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<br />He reviewed their focus areas for training including things like traffic stops, crime prevention; <br />search and arrest; and domestics. He stated that one of the biggest areas of training will probably <br />be First Aid, especially the use of defibrillators. He stated that this program will help instill a <br />sense of pride in their community and noted that he lived in Plymouth but was part of the St. <br />Louis Park Explorers imd felt that St. Louis Park was more "his" community than Plymouth. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked how he was planning to get the word out to residents. <br /> <br />Officer Rossum stated that this had already been done and reiterated that they already held an <br />informational meeting. He stated that Learning for Life was part of Anoka High School's career <br />class and flyers were sent to those that expressed an interest in law enforcement. He stated that <br />they also went to Elk River High School. He stated that next year he will probably stick with <br />Anoka High School. ' <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson stated that she would like to keep the program for Ramsey residents. and <br />there are a lot of kids at Elk River High School that live in Ramsey.' <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated that she agreed and has gotten feedback from people who live <br />in the Elk River School District that they feel forgotten because the City focuses more on the <br />Anoka schools. <br /> <br />Officer Rossum reviewed the process for becoming an Explorer. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way noted that they gauged the interest in the program before coming to the <br />Council. He stated that this is a program that the Police Department would like to begin. He <br />stated that the Reserve program was started 11 years ago and has been very successful. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey stated that he thinks this is a great idea and asked where the money for <br />uniforms would come from. He suggested that the Lions Club and Rotary Clubs be contacted for <br />possible contributions. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way stated that the uniforms will cost approximately $2,500. <br /> <br />Officer Rossum stated that when he was in the Explorers, they did a lot of fund raising such as <br />car washes and leaf raking. He. stated that the initial costs to get the program up and running will <br />be higher than the upcoming years. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that he likes the idea, but would like to make sure there is criteria <br />in place ahead of time, if there are more people interested than there are openings. He stated that <br />he doesn't necessarily want it just to be driven by grades and suggested a lottery if there are too <br />many qualified applicants. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated that she thinks it is a really cool idea and is very excited about <br />it. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session I May 27, 2008 <br />Page 6 of8 <br />