (Full Time Equivalent) for police staffing is approximately $75,000 per year ( Granted new hires do not earn this amount, but it does include the logistical support to staff a PD). It is an average which balances out the high and lows of employment costs. This figure was used in the 5-year plan and for any ongoing staffing changes. It is also contingent on rising employment and/or benefit expenses. Therefore 150 new cops = an additional $11,250,000 per year for the police budget. There are a variety of indices used determining staffing, none of which solely determine the right number of cops. Uniform Crime Reports (crime numbers), calls for police service, FTE per thousand citizens, budgets, tradition, and customer satisfaction. Ultimately it depends on what citizens want the police to do and how much they are willing spend to reach that desired goal. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[bcc][faked-from] [Mpls] Mpls Somali activist found guilty of
If Jamal is deported, it will be the country he left; Canada. There currently is a federal injunction preventing the deportation of anyone back to Somalia. See St. Paul Pioneer Press http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/10594906.htm. In order to stir a debate on ethical standard of leaders, formal or not, I posed a rhetorical assertion that a leader might have the courage to lie. Lying is not an act of courage, nor is it a cornerstone to build a person' moral and character. James Madison commented on the higher standards that must be demanded by the public of a leader The aim of every political Constitution is or ought to be first to obtain for rulers, men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous, whilst they continue to hold their public trust' Cynicism is an easy path to follow. We all lie, what harm was done? Nor can one be ignorant of injustice and the temptation of Jurist Nullification.. But do we demand too little of our leaders? Or is the higher road so unattainable that why bother? To abandon or excuse higher standards seems to set in motion a slippery slope. I for one expect more from our local leaders, not less. G. W. Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Mpls Somali activist found guilty of immigration fraud
Equating the adjudication of a liar to the onslaught of the Holocaust is a bit over dramatic. Omar Jamal has yet to sentence; there is still an opportunity for justice to fit the crime and the individual. Fear mongering, aside, Jamal's conviction poses an interesting corundum. Should the lies of a good man be forgiven while the lies of a bad man are fully prosecuted? Does a person's good' intentions trump the fact that one has uttered a lie, let alone five? Does Minneapolis need more leaders who have the courage to lie than those who steadfastly tell the truth and suffer the consequences? Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Mpls Somali activist found guilty of immigration fraud
Situational truthfulness? I'm just a simple civil servant; but if I lie I could and should lose my job. When it comes to values, where is the line in the sand drawn? Or does it shift with this or that advocacy or political inclination? To generalize the misdeeds of others, shroud the jury with a cloak of blame, and imply that justice has tainted because of the inherent original sin of a government is an over simplification. What evidence exists that the jury, judge or prosecutor acted improper? One may not results of the trial but to decry the whole judicial system (because someone or everyone else is an evil doer) is throwing the baby out with the bath water. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Do MPD promotions spark backlash? (Article)
Minneapolis had 98 murders in 1995 (adjusted for a late death determination). There are 52 victims of Homicide this year. Crime in general, has decrease significantly since then. The Minneapolis crime statistics are posted on the cities website. Please follow the below linkhttp://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/citywork/police/stats/ucr/index. However, whether crime rate numbers are up or down, it's the fear of crime that is a reality for many. Perception is the reality that many of us live by (although that perception can be obscured by many internal and/or external factors). What drives this fear? In part, conflict; which includes but is not limited to the unequal distribution of wealth, rights, social and economic mobility, gender/power, and race. The alleged racial backlash, as described by the Recorders article is unclear. Is it the race of police Commanders, the races of the rank and file police officers, or the races of the citizens which has affect crime rates? Is it citywide or localized to one or more police precinct/division? Is it officer's inputs (work) that determine outputs (crime rate)? The article would suggest so and yet does not present any verifiable documentation or evidence that this is so. The discussion of race and the causation of crime is an uncomfortable topic for most Minnesotans to discuss. Yet it is an important one to have as it will lead to a clearer perception of us, our neighbors, and community. If you need further Minneapolis crime statistics, email and I will provide the data. It's public information. Lt. Gregory ReinhardtMPD/CODEFOR [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Red lights and photo cop
