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<br />Academy, and other outreach programs, all supported by department-wide participation. He also <br />reviewed departmental updates, including promotions, new hires, and the contributions of reserve <br />officers and youth explorers, emphasizing their important role in both operations and community <br />connection. He noted the growing importance of data-driven policing, crediting the crime data <br />analyst for helping guide decisions and compile the crime statistics that would be presented next. <br /> <br />Crime Data Analyst Wergin provided an overview of administrative and data functions within the <br />department, highlighting the significant workload handled by police technicians, including <br />thousands of records requests, reports, and arrest case processing. She explained her role in <br />analyzing data, connecting crimes across jurisdictions, and using technology to assist <br />investigations and decision-making. <br /> <br />Crime Data Analyst Wergin reported that overall dispatch activity reached a high of over 16,000 <br />calls in 2025, with increases in ordinance-related incidents and continued growth in suspicious <br />activity and extra patrol requests, reflecting strong community engagement. While overall crime <br />slightly decreased, she noted a rise in person crimes, particularly assaults. She emphasized that <br />crime data does not fully capture the time and resources required to handle cases. She also <br />introduced the use of force data, noting 30 incidents in 2025, representing a very small percentage <br />of police interactions, with all cases involving non-weapon physical force, and emphasized the <br />department’s commitment to transparency and improving data tracking in the future. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml concluded by discussing the use of force, noting that while the goal is to avoid <br />it, officers sometimes must act to ensure safety, and when they do, they use the lowest level of <br />force necessary. He expressed pride in the department’s restraint and training, highlighting that <br />incidents remain very low. He also highlighted the work of investigators, sharing examples such <br />as a homicide case, a stolen-trailer operation, and a package-theft investigation, emphasizing <br />strong collaboration with other agencies and the community in solving cases. He closed by <br />reinforcing the department’s commitment to serving the community with integrity and <br />professionalism and by expressing pride in the officers and their work. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht thanked staff for the well-prepared presentation and expressed <br />appreciation for the work of the police chief and officers. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman noted the high volume of police activity, averaging dozens of calls per day, and <br />praised the department’s low use of force rate, highlighting their strong emphasis on de-escalation <br />and discretion. He thanked the department for keeping the community safe. <br />4. CITIZEN INPUT <br /> <br />None. <br />5. CONSENT AGENDA <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Councilmember Stewart, to approve the following <br />items on the Consent Agenda: <br /> <br />City Council /April 28, 2026 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br />