Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Title
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Joint Powers Agreement with Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for Participation in the Violent Crime Reduction Unit
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, 1430 Maryland Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55106 for participation in the Violent Crime Reduction Unit upon execution through three years from the fully executed agreement.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the Joint Powers Agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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On February 6, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), for participation in the Violent Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) through Resolution B2024-029. The state updated its standard JPA language to require participating agencies to submit monthly invoices in order to receive reimbursement of funds and incorporate reorganized language and related formatting edits.
Since 2024, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office has participated in the VCRU. The VCRU is a state initiative that uses an interagency, collaborative approach to reducing and preventing violent crime. The initiative focuses on gun violence and firearms-related crimes; crimes against persons, including homicides, assaults, and carjackings; street racing and motor vehicle theft; and the apprehension of dangerous fugitives.
Funding for the VCRU is provided by the Minnesota Legislature and includes financial support for partner agencies to fund personnel assigned to the initiative. Participation in the unit allows the Sheriff’s Office to collaborate with state and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to prevent, investigate, and prosecute violent crimes. Participation also provides reimbursement from the state for eligible personnel costs, as outlined in the JPA.
A JPA, as authorized under Minnesota Statutes § 471.59, is required for participation. The term of the agreement is three years from the date of full execution.
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved this JPA.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Participation in this team supports justice for victims of crime, including individuals from traditionally disadvantaged or marginalized communities.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement for this JPA.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Reimbursement from the state is provided for personnel costs as outlined in the JPA, including overtime of up to $21,000 per year. Revenue associated with this JPA is included in the 2026-2027 budget and is intended to offset the costs of a deputy sheriff assigned to this team.
Last Previous Action
On February 6, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for Participation in the Violent Crime Reduction Unit (Resolution B2024-029).
Attachments
1. Joint Powers Agreement