SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

Kevin Studnicka - Sheriff

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 APRIL, 2009

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: FROM THE SHERIFF By Sheriff Kevin Studnicka

PATROL 2 Olympics. Scott County Takes The Polar Plunge!!!!! I would like to thank all of SUPPORT STAFF 3 the folks in public safety On Feb. 28, 2009, a group 3 who made the choice to CHAPLAIN SERVICES of Scott County Sheriff’s take the leap. Of course, Office employees took the our Scott County team, 4 Polar Plunge. What is the PATROL RESERVE UNIT known as the “Scott County our team members another Polar Plunge you may be 4 Chosin’ Frozen”, did not go psychological exam before MOUNTED RESERVE asking? The Polar Plunge is UNIT unnoticed. After making an annual event that took allowing them to return their initial jump and chang- JAIL 5 place at Lake Crystal in back to work. ing into their dry clothes, Burnsville this year. The Thanks again to all of the CRIME PREVENTION 6 they decided one jump into local fire department cuts team members and to eve- the frigid lake was not ful- CIVIL PROCESS AND 6 out a sheet of ice and groups ryone who supported our ARRANTS filling enough and deter- W of public safety folks take a team. This was the third mined to jump not just one hesitant leap into the frigid year that we have partici- ECREATIONAL AFETY 7 more time, but two more R S waters - all for Minnesota pated in this cause and hope times!! Needless to say, I 7 Special Olympics. to participate in many FROM THE CHIEF had a few voice mails from DEPUTY more. As Sheriff’s Office employ- some local police chiefs ees took this courageous waiting for me the follow- Regards, HOMELAND SECURITY 8 leap into a lake (where the ing Monday advising me I Kevin Studnicka INVESTIGATIONS 8 water temperature was be- may want to consider giving lieved to be in the low teens) a refreshing breeze CAPTAIN’S CORNER 9 blew across the lake into their faces. Although the 9-1-1 Dispatch 11 wind-chill temperature was Little Known Laws 11 below zero, Sheriff’s em- ployees raised more than $1,000.00! On the whole, there were a total of over 535 plungers that made the dramatic jump on that cold day, and raised a total of $103,280.00 for Special

PAGE 2 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

PATROL By Deputy Michael Cumiskey An Overview of the Taser the body and therefore does they are still an important and The word TASER was coined not affect a person’s heart. useful tool for law enforce- by John “Jack” Cover after his TASER technology works by ment. Prior to TASER, if favorite book, Tom Swift and creating a strong electric cur- someone was fighting and his Electric Rifle. Cover rent that is virtually the same uncooperative, the officer had worked for NASA and is the as the electric current sent to fight, use a baton or an inventor of the technology from the brain to the body, aerosol spray to help bring a used by TASER. telling it what to do. This situation under control. Get- Rick and Tom Smith incorpo- creates “static” in the brain’s messages to the body and the ting tased is NOT a pleasant rated ICER Corp. in Septem- experience, (take it from me, ber, 1993 with help from Jack signals do not get through. I know) but, by using this tool Cover. They changed the This signal affects the body’s name to TASER International motor system and neuromus- in place of others, the result is in December of 1993 creating cular system. Studies and use fewer injuries to the officers the company we know today. have also proven that the use and the subjects. of a TASER in water will not TASER has made many prod- deliver a shock to people who For more information visit ucts, including the Advanced are in the water near the per- www.taser.com. M26 and X26 used by law son being affected by the TA- enforcement. In 2007 TA- SER. The current only affects SER created a model for the the area between the probes. general public named the C2. Most deaths occurring after a TASERs work by firing elec- TASER deployment are actu- tric probes using compressed ally caused by a drug over- nitrogen attached to the TA- dose prior to the contact or a SER by very thin electrical wires. Many studies have preexisting medical condi- proven that the electric cur- tion. When a TASER is de- rent delivered by a TASER, ployed, the TASER automati- which is 50,000 volts, does cally records the date, time, not penetrate into the core of outside temperature and the duration of the use every time the trigger is pulled. This helps track and accu- rately document how and when a TASER is used. If an officer misuses a TA- SER, or is accused of do- ing so, the TASER will show the story.

