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Approved <br /> Public Safety Commission <br /> November 28, 2011 <br /> Attending: Commissioner Allen,Commissioner Benke, Commissioner Bredenbeck, <br /> Commissioner Donohue, Commissioner Hollimon, Commissioner Kroll, <br /> Commissioner Lamp,Commissioner Schumann, Commissioner Woods, <br /> Council Member Burg, Director Jacobson, Public Works Director <br /> Wyffels, Dave Matteson—Allina Medical, and Mr. John Choi, Ramsey <br /> County Attorney <br /> Absent: N/A <br /> Call to Order/Roll Call <br /> Commissioner Allen called the November meeting to order at 6:35 pm and roll call was taken. <br /> October Meeting Minutes <br /> The October meeting minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Woods motioned to accept the <br /> minutes; Commissioner Donohue seconded. Motion carried. <br /> Public Hearing/Presentations <br /> A. John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney <br /> Mr. John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney, began by highlighting some new initiatives that have <br /> been very successful. When Mr. Choi came into the office of Ramsey County Attorney, the <br /> charging rate was less than 50%; through the Second Look Initiative, cases that were originally <br /> declined had additional investigation done by the police agency and were resubmitted and <br /> successfully charged. The charging rate at the end of 2011 should be 55%. <br /> Mr. Choi also created a new juvenile division. In February 2011, Ramsey County adopted a new <br /> policy where minors who are involved in prostitution crimes are viewed as victims. Also, the <br /> Dangerous and Repeat Offenders Program(DROP)uses a state law that provides for increased <br /> prison time for certain offenders to they serve significantly longer sentences than they would <br /> otherwise. He stated that 7% of criminals account for 70% of crime. <br /> Regarding crimes of domestic violence, Mr. Choi stated offender accountability is a priority. In <br /> the suburbs, all domestic cases will have their first appearance in court within two weeks. The <br /> County Attorney's Office is also working with all law enforcement agencies in Ramsey County <br /> to use the same "check list" of questions that are asked of a victim of domestic violence. <br /> Commissioner Donohue inquired about juvenile diversion. Mr. Choi noted a key to successful <br /> juvenile diversion is for the juvenile to feel connected to school, family, etc. <br /> Commissioner Benke asked how we know who to go to as we have the City Attorney, the City <br /> Prosecutor and the Ramsey County Attorney. Mr. Choi stated Ramsey County Attorney's Office <br /> handles all juvenile crime,prosecutes all adult felonies, and handles Child Protection/Civil <br />