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/ <br />PATRICK D.McGOWAN <br />HENNEPIN COUNTY SHERIFF <br />ROOM 6 COURTHOUSE <br />360 SOUTH FIFTH STREET <br />MINNEAPOLIS.MN 55415 <br />» , <br />FEB 2 5 2002 <br />a <br />h • <br />-t I <br />« ) <br />(612) 340-3740 <br />FAX 346-4208 OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF <br />December 4,2001 <br />Chairman Bert Foster <br />Lake Minnetonka Conservation District <br />18338 Minnetonka Boulevard <br />Deephaven, MN 55391 <br />Dear Chairman Foster: <br />Growing concerns over the heavy recreational usage of Lake Minnetonka and the ever increasing demands on <br />Hennepin County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) Water Patrol personnel on other county waters led to Uie <br />implementation of a new program during the 2001 boating season. Two seasonal HCSO deputies were assigned to <br />Lake Minnetonka exclusively. This program was a combined effort of the HCSO, the Hennepin County Board, the <br />Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD), local governments and area businesses. <br />Deputies Jeff Biebl and Matt Hagen were assigned to Water Patrol from mid-May to mid-October on a middle shift <br />corresponding to the highest need for patrol services. Both deputies performed well with their diverse patrd <br />assignment. They maintained a proactive presence by enforcing LMCD ordinances, making BWI anests and <br />responding to medical emergencies and calls for help. They also responded to accidents and citizen complaints. <br />This increased visibility created a safer environment for both local residents and lake users as well as our own <br />Water Patrol staff. <br />This new program was initiated by extensive media coverage, sending a message to lake users that there would be a <br />substantial increase of coverage on Lake Minnetonka. This public awareness contributed to a safer boating season <br />demonstrated by: <br />> No boating fatalities on Lake Minnetonka in the 2001 boating season; <br />> The reduction of personal injury accidents by more than 50%; <br />> An increase in public contact, but a lower citation count. <br />.D/ During the 2000 boating season, licensed deputies spent 1,595.6 hours patrolling Lake Minnetonka. In 2001, that <br />—level was increased by 59% to 2,546 patrol hours. Lake Minnetonka accounted for 81% of all licensed deputy <br />• \ ••patrol hours. <br />As the Unit Commander, I felt comfortable with our staffing on Lake Minnetonka. These additional deputies <br />helped create a safer working environment for our licensed deputies and special deputies. I knew that Lake <br />Minnetonka was covered regardless of the demands for our services on other county waterways. <br />Sincerely, <br />ijl <br />Lt. Brian Johnson <br />Unit Commander <br />cc: Gregory S. Nybeck, Executive Director <br />ir \ • <br />DEC 5- Z001 .i!':! <br />li.'U <br />• ___ <br />Hetjdtd <br />20% P0St- <br />C9mnimMf Fibtf