Although TASERs are not fool proof and are subject to operator error and mechanical malfunctions, VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 PAGE 3

SUPPORT STAFF By Support Staff Supervisor Ron Holbeck

.Gun Permits Conceal and Carry applicants The other type of permit is One of the responsibilities of each month during the first the MM Personal Protection a Sheriff’s Office is issuing or six months of 2008. During Act permit, frequently called denying gun permits. This the last six months of 2008, the “Conceal and Carry Per- sounds simple enough, but that average rose to about mit.” This permit is required there is a lot of “behind the 60. So far in 2009, that aver- in order to carry a firearm scenes” work that must take age has continued to climb to within Minnesota. place prior to issuing a per- an average of 64 per month. Before any permit is issued, a mit. lengthy set of about a dozen While these numbers con- background checks must take There are two types of gun tinue to grow, the person in place. These background permits that the Sheriff’s Of- records who deals with the checks tend to be tedious and fice issues. The first is the permits has been up to the time consuming, but their Permit to Purchase, which is challenge. She has processed results give us the data issued to a person who wishes more carry permits in the last needed to approve or deny an to purchase a handgun in 8 months than there were applicant. Minnesota. Permit to Pur- permit applications in 2006 chases are issued by local po- and 2007 combined! The Sheriff’s Office has seen a lice departments for those recent increase in the amount within city limits, while the of permit applications it proc- Sheriff’s Office issues them esses. For example, Scott for those who live outside of County averaged roughly 38 the city limits.

CHAPLAIN SERVICES By Chaplain Bob Raleigh

some of us are caught up with During our work day, would Happy Easter Season having to have our own per- we stop and ask ------sonal cell phone with us Hmmm------where is my This is the most important 24/7. Do you think you Bible? season in the Christian world would treat your Bible like because Jesus died and rose you do your cell phone? One more thing----unlike our from the dead for our sins. Would you even think about cell phone----we don't have carrying it around in your to worry about our Bible be- purse or pocket? How often When one reads the events of ing disconnected, because would we flip through it sev- Jesus' life in the New Testa- Jesus has already paid the eral times a day like we do ment and what He preached bill! Because He loves us with our cell phone? about, if He didn't rise from unconditionally. If we left home without our the dead it would have been Bible, would we turn around worth nothing. and go back for it? May the Peace of Christ be Would we think about giving with each and everyone of So how much does reading a Bible to our children as a you. the Bible mean to you and gift? Would we even take it Chaplain Bob me? In our everyday life, when we go on vacation? PAGE 4 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

PATROL VOLUNTEERS By Reservist Corry Retzer A Year in the Reserves suing a degree in law enforce- different scenarios involving ment. I was looking for a way hostage negotiations. I found When I started with the Scott to complement my resume County Patrol Reserve Pro- this fascinating. We were when it was time to start look- gram in March of 2008, I surrounded by dozens of ing for a job. really did not know what to SWAT team members and expect. I had seen reserve About half of the members of were able to witness the pre- officers at area events and the unit are law enforcement cision of their craft. At one often wondered students, while the other half point, there were four SWAT how these peo- volunteer as a way to help their personnel in the house with ple became community. My journey with us for ten minutes without us reserve depu- the reserves began with an even knowing it! The activity ties. interview process and back- gave us a unique perspective ground check. Finally after into the inner workings of the Over the past being approved by Deputy Dan SWAT team and hostage ne- year, I have Aszmann, I was sworn in by gotiations. learned what it Sheriff Kevin Studnicka. Since takes to become Throughout the past year, I then, I have participated in a a reserve dep- have worked at a number of variety of duties for the uty with Scott County and all the community celebrations county. the different duties that come like Dan Patch Days in Sav- along with the position. The first activity I took part in age, Scott County Fair, the was being a role player for Pow-Wow, and Dozinky I applied with the reserves in SWAT training. During this Days in New Prague. While January of 2008. At the time, training, myself and other re- working these events, I really I was just starting school pur- serves played various roles in (Continued on page 10)

SADDLE UP By Mounted Reserve Liaison Deputy Mary Hensel

Spring Sensory Time crackers, balloons, flares, Winstock Country Concert in smoke bombs and a squad car Winsted, MN (as a mutual aid Each year, members and ap- with lights and sirens. assist), 3 days at Dan Patch plicants of the Sheriff’s Office Days in Savage, 5 days working Mounted Reserve Unit Most horses will jump when the Scott County Fair, 3 days saddle up to qualify their firecrackers are set off. You at the Mdewakanton Sioux horses for the unit. Al- and I would too. However, Community Pow Wow, the though we’d like to think does the horse gallop across Jordan Heimatfest celebration, all of our horses can be the arena bucking, rearing and and the Diabetes Trail Ride. mounted patrol horses, it kicking or is the rider able to takes a certain disposition hold the horse steady, even Sensory evaluation is only the and temperament to get the though it’s frightened? beginning of the training we job done. put our horses and riders The Scott County Mounted through during the year. We Sensory evaluation exposes Reserve Unit is not just a trail try to do a lot of formation horses to a variety of obstacles riding social group. We train (drill) riding to get our horses and stressors that test their to be professionals and work a used to working with each calmness and ability to per- variety of security and public other. In addition, we learn to form specific duties. These relations events. Some of the use our horses as protection “stressors” include flags, fire- upcoming events include: and defense in an emergency. VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 PAGE 5