Below is the language from the city ordinance authorizing Automatic Traffic Law Enforcement Systems ( Photo Cop). In short: stop behind the marked stop line or crosswalk. As for plate covers, sprays, and magnetic reflectors...if these devices are so effective, why aren't they being used in homeland security? Caveat Empor. (1) Steady red indication: a. Vehicular traffic facing a circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown, except as follows: 1. The driver of a vehicle which is stopped as close as practicable at the entrance to the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the entrance to the intersection in obedience to a red or stop signal, and with the intention of making a right turn may make such right turn, after stopping, unless an official sign has been erected prohibiting such movement, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at said intersection; or 2. The driver of a vehicle on a one-way street which intersects another one-way street on which traffic moves to the left shall stop in obedience to a red or stop signal and may then make a left turn into said one-way street, unless an official sign has been erected prohibiting the movement, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at said intersection. b. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal, with the intention of making a movement indicated by the arrow, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a permissive signal indication is displayed. Lt. G. W. Reinhardt MPD REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Red Light Cameras
Random tax? Whether the citation is issued by a cop on the corner or a photo cop, there is a sure fire way to avoid getting ticket for a red light violation at any one of the 801 signaled intersections (with appoxamety 3,200 approaches) in Minneapolis. Stop on Red. I am the project manger on this, please feel free to direct comments and suggestions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lt. Gregory W. Reinhardt Minneapolis Police Department CODEFOR Unit 612-673-3587 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Red Light Cameras
I am project manager on this issue for the Police Department. I am personally interested in hearing from all those who support this initiative and those who have reservations about the application this type of technology. Each citizen's voice in this matter is important and many have raised valid concerns about some of the intentional, unintentional effects, and/or intrusions that this new type of enforcement may cause. I believe that this is an opportunity to police smarter, to use technology to enhance traditional traffic law enforcement efforts. The Department's overall goal is to reduce traffic violations thereby reducing accidents to make our streets safer. The Department is seeking to accomplish this via the most efficient and effective manner possible. Note: Red light cameras are not surveillance cameras. Only those persons breaking certain traffic laws will trigger a photo. Those who respect obey the traffic laws will never generate a photograph. Please feel to contact me via email. Thank you for you consideration to this issue. Stop on Red Lt. Gregory W. Reinhardt Minneapolis Police Department CODEFOR Unit 612-673-3587 [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Surge in Minneapolis slayings blamed on gangs
The death of anyone by violence is not acceptable. The innate value of a gang-bangers life is no less than that of law-abiding citizens. The quality of their life contributions to family, society, and own self however, are in dispute. Even though gang violence most often affects those in gangs, it has broader societal impacts. Hospitals, courts, prison, counseling, public defenders, prosecutors, drug treatment, rehabilitation, psychologists, schools, insurance, police, taxes just to name a few. And yes, innocent bystanders too. Violent crime in Minneapolis (including the Northside) was much worse in 1995. Nearly a 100 murders and thousands more victims of violent crime. All crime categories were nearly double what they are now. It's ironic that last year the concentration of violence was centered in the 3rd Precinct. Much of the violence was directed at and by gang members. This year the 3rd Precinct is seeing the lowest violent crime levels in over 14 years. The Star Tribune alludes to community-police partnerships in this section of the city as a means of achieving positive results. It may not be as simple as merely duplicating these partnerships. Lacking corporate support, such as Allina and/or Wells Fargo, the Northside must build a broader grass-roots support to abate violence in the community. Groups like the Hawthorn Huddle and the Jordan Area Community Group are excellent example of these types of organizations. New groups, including the Peace Foundation and others, will find ways of providing leadership to work through the current violence. The masses did not abandon Minneapolis in 1995. They should not now. G.W. Reinhardt MPD Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Surge in Minneapolis slayings blamed on gangs
