07-26-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CO* **^*'^** • *c^tinG JUL 2 6 2004 CHYOFORONO DATE: 7/26/04 ITEM NO: Exhibits: West Metro Drug Task Force Agreement DISCUSSION: Local law enforcement agencies have obtained evidence that trafficking in narcotics and dangerous drugs exists in the western suburban communities of Hennepin County. The municipalities covered by the West Hennepin Department of Public Safety, the Hennepin County Sheriff ’s Office, and the Police Departments of Orono, Mound, and Medina arc aware that such illegal activity has a substantial and detrimental affect on public safety as well as the health and general welfare of the citizens of these communities. It has been determined by Orono. Spring Park, Long Lake. Minnetonka Beach and the Orono School District that an effective approach to combat this problem is the formation of a task force designed to vigorously enforce law s pertaining to illegal drug sale and abuse. The West Metro Drug Task Force, consisting of the above law enforcement agencies, will disrupt the illicit drug trafficking by immobilizing targeted violators and trafficking organizations. This will include conducting undercover operations where appropriate and engage in other investigative techniques that will result in effective prosecution of the offenders before Federal and State of Minnesota Courts. Each Task Force member will contribute $10,000 to fund incidental and support expenses incurred by the Unit. The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office will administrate the Task Force’s Funds. To accomplish the objectives, each Task Force member is assigning at least one officer to the enforcement activities. (Hennepin County will be assigning two deputies). A full time Orono Police Officer will be assigned to the Task Force, and his patrol duties will be backfilled by a part time Orono Police Officer. Each jurisdiction will contribute equipment for tneir officer, including a vehicle, radio, phone, computer, fuel. etc. The Orono Police Department will use existing forfeiture funds to purchase equipment for their officer. The Hennepin County Shenffs Office will provide S20,(XX) in electronic and other necessary equipment. Each jurisdiction will assist in clerical duties. The League of Minnesota Cities is recommending that the Task Force maintain liability insurance coverage for the activities of the Task Force. The cost of insurance is to be shared by the Cities of Medina, Mound, Orono, and the West Hennepin Department of Public Safety. The cost of insurance is $1,200, through Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. of Minnesota, Inc.