IN THE JAIL By Corrections Programs Officer Steve Broome The BOP Inside the Walls offenders who are referred to faxed back to the BOP with of the Scott County Jail the BOP for placement in a either an acceptance or denial decision based on the Scott Commit a federal crime and Work Release facility by a County Jail classification sys- you too may be able to do Prison Service Order due to a tem. Inmates are brought your time in the Scott County parole violation. These of- into custody, searched, proc- Jail. In February 2008, Scott fenders are supervised by a essed and housed according to County signed a contract with United States Probation Offi- their classification status. For the Federal Bureau of Prisons cer. This placement may be those BOP inmates who are to house their inmates. The ordered by Federal Court, the community release eligible, BOP was looking for a facility U.S. Parole Commission, or they must also remain in the with access to public trans- Federal Pre-Trial Services. Jail for classification and ad- portation, located in the Twin Direct Court inmates are justment period. If their ad- Cities area and more impor- those who are required by the justment to our Jail environ- tantly, somewhere that had Federal Court to serve their ment and rules are accept- the room to house their in- time in secure detention as a able, they may be allowed mates - a scarce commodity condition of their sentence. community release status. in the Twin Cities metropoli- The duration of stay in our They are issued community tan area. In return, Scott facility for these BOP inmates release passes to search for County is paid $85 per in- will be specified by the BOP employment. mate per day. Official referring the case for The federal inmates who are The contract between the placement. allowed community release Scott County Jail and The The last inmate group of BOP are closely supervised. Their Federal Bureau of Prisons inmates is Institutional Trans- pass requests are heavily scru- outlines the responsibilities of fers. These are offenders that tinized. Their proposed des- both parties. The Scott have served the majority of tinations must be submitted County Jail provides secure their federal sentence in a to Programs Staff for review housing, safekeeping, and federal institution and are and approval. Periodic site care for federally adjudicated completing the confinement checks are completed by Pro- inmates, known as BOP in- portion in a Work Release grams Staff to ensure the BOP mates. Once employed, BOP Facility. These inmates gen- inmate is following the ap- inmates must also pay 25% of erally have less than 24 proved pass schedule. To their gross salary to the BOP months of prison time re- prevent and detect any as a reimbursement for their maining on their sentence. chemical use while on com- housing. All Federal inmates within munity release, BOP inmates The contract is a three-year our facility have been pre- are subjected to random urine agreement for ten inmates. approved by Scott County Jail analysis tests and portable More inmates may be housed Staff for placement in our breath tests (P.B.T.). Viola- in Scott County if bed space is facility. This is done when tors face write-ups that result available. the BOP faxes an offender’s in loss of privileges, lock- The BOP inmates the Jail file, which contains charge down time, loss of good time receives are categorized into information, a pre-sentence or removal from our facility. three types of categories: investigation report, and a Offenders who violate our Supervision, Direct Court and comprehensive personal his- rules are also subjected to Institutional Transfers. tory of the inmate. After further disciplinary sanctions review by Scott County Jail by the BOP, which could Supervision cases are BOP Programs Staff, the file is (Continued on page 10) PAGE 6 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

CRIME PREVENTION By Deputy Mary Hensel

Minnesota’s Night to their promotional items. In The concept of Night to Unite—formerly known addition, when residents from Unite remains the same as as National Night Out our communities would sign NNO; getting neighbors to up on the NATW website, know one another and creat- When National Night Out local law enforcement agen- ing a strong neighborhood (NNO) takes place on August cies would not be notified and crime prevention network. 4, 2009, the annual celebra- wouldn’t know about the tion will have a new name— celebrations, leaving many The Scott County Sheriff’s Minnesota’s Night to Unite. residents disappointed. The Office has a long tradition of changes that take place will all crime prevention and believes The Minnesota Crime Pre- be behind the scenes. that effective crime preven- vention Association, which tion strategies begin with guides crime prevention ini- strong tiatives in Minnesota, decided to move away from the Na- tional Association of Town Watch ( NATW) and create a night with more of a Minne- sota flavor. There were many factors that went into making the decision including the lack of support provided by NATW and the high cost of (Continued on page 9)