Anecdotal stories of victimization have great value. They define who we are, what we fear, and what we hope to be. These narratives help to set social rules and norms which in turn formulate community obligations and responsibilities. In times of trouble, our stories become a call for action. How do we proceed? In most cases, community response is dictated by a logical measured response. Have our action caused an effect. If so, how much? Silly statistics, in part, set budgets and therefore staffing. How many cops are enough? What is the exact formula to determine policing resources? One, two, or three cops per thousand citizens? Why do some cities need more cops and others less per capita? Despite the seriousness of current crime trends, there are citizens who would like to see fewer police. They see the police as the private militia of the privileged. The police are akin to a brutal occupying force that trample the rights of citizens and crush liberty. It's a delicate balance between keeping the peace and infringing upon people's freedoms. It's quite caviler to claim the higher road, no cost is too high for our citizens' safety. Yet there is a bottom line. Safety and freedom have a price tag. It will be an uphill battle to raise taxes to return to past policing staffing. I wish any current or future candidate who would advocate this track all the luck in the world. Current budget projections show increases to police department funding in the next five years, yet staffing levels are projected to decline. Public Safety is not immune to the higher cost of doing business. Obviously, there will be further budget negotiations, with other City Departments seeing budget cuts to maintain or increase Public Safety. Which cut is open to fare game? What choices should be made? If we can't buy our way out of crime and poverty, perhaps we can lead ourselves from these maladies. Mr. Graham illustrates that it can and has been done in his neighborhood. It can be done on the Northside and elsewhere too. One would expect to find, and there are plenty of, leaders in corporations, police departments, city offices, schools, churches and other social institutions. The quality of these formal leaders is often subject of debate, and fairly so. But there are leaders within our families, our neighborhoods, and within us. The trick is harnessing the right leaders who are responsible, accountable, and understanding of and to the community. I believe we have such leaders working within Minneapolis neighborhoods, some formal, some not. Others do not share this faith. That's politics, the struggle for legitimate control. If only institutional racism, and discrimination was at merely at direction of a select few. It's too widespread and mindless, which makes it so difficult to combat. Our solutions to crime and poverty do not need to be, as we can lead and apply a logical measured response. G.W. Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Smoking Ban: What to do now?
I doubt the end of western civilization is eminent as the result of a semi-smoking ban. Smoking, much like alcohol consumption, is a regulated behavior. For the sake of 'freedom should we extend both to those under 18 YOA? At our behest, government protects us (the greater public) from that what will harm us. The conflict with these vices is akin to pleasures of individualism balanced against the benevolence of the greater social welfare. The emphasis on individual rights and smoking choices are overblown (pun intended). Freedom without boundaries is chaos. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Further Murderapolis Fireworks: the Body Count Rises
There's no mystery to crime figures or even offense addresses. All is available to the public. With the exception of the Mayor and CCM's offices, no one on the list has called me or my office directly for information. Call me at 612-673-3587. Or use the city's web site. Here is the link to MPLS crime statistics http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-statistics/. It is a web site which posts crime figures for each month and also has neighborhood statistics. It's not as timely as the information that is available to police managers, they need it to make tactical decisions, but it is one source to measure the amount of reported crime within your area of concern. The public library, FBI, and BCA also have copies. You need only ask. Citizens should have greater access to these numbers as they are important an indicator of the perceived quality of life one neighborhood has over another or a temporal comparison. My overall goal is to make this information as available and transparent as possible. But there are some pitfalls to avoid. Review the following information on this site http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crimealert/crimestat.asp. Attempts to expand accessibly have been stalled because of the lack of funding. Barring city and citizen priorities changes, there will not be an expansion of this service until I find adequate funding. Again, call me or my staff for more urgent information. As for the number of police officers, the discussion should not succumb to fear-mongering or its' politics. Indeed, the city has fewer cops than it use to employ. But crime is not completely dependent upon the number of cops. Some crime rate fluctuation occurs when numbers of cops rise or fall and is due to the opportunity an officer presents to a citizen to report a crime. More cops, more opportunities to report every slight. Fewer cops, fewer reporting options. There is a greater correlation with crime and the population of young males between the ages of 10 to 20.Perhaps a list member is an epidemiologist to provide some supporting information to suggest that this population group has significantly declined since the mid 90's., as has reported crime. How many cops are enough? The short answer is enough to make you feel safe. But is it correct to