Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/24/2005

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less coverage. A second option would be to pay officers at an overtime rate to cover shifts either by holding them over, having them report early or requiring them to come in on a day off. A third option that might be available is activating a Ramsey reserve officer's part-time (PT) police officer license. Police Chief Way explained that in January of 2000, the MN Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board, which is the governing body of officer licensing, limited the number of PT licenses that an agency could have. The City of Ramsey is allowed zero based on the agency quota determined at that time. There is a provision that allows a department to apply for an "Extraordinary and Temporary Need for Part-Time Peace Officer". These licenses have rarely been granted to departments of Ramsey's size. He has been in contact with the POST Board and was advised that it is possible the Ramsey Police Department might qualify for a temporary part- time officer based on the situation they are in. Application can be made to the POST Board that outlincs the temporary need and each request is handled on a case-by-case basis. Police Chief Way explained the City of Ramsey is in a unique situation in that one of their reserve officers, Todd Brotkowski, holds a current PT license. He has been with the City's reserve unit since 1998 and currently serves as a sergeant and field training officer with that group. The POST Board would give the City of Ramsey special consideration due to the fact that Officer Brotkowski is already a member of the reserve unit and currently holds a PT license. ()fficer Brotkowski has participated in and has often contributed to many of the department training sessions and has maintained his required POST training to keep his part time peace officer license. He is also up to date on all departmental and POST required training, including use of force training, driving school, and could be scheduled for handgun and rifle qualification in May. Officer Brotkowski is currently a First Responder and is fully uniformed, including a duty belt. Councihnember Pearson asked what the time window would be on this hire if it is approved tonight. Police Chief Way replied he would request six months, which could be sooner if Officer Law is able to come back within that time period. Beyond the six months they would need to look at the bigger picture. He explained the wages that would normally be paid to Officer Law would be paid to Officer Brotkowski, as Officer Law will be going on long-term disability that is paid through his private insurance. Mayor Pro Tern Elvig asked if the Council can add emphasis to this request of the POST Board. }Ie stated with the City's substantial growth and summer activities, and the fact that the Police Department is not overstaffed whatsoever, there is extreme concern from the Council to get this position covered. Police Chief Way indicated he will include the minutes of this discussion with the request to the POST Board. City Council Work Session/May 24, 2005 Page 2 of 5