CIVIL PROCESS/WARRANTS By Deputy Mary Hensel

What is a Bench Warrant? the person who is subject to a hearing is held at which time bench warrant has intention- new bail amount and condi- A bench warrant is a variant ally avoided a court appear- tions are set and a new court of an arrest warrant, ance to escape the perceived appearance date is scheduled. which authorizes the im- consequences of being found Often, if a person is arrested mediate on-sight arrest of guilty of a crime. If a person on a bench warrant, that per- the individual subject to was on bail awaiting criminal son is held without bail until he the bench warrant. Typi- trial when the non- or she can appear in court for cally, judges issue bench appearance took place, the whatever incident it was that warrants for persons court usually forfeits bail and he or she failed to appear to deemed to be in con- may set a higher bail amount address originally. Such a per- tempt of court – possibly to be paid when the subject is son is referred to as a "flight as a result of that person's re-arrested, but normally the risk", meaning that there is a failure to appear at the suspect is held in custody high likelihood that he or she appointed time and date without bail. If a person is will flee and not appear for the for a mandated court ap- found to have a bench war- assigned court date (for a sec- pearance. Bench warrants rant against him or her when ond time). are issued in either criminal stopped by a law enforcement or civil court proceedings. officer, the person is immedi- Bench warrants are tradition- ately taken into custody by ally issued by sitting judges or Commonly (but not always), authorities, re-jailed and a magistrates. VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 PAGE 7

RECREATIONAL SAFETY By Deputy Bret Krick

Farm Truck or Commer- class A license or a health compensated. It is still legal cial Vehicle? card, even though they may to haul the load on the truck be using public streets and with farm plates, but the There are many misconcep- highways to get there. driver now needs to have a tions out there about what the class A license and a valid differences are between a After this is where it gets con- health card. farm truck and a commercial fusing. Let’s assume that the vehicle. I will attempt to use product is hay. The farmer This is in no way a complete this venue to try to clear up can take the hay from the listing of Commercial Vehicle some of the confusion. field to the farm without a Law, but merely a small area class A or health card via the You may have noticed that of this law. If you have ques- farm truck. Now let’s say there are several vehicles on that he sells some hay to an- tions, you can look online at our roadways with farm other farmer and hauls this the Online Code of Fed- plates. These plates are is- hay from his farm to the other eral Regulations, Title sued to farmers and allow farm. This hay is being them to do some things dif- 49 Transportation at: hauled on the same farm ferently. For example, if they http:// truck that we were discussing are hauling product from the ecfr.gpoaccess.gov. before. This same hay is now field to the “first point of a commercial load because processing” i.e.: the farm, the farmer has sold it, is they don’t need to have a transporting it and has been

FROM THE CHIEF DEPUTY By Chief Deputy Dean Opatz

Sheriff’s Office to Host The kids are teamed up in River at age five, to winning a Annual Youth Catfish boats with a captain and fish professional fishing tourna- Derby on August, 3rd, the Minnesota River for the ment. The real joy of this 2009 at the Minnesota ferocious flathead and channel event is the connecting with River catfish. The day starts early, kids, “and the look on their 7am, with fishing beginning at face when they set the Our Office will be hosting the around 8am until about 2pm. hook on a big catfish” It annual youth catfish derby This is a fair amount of time is one of the greatest once again on August 3rd, to tangle with tackle busting feelings in life. Fish on! 2009 on the scenic Minnesota cats. We have seen some out- River. For those unaware of After a long day of hard standing days catches, but our event, a quick snap shot. hitting cats, it’s back to most of all, outstanding the derby headquarters, History: The derby began in memories and relationships the Scott Count y Fair- 1999 as a community orien- that last a lifetime. grounds, for a big lunch, tated policing project Our goal is to show kids a stories and prizes for all [COPS} under then Sheriff different side of peace offi- derby contestants. Upon William Nevin. The derby is cers, without the uniform, completions of awards for 50 Scott County youth duty belt, and squad car. We and prizes, it’s now 4pm in ages 12-16, to fish with cops, are people, too. We cast, bait the afternoon. It’s a long day, firefighters, EMS, profes- and tie our hooks just like but a day many of us here at sional and avid fisherman to everyone else. I have been the Sheriff’s Office look for- build a positive relationship blessed to fish all my life, ward to every year. with peace officers and com- shore fishing the Mississippi munity members. (Continued on page 12) PAGE 8 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

