CR 08-037 Background Investigations - Volunteers
April 15, 2008
Council Report 2008-037
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS - VOLUNTEERS
Proposed Action
Staff recommends that the Council approve the following motion: Move that the Hopkins City Council
approve Ordinance 2008-999 for first reading.
Adoption of this motion will begin the process of amending Section 315 of the Hopkins City Code allowing
the Hopkins Police Department to conduct background investigations of Fire Department volunteers using
information contained in the Minnesota Criminal Justice Information System.
Overview
The Fire Department has begun to recruit volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Program. Because these volunteers are going to be working with Hopkins' residents in emergency situations,
the State of Minnesota is recommending that background checks be conducted on these volunteers.
The most efficient way to perform these checks is through the Police Department's connection to the
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The City's contract with the BCA; however, does not
allow it to perform these types of background checks unless authorized by City ordinance. The current
ordinance allows the City to conduct background checks on "volunteers who are expected to work alone with
minors or vulnerable adults or persons volunteering in the Police Department." Staff proposes that Section
315 be amended to allow background checks on persons volunteering in the Police or Fire Department.
Supportin2 Information
. Ordinance number 2008-999
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Dale Specken
Fire Chief
CITY OF HOPKINS
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-999
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTION 315.05 OF THE HOPKINS CITY CODE
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins is increasingly relying on volunteers to assist in
the provision of City services; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department has begun to recruit volunteers for the Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program; and
WHEREAS, these volunteers are going to be working with Hopkins' residents in
emergency situations;
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOPKINS, MINNESOTA DOES HEREBY
ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. That Section 315.05, Background Investigations, be
amended to read as follows:
315.05 Background Investigations. Upon the request of the City Manager or
designee, the Police Department must provide certain criminal history data
contained in the Minnesota Criminal Justice Information System. The data to be
provided must only be about finalists for City positions of employment; or
volunteers who are expected to work alone with minors or vulnerable adults or
persons volunteering in the Police or Fire Department. The City Manager or
designee must obtain the consent of the finalists or volunteers before
requesting the data, but an applicant's failure to provide consent may
disqualify the applicant from the prospective position.
SECTION 2. The effective date of this ordinance shall be twenty
days after publication.
First Reading of Ordinance #2008-999: April 15, 2008
Second Reading of Ordinance #2008-999: May 6, 2008
Effective Date of Ordinance: May 15, 2008
Gene Maxwell, Mayor
ATTEST:
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
City Attorney Signature Date