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Morale has been positively affected by an increase in the quantity and quality of <br />equipment, including squad cars, over the past six years. Technology in the form of <br />cellular phones and mobile data terminals in squad cars has made officers more efficient. <br />Last, but not least, the new Police Building is a source of great pride throughout the <br />department. <br /> <br />Factors that could undermine morale, according to department employees, are inadequate <br />staffing levels and drastic change. They believe the department should be more proactive <br />than reactive and that will require more time than current staffing levels allow. They <br />understand that regardless of who is appointed Police Chief, there will be change. Most <br />of them recognize that some change is desirable and they say some "tightening up" will <br />be beneficial. Morale will plummet, though, if the new management style is dictatorial or <br />if someone tries to impose an entirely new philosophy on the department. They do not <br />believe that what works well elsewhere will necessarily work in Ramsey. <br /> <br />RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE <br />DEPARTMENT HEADS IN THE CITY <br /> <br />POLICE CHIEF AND OTHER <br /> <br />There seemed to be recognition that all the department heads in the City need to be able <br />to work together. As a practical matter, interviewees noted, it's easier to get things done <br />if you have good working relationships. A close corollary is that if department heads <br />understand the functions of other departments, they will be better able to recognize <br />opportunities to pursue cooperative ventures and to avoid duplicating efforts. No one <br />noted any problems in the current relationship among department heads, but a few people <br />noted that improving communication should be an ongoing goal. <br /> <br />RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND OUTSIDE <br />AGENCIES <br /> <br />The Ramsey Police Department works with a number of outside agencies: other <br />municipal police departments, the Anoka County Sheriff's Department, the County <br />Prosecutor, etc. Those relationships seem to be working well with one exception. <br />Several people expressed concern about recent changes in the Criminal Investigation <br />Division's procedures. As a result of downsizing, CID no longer responds to certain <br />situations. This means that Ramsey officers have more investigative responsibilities. <br />They would like to see the new Chief address this issue. They would also like the County <br />to expand its crime lab to decrease the response time. <br /> <br />7 <br /> <br /> <br />