HOMELAND SECURITY By Homeland Security Manager Chris Weldon Tornado Facts: The most violent tornadoes Tornadoes are rated as either A tornado is defined as a vio- are capable of tremendous weak, strong or violent. lently rotating column of air destruction with wind speeds Weak tornadoes are classified in contact with the ground. of 250 mph or more. The as EF0 or EF1 and comprise Although tornadoes occur in Chandler/Lake Wilson, MN 69% of all tornadoes nation- many parts of the world, they tornado of June 16, 1992 was ally. Strong tornadoes are are frequently found in the an example of one of these classified as EF2 or EF3 and United States east of the violent tornadoes. Damage comprise 29% of all torna- Rocky Mountains during the paths with the violent torna- does nationally and account spring and summer. In an does can be in excess of one for nearly 30% of all tornado average year, 800 tornadoes mile wide and 50 miles long. deaths. Violent tornadoes are classified as EF4 or EF5 and are reported nationwide, re- In Minnesota in 2008, there account for only 2% of all sulting in 80 deaths and over were 43 confirmed torna- tornadoes nationwide. These 1,500 injuries. Tornadoes does, 18 in 2007, and 25 in tornadoes are credited with can also occur at any time of 2006. There have been 12 70% of all tornado deaths. the day but are most common confirmed tornadoes in Scott Tornado rating has nothing to during the late afternoon and County from 1950-2008. early evening hours. do with the size of the tor- (Continued on page 10)

INVESTIGATIONS By Detective Adam Pirri

Internet Crimes Against transferred to the appropriate The Scott County Sheriff’s Children Task Force agency for further investiga- Office is committed to keep- tion. ICAC also provides ing our children safe and has The Scott County Sheriff’s training for its affiliates in a taken a proactive approach Office is an affiliate agency of number of areas including through this affiliation. The the Internet Crimes Against Investigative Techniques and Internet has become an easy Children Task Force or Cybertip Management. way for offenders to make ICAC. ICAC is a federally contact with children all over funded program that assists ICAC also provides a number the county. Together we can local and state law of resources to law enforce- keep our children safe by tak- enforcement agen- ment agencies to assist with ing the necessary precautions cies to combat the investigations that may reach when it comes to the Inter- online exploitation into other states or countries. net. of children. There ICAC works closely with the are currently 59 National Center for Missing regional task forces and Exploited Children across the country. (NCMEC) to help identify child victims. Offenders that The Scott County Sheriff’s commit crimes against chil- Office works under the Min- dren can do so in a variety of nesota ICAC Task Force. As ways and use the Internet as an affiliate agency, the Sher- an avenue to further their iff’s Office is the point of con- criminal activities. tact for Scott County in these cases. The cases are then VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 PAGE 9

CRIME PREVENTION (Continued from page 6) or the Sheriff’s Office at 952- 496-8722 or neighborhood and police part- [email protected] . nerships. Minnesota’s Night to Unite will celebrate these partnerships!

If you’d like to participate in Night to Unite, contact your local law enforcement agency

