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Rn•INEW <br /> 1U BRIGHTON <br /> building tomorrow today <br /> Council Worksession <br /> October 26, 2021 <br /> 5:00 pm <br /> Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas <br /> Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle <br /> Councilmember Graeme Allen <br /> Councilmember Pam Axberg <br /> Councilmember Emily Dunsworth (attending via Zoom) <br /> Absent: <br /> Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Tony Paetznick <br /> Guests in Attendance: Ramsey County Commander Ryan O'Neal, Community Engagement Officer Matt <br /> Farmer <br /> Public Safety Partnership Discussion with Ramsey County <br /> Paetznick discussed the significant partnerships the Public Safety Police Division had with the Ramsey County <br /> Sheriff's Office through the Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) <br /> Team and Records Management Systems (RMS). In addition, he noted New Brighton partners with the <br /> County Attorney's Office and the County's Traffic Safety Initiative. He discussed a significant event that <br /> occurred a year ago on Long Lake Road where an active shooter had a hostage and the SWAT Team was <br /> called on. He explained Commander Ryan O'Neal with Ramsey County was in attendance to discuss these <br /> partnerships in further detail with the Council. <br /> Ramsey County Commander O'Neal thanked the Council for their time. He then provided the Council with a <br /> history on Ramsey County's SWAT team noting this group received special training and was made up of <br /> representatives from multiple agencies. It was noted the mission of the SWAT team was to resolve critical <br /> incidents involving a threat to public safety that is so hazardous, complex or unusual, that it would otherwise <br /> exceed the capabilities of traditional law enforcement first responders and/or investigative units. The SWAT <br /> team is focused on tactical solutions, as opposed to other functions such as investigations. The purpose of <br /> SWAT is to increase the likelihood of safely resolving critical incidents. An organizational chart for the SWAT <br /> team was discussed. He explained the SWAT team operates under a JPA that was signed in 2018. He described <br /> how operators, medics, and negotiators are selected and commented on the training these individuals receive. <br /> The SWAT teams safety priorities were discussed along how and when the SWAT team was activated. Further <br /> discussion ensued regarding the goals and tactics of the SWAT team, along with the number of call outs that <br /> occurred in 2020 and 2021. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned where the SWAT team members were from. Commander O'Neal <br /> reviewed the departments the SWAT team members represented. <br /> Community Engagement Officer Matt Farmer reviewed his SWAT gear with the Council. <br /> Councilmember Allen asked if Ramsey County SWAT ever had to work with federal agencies. Commander <br />