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June 30, 2005
Time for a Metrowide Police Force
This article discusses the fact that between downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America, it is possible for you to observe seven different policing agencies. Those seven agencies serve two cities with a total population of $467,790 (2000 Census). Compare that to one police agency serving the entire New York City area with a population of 8 million!
This means we are paying for seven top administrators, seven communications systems, seven procedures manuals, seven payroll departments, etc. etc. etc.
In addition, each suburb surround the Minnapolis area has its own policing agency and systems!
The article suggests, and I agree that we should at least consider this idea, that if we combined the seven agencies into one, or even two, we would save money and actually put more officers on the street protecting and serving the population.
Someone mentioned, I think it was Matt, that there are different laws in Minneapolis and Bloomington and it may be more costly to put one agency into affect and we should leave it as is. I am suggesting, that based on the fact the the MN state government can't figure out our budget and are making cuts left and right (no pun intended!) this idea should at least be considered. I wonder how much it costs to run each of the seven agencies? Couldn't we wiser about this?
I like how the article includes these examples: "do car vandals near 50th and France target cars parked only in the Edina side?" or "if I am a gang member selling drugs in Brooklyn Center do I refuse to sell drugs in Brooklyn Park?" In other words, crime doesn't obey the boundaries, why should the policing agencies?
What does everyone else think about this idea?
Comments
It certainly sounds like something worth looking into. This could be a prime example as to why we need to stop throwing money at agencies and issues, and look instead at how to manage the money they do have.
Posted by: Patti at June 30, 2005 5:58 PM