CAPTAIN’S CORNER By Captain Bonnie Case Scott County Jail 2008 140 adult offenders which is an of violation includes a copy of Annual Report increase of 13% from the 124 in the Officers disciplinary report; 2007. This translates to the inmate is afforded the op- In December of 2005 we 158,764 inmate meals being portunity to request a Due opened the current Scott served at a cost of $218,321.00. Process Hearing to explain their County Jail and became li- actions. Corrections Officers censed by the Minnesota De- Our Corrections staff is respon- conducted 71 Due Process partment of Corrections to sible for entering and clearing Hearings within the Jail in operate 204 beds. Our pri- all Scott County warrants. In 2008. mary work objective is the 2008 they entered 3749 active safety and security of the pub- warrants and cleared 1882 war- We had four inmate assaults in lic, staff, inmates, and the rants due to law enforcement 2008, three inmate on inmate facility. Included in that ob- arrests. Corrections staff col- assaults and one inmate on staff jective is humane and consti- lected $568,036.00 in bail and assault. These assaults consti- tutional treatment of offend- fine money for the Scott County tute a major rule violation and if ers. In order to meet our Court and other Minnesota found guilty in the Due Process objectives, we must employ county courts. Hearing, formal Jail sanctions Our primary dedicated Corrections Profes- are imposed on the inmate. Once booked and housed, in- work objective is sionals. These Corrections These inmates were also mates are given an Inmate the safety and Professionals were extremely charged criminally. Handbook that provides them security of the productive in 2008 and with information regarding Jail Inmates are given the opportu- public, staff, in- helped us achieve 100% com- mates and the programs, inmate rights and nity to file grievances relating to pliance on our 2008 Jail in- facility. privileges, facility activities, their health, welfare, and jail spection. visiting, mail privileges, how to services. We received and re- The following information file a grievance, medical care, sponded to a total of 27 inmate was taken from the Scott and expected inmate behavior. grievances relating to matters of County Jail 2008 Annual Re- Inmate rules fall into two cate- living conditions, harassment, port. gories; minor rules with infor- health care and other miscella- mal disciplinary sanctions and neous matters. There were 5594 adult of- major rules with formal discipli- fenders and 566 juvenile of- The Scott County Jail offers nary sanctions. When an in- fenders booked into the Scott certain privileges, as incentive mate violates a major rule the County Jail in 2008. Our for good behavior, and provides inmate is written up and given a average daily population was notice of violation. The notice (Continued on page 12) PAGE 10 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

IN THE JAIL

(Continued from page 5) has been positive for the Fed- eral Prison System and Scott include parole restructuring County. or return to Federal Prison.

Jail Programs Staff are in con- stant communication with the Bureau of Prisons Minneapo- lis Regional Office and work hand-in-hand to ensure the success of this contract and the safety of our community. We believe this partnership

HOMELAND SECURITY

(Continued from page 8) ing alarm and battery back Tornado Warnings: stay up. It can be set to automati- away from windows, get out nado. Each tornado is cally activate when a warning of automobiles immediately, rated after it touches is issued. Remain alert for lie flat in a nearby ditch or down, based on the dam- signs of an approaching tor- depression. Go to the safest age it has done. nado: be aware of rapidly place at home or work, usu- darkening skies; listen for ally on the lowest floor of the Be Prepared: Develop approaching strong winds or building in a central room. a plan for your family and the sound of a freight train; Get under a sturdy piece of coworkers at your place look for rotation in clouds or furniture. Abandon mobile of residence or business. a “wall cloud” which is a dis- homes. Even if tied down, Do frequent tornado tinct lowering from the back they offer little protection. drills. Purchase a NOAA of a thunderstorm. Weather Radio with a warn- Be Safe and Watch the Sky.

PATROL VOLUNTEERS

(Continued from page 4) another reserve and we patrol rescue on Prior Lake. the county, typically on Fri- It has been an exciting first learned what an important day and Saturday nights. On year in the reserve program. role we play in the com- our shift we do property The things I have learned and munity. Whether it be checks around the county. the training I have received locating a child that has We also perform any duties will no doubt be helpful in wandered off, or helping requested by deputies or offi- my career in law enforce- calmer heads prevail in a cers from any of the county’s ment. I look forward to an- disagreement, our presence is cities. For example, my first other great year, and with greatly appreciated. evening on 2290, we trans- more events being added all ported a person to detox in My favorite activity as a re- the time, it will definitely be Hastings, transported a juve- serve is going on patrol in a busy one! nile to the Carver County our 2290 car. During a 2290 juvenile facility in Chaska, shift, I am paired up with and assisted in a search and VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 PAGE 11

