Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Title
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Eighth Amended Joint Powers Agreement of the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the Eighth Amended Joint Powers Agreement of the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the Joint Powers Agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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Since 2005, Ramsey County has participated in the Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET), a multi-jurisdictional initiative that receives state funding to support the investigation and prosecution of narcotics, gangs, and associated violent crimes. The Ramsey County VCET is comprised of deputies from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office; officers from the Saint Paul, Roseville, Mounds View, New Brighton, and Saint Anthony Police Departments; and agents from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Additional partners include the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office and the Minnesota National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force. VCET members also engage in public education and community outreach to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and to help prevent crime.
This county-wide effort was formalized through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) in February 2005 and has been renewed multiple times by the governing bodies of the participating agencies. The current amended JPA reflects the withdrawal of the cities of Maplewood and White Bear Lake due to staffing constraints.
All jurisdictions receiving state funding for a VCET must establish a JPA as provided by Minnesota Statute § 471.59. Each JPA governs the operation of the VCET and establishes an advisory board consisting of representatives from each participating law enforcement agency and an attorney representative from one of the member agencies. The Minnesota Legislature also established the Violent Crime Coordinating Council (VCCC) to provide guidance, direction, and oversight of the multi-jurisdictional teams statewide.
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
There is no direct racial equity impact linked to this agreement. This action is administrative only and Ramsey County’s involvement serves the entire community.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The Sheriff’s Office and VCET members engage in public education and community outreach to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and to help prevent crime. VCET coordinates the year-round prescription drop off locations and large scale “drug takeback” events semi-annually.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The VCET grant is budgeted in the Sheriff’s Office 2026-2027 budget. Grant funding supports the investigation and prosecution of violent crime. Grant funds also support community outreach and prevention services.
Last Previous Action
On December 17, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the Seventh Amended Joint Powers Agreement for the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team (Resolution B2024-279).
Attachments
1. Eighth Amended Joint Powers Agreement