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<br /> <br />Chair Allen requested further information regarding the physical requirements of a police <br />officer. Director Paetznick explained that all police officers have to pass a physical portion <br />of skills training prior to becoming post certified. He noted all officers are encouraged to be <br />physically fit. He discussed the number of marathons the officers had completed as an <br />agency. <br /> <br />Chair Allen asked if officers completed their training while on shift. Director Paetznick <br />reported this was the case for the vast majority of the training hours. He noted some officers <br />may elect to attend additional training while off duty. <br /> <br />Hearing no further questions, Chair Allen thanked Director Paetznick for his thorough report. <br /> <br />V. Department Reports <br /> <br />A. Allina Health – Bruce Hildebrandt <br />Bruce Hildebrandt stated discussed the volume of activity conducted by Allina Health that <br />occurred in the City of New Brighton in 2017. He reported the City had 2,262 calls last year <br />and the average response time was eight minutes. He stated about 75% of these patients <br />required transportation and the remaining 25% were evaluated and did not require an <br />ambulance. He explained calls for service were up and noted the majority of calls were for <br />inter-facility evaluations. He discussed how the number of mental health calls were on the <br />rise. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holliman stated he would like to see a list of the top ten types of calls Allina <br />responds to. Mr. Hildebrandt stated he could provide the PSC with this information. <br /> <br />B. Volunteers in Public Safety (VIPS) <br />Chair Allen stated a Blood Drive would be held on Wednesday, January 17th. <br /> <br />C. Public Safety Update – Director Paetznick <br />Director Paetznick explained he had forwarded his November report to the Commission for <br />their review. He stated the end of 2017 was quite busy on the fire side. Director Paetznick <br />reported the department would be hiring one additional officer in 2018. He explained the <br />911 dispatch office in Ramsey County could now receive texts. He stated the dispatch center <br />prefers calls, but would also respond to texts. He noted seven of New Brighton’s officers <br />would be assisting with Super Bowl policing. He commented on the Santa Cop program and <br />noted 27 different families and 90 children were served in December. He indicated the City <br />would be pursuing a new dog pound. <br /> <br />Ensuing discussion included: <br /> How the department was addressing vehicle and garage prowlers. Director Paetznick <br />indicated this topic was addressed in the most recent City newsletter encouraging <br />residents to lock their garages and vehicles. He noted the weather does assist in <br />curtailing prowlers during the winter months. <br /> A request that staff provide the Commission with a breakdown on the types of thefts <br />that occur on a monthly basis. <br /> Potential reasons for a 100% increase in auto theft in town. Director Paetznick stated <br />he was uncertain as to why there was an increase, but noted more people were leaving <br />their cars running with the keys in them during the winter months. One commissioner