9-1-1 By 911 Dispatcher Mitzi Kellar Life as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher Dispatchers must be able to settings are stressful, dis- Life as a 911 dispatcher is handle incoming calls, dis- patchers experience specific unpredictable. You can ex- patch officers, transfer calls to stressors unique to their posi- pect emergencies, pain, pleas appropriate agencies, coordi- tion. They include: being for help, and sometimes an nate multiple units for emer- relegated to a low position occasional, unexpected happy gency calls, and record com- within the departmental hier- ending. puter requests by field units. archy; shift work; confine- Frequently, they must pro- ment and lack of interper- Being a 911 dispatcher is vide immediate emergency sonal communication; lack of more than a job. It’s a com- care instructions to panicked, breaks; negative citizen con- mitment and it’s a responsi- distressed, and highly emo- tacts and insufficient pay. bility. Dispatching has its tional callers. They must good days and its bad days. perform all of these functions All dispatchers share common You never know exactly what while remaining calm and stressors such as rotating is going to happen. Dispatch- reassuring. Additionally, shifts, long hours, overtime, ing is more than answering a dispatchers often play a vital car chases, suicide calls, and phone and telling officers, role in ensuring the safety of domestic calls. The types of paramedics and fire fighters others, not only callers but calls and the amount of them where to go. You have to be also officers on the street. happen to a greater or alert, responsive and defi- lesser extent depend- nitely be able to multi-task. I Those who most rely on dis- ing on the size of the honestly don’t believe that patchers are hurried officers organization. Yet anyone can really understand who demand immediate at- whether an organiza- or appreciate the value of a tention to their requests and tion is large or small dispatcher until they have citizens who expect instant ALL dispatchers need been one or sit in a full day resolutions to their problems. to recognize and cope and watched. They often fail to appreciate with stress. the diversity of roles per- Dispatchers perform a com- formed by dispatchers. Like- Because the typical telecom- plex and stressful function. wise, supervisors and admin- munications center is a fast Unfortunately, the critical istrators often overlook the paced environment, there role they play often is misun- many different functions that isn't always time to sit and derstood by administrators, dispatchers perform. plan an action. As an emer- officers and citizens. gency dispatcher, you must While many occupational (Continued on page 13)

LITTLE KNOWN LAWS By Deputy Mary Hensel

MN Statute 169.18 maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or The operator of a motor vehi- individual. cle overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on the road- way shall leave a safe distance but in no case less than 3 feet clearance, when passing the bicycle or individual and shall PAGE 12 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

CAPTAIN’S CORNER

(Continued from page 9) During 2008 our Nursing the Scott County Board of Staff responded to 317 in- Commissioners annually or revenue sources. One such mates for mental health is- through County Board ap- privilege is the authorized sues, many of which were in proved contracts. The per commissary items for pur- crisis. Our Nursing Staff pro- diem ranges from $60.00 to chase by inmates who have vided in-house medical ser- $85.00 per day. In 2008 the money on their inmate ac- vices to 2479 inmates. A Jail collected $707,690.00 in counts. The facility gener- medical doctor comes to the prisoner board per diems ated $34,589.00 in revenue Jail twice a month to provide from other governmental through inmate commissary. clinic services to inmates. jurisdictions. Another is the inmate tele- Last year 233 inmates were All revenue and fees collected phone system which is avail- treated in the Jail clinic. by the Scott County Jail goes able at scheduled times to The Scott County Board re- into the Scott County general inmates for a fee. This ser- quires inmates to pay a fund to offset the expenses for vice generated $33,800.00 in $10.00 booking fee when operation of the Jail. revenue. Social visiting is a being booked into the Jail, privilege and is available to As evident by the statistics, this fee generated $21,819.00 inmates housed in the Scott our Corrections Professionals for the year. Inmates who County Jail. Jail staff pro- are tasked with a variety of serve their time on work re- vided oversight for 6871 so- duties and responsibilities and lease/community release cial visits within the facility. they work with a challenging status are required to pay clientele. I am proud of the Offenders are constitutionally $20.00 per day toward the accomplishments of the Jail entitled to certain rights, such cost of their stay and are re- Division for 2008 and thank- as a right to practice their quired to pay for their own ful that we have such a high religion. medical and dental expenses. caliber of Corrections Profes- We collected $92,633.00 in We offer several religious and sionals working for the Sheriff work release fees. self help programs to inmates in the Scott County Jail. through the use of over 100 The Scott County Jail boards

approved Jail volunteers. We prisoners for other jurisdic- had 934 inmates participate in tions for a fee as bed space is various religious programs. available. The fee is set by

FROM THE CHIEF DEPUTY

(Continued from page 7) pee. Terry has been involved We look forward to another donating and supporting each successful event, meeting new This year’s derby: and every event since our friends and sharing stories of We start preparing and plan- beginning in 1999. Thanks, the “one that got away.” ning for the event in April. Terry If you have any questions or We have a really great bunch We usually begin taking regis- comments about our derby of people that work very hard tration about July 1st. We please feel free to call me at to put on the best event possi- have no problem filling the 952-496-8719. ble. We are also very grateful event with 50 kids. Please for area businesses that do- We’ll see you on the water! look to your local papers nate and support this event. A about the beginning of June special thanks to Terry Hen- for registration details. nen of Sports Stop in Shako- VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 PAGE 13 9-1-1