assume that fewer cops mean inadequate staffing. How many cops are too many? The short answer is there should be enough to make you feel free. In between there is a delicate balance between safety and freedom. Given the current economic positions the city has staked out for the future (some by choice, other by decree), polices services will need to be crafted to police smarter, not just more. The 5-year business plan outlines that strategy. There will be some services that will not be provided in the same fashion or amount. Choices have been made based in part by statistics, and citizen expectations. Sometime they do not meet at the same level. However, to ignore the contributions of citizens would be fool-hardy. Indeed the mission of the police should include community building, in part to rebuild or create neighborhood institutions. To paraphrase Sir Robert Peel, founder of Metropolitan Police, 'the police are the public and the public are the police.. We're in this together. Gregory Reinhardt Knuckle dragging on the keyboard Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Crime stats and Minneapolis residents getting skewed
The police department reports crimes even if the victim is cooperative or not. If a person shows up at a medical facility with a gunshot wound they (the hospital) call the police department. MPD routinely goes to HCMC or North, because a shooting victim arrives and the hospital calls, not the victim. This sets a motion a investigation and a report, with its' accompanied statistic. Investigations are oft time stalled because victims do not wish to cooperate with the police, even in serious matters where the citizen knows in fact the name of the person that may have shot, stole, or otherwise victimized him/or herself. Minneapolis is not the only city to see significant decreases in reported crime. Nationwide, reported violent crime has fallen approximately 50% since 1993. But that's just reported crimes. A conservative estimate is that over half of all violent crimes go under reported. See the following link for background http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/09/09/national/main521212.shtml. Murder is the most easily verifiable crime...Corpus delicti. the body of the offense .is a body and it's difficult to conceal such injuries as this. Other violent crimes, aggravated assault, robbery, and rape do not always have as compelling evidence and victims oft times do not report these crimes. Politic aside, from a business standpoint its counter productive to under report crimes. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Murderapolis, the sky is not falling.
I do have the numbers and have posted them, both on this forum and the City of Minneapolis web- site. Serious reported crime is down. Significantly. Minneapolis is safer than it was 10 years a go and citizens, and in part the police department, have realized this goal. See link http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-statistics. Statistics are valuable because policing and other governmental services are based upon them. They (statistics) allow policy makers to make fact-based decisions rather than purely knee-jerk dones. Staffing, programs, and even budgets are based on the numbers. Is it meaningless to look at your bank account to see if you have more or less discretionary spending money than last month compared to this month? So it goes with crime analysis, public health policies, road constructions and all other governmental services. That being said, crime, poverty, social, injustice, and prejudice are all influenced by uncalculated coefficients. How do you measure attitudes, beliefs or predisposition to violence? It is a standard business practice, to know the bottom line. Its unfortunate, the most often quoted statistics used in policing represent people who have been victimized. The bottom line in policing however has and continues to be, the people we served. In the next few days, the police department will be releasing its 5 year business plan. It will take several weeks of presentation and decision before it is implemented. Statistics, in part, have played a significant role in the formation of this vision. They have provided a baseline of facts to make projections of future services balanced with current and projected needs. Lt. Gregory W. Reinhardt Minneapolis Police Department CODEFOR Unit 612-673-3587 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Natalie Johnson Lee/ Police Brutality Continues
Brutality, in what ever form, is unacceptable. The day to day beating, killing , abuse and neglect that citizens inflict upon each other is appalling. Police Brutality is not much different, a reflection of the values of the greater community. To do something about it requires decisions and action based on facts. Tell me, are the more police brutality complaints under Chief McManus tenure YTD than under Chief Olson? Or are decision and/or votes based on those incidents reported in just this forum? If so the consequences are rather easy to project. What if not? Comments aside to employees, Chief McManus has stated both in public and private that he has a high standard of expected conduct. He wishes all officers to treat citizens as if members of family. If the allegations are true as allege, the Chief will take the appropriate action. But it requires a process and this takes time. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior. REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
