In 2017 we implemented the use of BWCs by officers within our agency. While we recognize the use of BWC systems will not eliminate questions that arise from future critical incidents, this system increases department transparency and will provide the department the opportunity add another important piece of evidence to future investigations. Supervisors review all reports and videos from a use of force incident shortly after it occurs allowing for less limitation on what can be reviewed if the incident is captured by camera. In the event of larger incidents or disputes within the community, BWCs allow us to share the video account of the incident with community groups, with respect to privacy rights and any ongoing criminal investigation. The overall goal of this would be to continue to enhance our strong community relationships and provide a greater transparency in how the officers do their job.

It is the policy of the Brooklyn Center Police Department that all members make personal and professional commitments to equal enforcement of the law and equal service to the public. Confidence in this commitment will increase the effectiveness of this department in protecting and serving the entire community and recognizing the dignity of all persons, regardless of their national origin or immigration status. (Policy 414.2)

Victims & Witnesses (414.3)

To encourage crime reporting and cooperation in the investigation of criminal activity, all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, must feel secure that contacting or being addressed by members of law enforcement will not automatically lead to immigration inquiry and/or deportation. While it may be necessary to determine the identity of a victim or witness, members shall treat all individuals equally and not in any way that would violate the United States or Minnesota constitutions.

Basis for Contact (414.3.1)

Unless immigration status is relevant to another criminal offense or investigation (e.g., harboring, smuggling, terrorism), the fact that an individual is suspected of being an undocumented alien shall not be the sole basis for contact, detention, or arrest.

Several initiatives are underway to address multicultural issues. The Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) is a collaborative effort of the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Richfield, Hopkins, and Bloomington with leadership provided by Hennepin County and Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. The mission is to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement officers and multicultural residents of these cities. By building trust and communication between the police and community members, we will ultimately improve the safety and livability of our communities.

The motto is “working together to build safer communities.” This is accomplished in three ways:

• Improving the community members’ knowledge an understanding of police procedures and laws;
• Improving police officers’ knowledge and understanding of a diverse cultural communities;
• Providing more opportunities for positive interaction and two-way communication between police officers and community members.

For more information about the Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP), please contact our Hennepin County Embedded JCPP Community Liaison, Megan Braun.

Joint Community Police Partnership

Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) is a collaborative effort between Hennepin County and the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Bloomington, Crystal, Hopkins, and Richfield. Our mission is to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement and the underrepresented residents of these cities. By building trust and communication between police departments and community members, we aim to improve the safety and livability of our communities.

What is the goal of JCPP?

To build and enhance police-community relations, JCPP focuses on three main goals:

• Improve community member’s knowledge and understanding of police procedures and laws.
• Improve officer’s knowledge and understanding of the diverse cultural communities residing in their city.
• Provide opportunities for positive interaction and two-way communication between police officers and community members.

How does JCPP achieve these goals?

JCPP is led by designated community liaisons embedded in each police department, and the city tailors their programs to meet specific community needs. At the Brooklyn Center Police Department, we work towards achieving the goals of the JCPP through the following:

• Meet regularly with police personnel to address community concerns.
• Organize community forums and workshops.
• Develop and organize community engagement initiatives.
• Organize and facilitate training for police and community.
• Partner with community organizations including schools, faith-based organizations, and non-profits.
• Developing multilingual resources, to better serve our non-English speaking community.

How can I get involved?

• Consider including the police department in a community or cultural event you are organizing or participating.
• Volunteer to host a community meeting in your home, place of work or house of worship.
• Apply to serve on our Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) Check out the MAC_Charter.
• The MAC meets monthly with police department officials and provides an opportunity for two-way communication and enhanced mutual understanding between police and the community. MAC members must live, work or worship in Brooklyn Center, and be willing to represent a particular community or strategic community partner.
• Apply to become a MAC member today!

For questions about the JCPP or how to get involved, please contact our Hennepin County Embedded JCPP Community Liaison, Megan Braun.

New Americans’ Academy

The New Americans’ Academy consists of a series of classes for adult community members who want to learn more about police procedures, laws and personal safety. The class content is geared toward immigrants and refugees as it focuses on topics that have been identified as of interest to New American communities. The purpose of the Academy is to create a situation for positive, non-emergency, interactions between the community and the police, as well as to encourage community members to learn about local laws, how the police work and how to protect themselves.

Topics

• Police Services - introduction to Police, role of Police, and when to call 911
• Traffic Safety
• City Codes
• Fire Safety
• Immigration
• Criminal Justice System
• Domestic Violence
• Child Protection
• Graduation

Course Offerings

• Depending on the number of registrants, we host up to two sessions per year - spring and fall.
• Classes are held one night per week.
• Classes are typically held in the evening for two hours, but can be tailored to meet the needs of the particular audience.

For more information about the Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP), Multicultural Advisory Committee, or New Americans Academy, please contact our Hennepin County Embedded JCPP Community Liaison, Megan Braun.

HeartSafe Community

In 2017, the City of Brooklyn Center was designated a Heart Safe Community.
Brooklyn Center Fire and Police Departments continue working together to maintain this designation. One of the highlights of the program was helping Brooklyn Center High School become a Heart Safe Campus: BCHS HeartSafe Video.