(Continued from page 11) relaxed. Yet your body is still patchers". Yet where one in a readiness status. It is still person lacks knowledge and be ready to act fast, and deci- in a heighten arousal state, experience, there is usually sively. Subsequently, there ready to react to the next someone else on the same is very little down time avail- event. This is native to the shift that does know and has able to rest and re-group after dispatch environment. There- what the other lacks. This is each task. Emergency calls fore, unless you learn to the strength of being part of a sometimes come in rapid suc- adapt, cope and adjust to this team. cession. Even when there is a work environment, over little downtime you are still time, the sustained stress can Although there is a lot of hard in a Ready Alert Status burn you out. work, and sometimes rough never really knowing what days, being a 9-1-1 dispatcher the next call will bring. While all dispatchers share a has its ultimate rewards. The This ready alert status is simi- common thread of experience ultimate payoff comes with lar to what soldiers experi- in regard to common stress- knowing that you helped to ence while in combat. That ors, no two dispatchers will save a life, or coached a pan- means that, even when there react in the same way to a icked caller through a crisis is no actual threat, and there given situation. Although we over the phone. These are are no bullets flying around, might fault a coworker for the things that make it the soldiers are still in an alert reacting a certain way to a all worthwhile at the status ready to fight when crisis situation because they end of the day! needed. This is very much didn't hold up like we did, the true for dispatchers. This is truth of the matter is that Never forget that a true even when the commu- there are many reasons why nications center is quiet and they acted differently. dispatcher Protects and there are no calls or other Nobody, regardless to how Serves as much as any activity going on. You might long they have been on the other public safety have a magazine out, or a job, knows everything there is professional. newspaper doing the cross- to know about all its aspects. words, and you think you feel There are no "Master Dis-

PROJECT LIFESAVER By Deputy Mary Hensel

In an effort to provide en- or lost. cific and personalized for each hanced support and assistance individual. Search times are Participants in the Project to our citizens, the Sheriff’s reduced from hours and days to Lifesaver program wear a office is proud to announce its minutes, not only saving time special wrist bracelet participation in the Project and manpower, but also gives equipped with a small trans- Lifesaver Program. It is- caregivers and families peace of mitter which emits a radio designed to assist individuals mind. For more information signal every second. When a suffering from Alzheimer’s about Project Lifesaver, contact client wanders, the caregiver diseases, Autism, Down syn- Deputy Mary Hensel at 952-496 notifies the Sheriff’s Office drome, traumatic brain inju- -8722 or and a search is initiated. The ries and other cognitive im- [email protected] OR response team utilizes track- pairments who might be Detective Bob Ryan at 952-496- ing equipment that picks up prone to wander away from 8410 or [email protected]. the radio signal which is spe- home and become confused Mailing Address Line 1 Mailing Address Line 2 SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF'S Mailing Address Line 3 OFFICE Mailing Address Line 4

301 S. Fuller St. Mailing Address Line 5 Shakopee, MN 55379 Administration: 952-496-8300 Dispatch: 952-445-1411 Emergency: 9-1-1 Kevin Studnicka - Sheriff

W E’ RE ON THE WEB! WWW. CO. SCOTT. MN. US

WORKING WITH YOU TO MAKE SCOTT COUNTY A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE , WORK AND PLAY..

By Deputy Mary Hensel NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Fallen law enforcement offi- plus another 254 officers rial. There are 951 federal As a special show of respect cers remembered and hon- who died in previous years officers listed on the Memo- to the nation’s fallen law ored during National Police but had been lost to history rial, as well as 527 correc- enforcement officers, all Week from May 10-16, until now. tional officers and 36 military businesses, residents and 2009. law enforcement officers. government agencies are There are more than There are also 223 female reminded to lower their flags Communities across the 900,000 sworn law enforce- officers listen on the Memo- to half-staff on May 15, United States come together ment officers now serving in rial, nine of whom were which is Peace Officers Me- to remember and honor all the United States, which is killed prior to 1970. morial Day. law enforcement officers the highest figure ever. who have died in the line of About 12% of those are fe- duty, as well as the family male. members, friends and fellow Crime fighting has taken its officers they left behind. toll. Since the first recorded This year, the names of 387 police death in 1792, there fallen officers are being have been more than added to the National Law 18,2000 law enforcement Enforcement Officers Me- officers killed in the line of morial in Washington, D.C. duty. Currently, there are These 387 officers include 18,274 names engraved on 133 officers who died in the the walls of the National Law line of duty during 2008, enforcement Officers Memo-