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Police Chief Bluml stated that, while he could not say with absolute certainty, he believed the <br />cases involved three separate households and invited any additional questions from the Council. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman referenced past major incidents on the west and southwest sides of the city and <br />prior discussions about domestic violence and the city’s role in addressing it. He sought <br />clarification on whether domestic-related offenses were the most common arrest category and <br />confirmed the ranking of the second most common category. He asked whether the increase <br />observed in Quarter 3 compared to Quarter 4 represents a longer-term year-over-year trend or a <br />temporary fluctuation. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml confirmed that DWI arrests were the most common, followed by domestic <br />assaults. He noted continued improvement in DWI enforcement through participation in the <br />Toward Zero Deaths state-funded grant program, explaining that Ramsey is serving as the host <br />agency this year, administering grant funds to other Anoka County agencies for overtime <br />enforcement. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml explained that, regarding domestic assaults, the department participates in the <br />Lethality Assessment Committee and coordinates its response with Alexandra House. Officers <br />immediately connect victims with services while still on scene and complete a formal lethality <br />assessment to identify high-risk cases. These assessments are shared through the court process to <br />inform judicial and legal decision-making and to prevent repeat or escalating incidents. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml noted that, while domestic incidents remain a concern given the city’s size and <br />number of households, the department believes the program is effective and continues to make <br />progress, with seasonal fluctuations—particularly around holidays—also influencing trends. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman thanked staff for the updates. <br /> <br />2.02: Flock Drone as a First Responder (DFR) and Flock Automated License Plate Readers <br />(ALPR) Program Concept Discussion <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml explained that the Anoka County Sheriff's Office approached all Anoka County <br />police chiefs to gauge interest in a countywide Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program and an <br />expanded Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) system. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml noted that Ramsey currently operates eight Flock ALPR cameras, two at the <br />parking ramp and six along roadways, and stated that the system has been a valuable investigative <br />tool. Based on its success, the department is interested in increasing the number of cameras. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml described the proposed Drone as a First Responder system as distinct from <br />current patrol drones, explaining that these larger, automated drones would be stationed in secured <br />“perches” at strategic locations throughout the county. When a 911 call is received, a drone would <br />automatically deploy to the scene, with an average response time of 60–90 seconds, often arriving <br />before traditional first responders. The drone would provide immediate situational awareness, <br />helping determine the size, severity, and legitimacy of incidents such as crashes or fires, and <br />enabling more efficient resource deployment. <br />City Council Work Session / January 27, 2026 <br />Page 3 of 10 <br />