Police Department Comprehensive Plan 2019-2023; Johnson
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Brent A. Johnson, Chief of Police
Date: September 11, 2018
Subject: Comprehensive Plan 2019-2023
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PURPOSE:
The purpose of this presentation is to look at the various technologies/ equipment
considerations for the police department, along with discussing officer staffing levels and
community engagement initiatives for the next five years. This information will be covered
in a power point presentation, which will provide you additional insight into some of the
recent developments within the police department.
INFORMATION:
TECHNOLOGY-
The department is looking at an integrated body camera and squad car camera platform
for 2019. This technology requires a storage device for maintaining this data, along with
the ability to transfer evidence/data to prosecutorial authorities. We are exploring a cloud
based storage solution, which is less expensive than maintaining our own server.
We have researched the various camera solutions and have determined that WatchGuard
is the best option for our department.
We have a draft policy already developed and we plan to work with our schools,
community groups and MAC multi-cultural advisory committee to review this policy. Once
the draft is finalized, we are required to hold a public meeting to discuss this policy. We
will begin to pilot the program mid- summer 2019.
We are also acquiring new squad car computers in 2019. Our current computers have
reached the end of their service ability and are no longer under warranty. The final
products are under review and decisions have not yet been determined.
STAFFING-
The department currently is staffed with 29 sworn officers, one grant funded DWI officer
and nine civilian staff. We received additional grant funding for 10/1/2018 -09/30/2019 in
the amount of 126k to cover salary, overtime and training expenses for the DWI officer.
Police Department
In 2019, we have the ability to apply for one more year of the grant, but it is not a
guarantee.
In 2018, we eliminated a part-time records position in our department after acquiring
Dragon transcription software, which has streamlined our report writing process. This
voice transcription software cost approximately 18k, which was funded through DWI
forfeitures, not the general fund.
In June 2017, I reduced one of my full time civilian PSO’s public service officer positions
and established two part-time cadets. This reduced salary and benefits by just over 40k.
These cadet positions allow our agency to diversify the department by specifically
recruiting minority candidates who may have an interest in law enforcement and train
them in our department culture and philosophy. We currently have one JCPP- Hennepin
County grant funded cadet and we just hired our first part-time City funded cadet.
In 2019, we are still budgeted for the part-time typist position and one more cadet. I would
like to combine this salary into one full time officer position. The difference in overall cost
with associated benefits is approximately 31k. If this position were approved, I would wait
until 2nd quarter of 2019 to fill this vacancy to not increase the 2019 budget. This would
bring our staffing levels to 30 sworn officers and one grant funded officer.
FUTURE ACTION
In 2019, when we begin to budget for 2020, we need to anticipate budgeting for the DWI
officer, so we do not reduce officer staffing levels. If the 30th officer is approved for next
year we will need to plan on budgeting the additional 31k for 2020.
By calendar year 2023, based on estimation of call volume, increased community
engagement, light rail transportation, and population increases, I anticipate needing 33
sworn officers to meet the needs of this community.
OUTREACH/ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT-
Since creating our CORE (community outreach relationship enhancement) team in the
department, we have significantly increased our ability to develop relationships with all of
the community we serve. These relationships are crucial for the community’s support of
their police department. We have held numerous community events, educational forums,
and training demonstrations. In 2017 alone, we participated in over 265 events with officer
representation. These events take a considerable amount of time and resources and pull
officers from patrol duties to assist. The JCPP liaison and Hennepin County grant assist
in these outreach efforts. The JCPP program is curren tly funded through 2019, but the
future of the program is unknown at this time. These are additional considerations for
increased future staffing levels.