We continue to work towards more AED’s placed in Schools, Restaurants, and Businesses throughout the City. We also provide “Hands Only” CPR Training to the Citizens and Employees of the Schools and Businesses of Brooklyn Center.

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the #1 killer in America – 400,000
• #1 killer in the workplace
• 65% of Sudden Cardiac Arrest occur at home
• 95% Mortality Rate
• 97% of people will die while waiting for Police/Fire/Ambulance assistance
• “Hands Only” CPR and AED in the first 2 minutes can increase the chances of survival up 85%

If you are a Brooklyn Center Resident, Business, or Community Organization that would like to be Heart Safe by training your staff in CPR and AED use, please contact Sergeant Sara Fry (763) 503-3205 or Deputy Fire Marshall, Brandon Gautsch (763) 549-3642.

Bystander CPR & Training Steps

A. Heart Attack Signs & Symptoms (Conscious)

1. Chest pain/pressure, back, neck & jaw pain
2. Short of breath
3. Fatigue
4. Diaphoresis
5. Other

Treatment

1. Call 911
2. Place victim in position of comfort
3. Keep victim calm
4. Bring AED to victim’s side

B. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Signs, Non Verbal

1. Victim not responding to touch or command
2. Not normal breathing (agonal respirations)

Treatment

1. Call 911, obtain AED & get assistance
2. Start chest compressions (with o2 if available)
3. AED--power on, follow voice prompts (apply electrodes immediately)
4. Continue to follow the AED voice prompts of CPR
5. At any time if victim regains consciousness, starts to move or has combative behavior, these are signs of resuscitation--stop CPR, leave AED connected

Special Instructions

1. Shave a hairy chest
2. Stop performing CPR if you experience signs/symptoms of: weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.

C. Choking

1. Conscious - Heimlich maneuver
2. Unconscious - chest compressions

More on the Minnesota Heart Safe Communities Project.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/healthimprovement/programs-initiatives/in-communities/heartsafe.html

 

Vitals Aware Services App

Vitals Brochure 

What is the Vitals App?

Vitals is an opt-in, app-based technology that provides first responders and police with real-time information about vulnerable individuals living with emotional, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

How does it work?

When a Vitals user comes within 80 feet of an officer or first responder equipped with the service, the officer will get a notification about the person’s diagnosis and how they may best interact with them.

Do you have to sign up for the service?

A vulnerable person (or their family member) registers online. A beacon is worn that takes the form of a keychain, necklace, debit card or bracelet. An Android phone can also serve as the beacon. More information and to sign up, visit https://thevitalsapp.com/brooklyn-center-police-department/.

Why is this program a benefit?

Conditions like mental illness, intellectual disabilities or an autism spectrum disorder are often invisible, giving no clue to the police officer that the situation may need to be handled in a different way. An officer can receive important information on their smart phones that will help them de-escalate or resolve a situation by providing a response catered to a person’s specific needs and vulnerabilities. Brooklyn Center Police are excited to use the Vitals App as we believe it will help protect vulnerable residents.

What is included in the user profile?

Families and caregivers create the digital profile with contact information and condition, plus known triggers and de-escalation techniques. The app even allows a family member or caregiver to upload a video message directed to the individual letting them know that the first responder is there to help. The information shared is defined by the user.
What if I have more questions?

More information and answers to commonly asked questions can be found here https://thevitalsapp.com/faq.

 

Medicine Drop Box

On February 7, 2018 the Brooklyn Center Police Department installed a medicine disposal box. The medicine disposal box is located in the lobby of the Brooklyn Center Police Department and is available for drop-offs 24 hours per day 7 days per week.

Brooklyn Center Police Officers will be transferring the various medications to the Hennepin County Energy to Recovery Center (HERC) where they will be transported to an incinerator and destroyed. It is our hope that the collection of unwanted medicines and proper destruction will have positive environmental effects and help prevent further prescription drug abuse and accidental poisonings.

Disposal Guidelines

• No cost to drop off unwanted medicines
• No ID is required
• There is no need to check in with an officer or city staff member prior to disposing of unwanted medicines
• If possible, bring the medicines in their original containers
• If the medicine is no longer in the original container, place the medicine in a quart-sized plastic bag. Please do not use larger bags or plastic shopping bags.

Accepted Medicines

• Prescription medicines, including controlled substances
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Vitamins and supplements
• Pet medicines

Accepted Forms of Medicine

• Aerosols
• Capsules
• Creams
• Gels
• Inhalers
• Liquids
• Patches
• Pills
• Powders

Items Not Accepted

• No needles, sharps or syringes, glass containers, drug paraphernalia – See http://www.hennepin.us/green-disposal-guide/items/needles-sharps for safe disposal options.
• No bandages, glucose meters, medical tape or other medical supplies
• No medicines from businesses, including health care facilities, pharmacies, pharmaceutical representatives, doctors’ offices and veterinary clinics.
• Medicines from Businesses - Proper Disposal

Disposal Tips for Items Not Accepted

Businesses - Proper Disposal

Additional Medicine Disposal Options

DEA’s List of Controlled Substances