WORKSHOP ITEM Brian Podany, Police Chief
Title
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR A DWI OFFICER
Background
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of the Traffic Safety (OTS) is seeking proposals from law enforcement agencies for a full time DWI officer. The DWI officer will work the peak nights and times when drinking and driving occurs. The City of Blaine qualifies to apply for the grant. The term of the grant is expected to be two years. The grant will pay for the officer, but the City would be responsible for the needed equipment.
Adding this officer would be a way to increase our traffic enforcement in the evenings as this position is DWI specific and the officer’s hours have to be between 5:00 pm and 5:00 am. By utilizing the grant, it would be more cost effective than adding another officer to the Traffic Unit.
At the end of the grant term, the City would be responsible for the officer. Staff is supportive of allocating the DWI officer to the Traffic Unit after the two year term.
More information about the grant is attached.
Recommendation
Direct staff to proceed with the grant application.