02-25-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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