HomeMy WebLinkAbout20110103 - VI-11
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Hicks & City Councilmembers
From: Paul P. Schnell, Chief of Police
Date: December 22, 2010
Item: Authorization to execute agreement
Council Action Requested:
Council authorization for Chief of Police to execute subscription agreement for 2011 between the
Hastings Police Department and Lexipol, LLC. - Law Enforcement Policy Manual development
and management service. The Lexipol subscription agreement has been reviewed by the Hastings
City Attorney.
Background Information:
The Hastings Police Department has been working on the creation of a new and updated policy
manual. The last full update of the policy and procedure manuals occurred in 2003. Law
enforcement operations require comprehensive policy and procedure review given frequent
changes in federal and state law changes, as well as, applicable case law, which can influence
police practice
Lexipol is a private company, whose entire business is to work with law enforcement agencies to
develop comprehensive policies and procedures that are in accordance with legislative mandate
and relevant court decsions. Lexipol began providing service in Minneosta about one year ago
after working with staff from the Minnesota Chief's of Police and Sheriff's Associations. The
Lexipol policy and procedure manuals are easy to update and web based allowing officers to
query the policy manual from the squad car.
After dicussing a policy manual re-write with the Hastings City Attorney. the Lexipol system was
seen as a viable, efficient, and cost effective method of engaging in a full policy and procedure
rewrite. The risk of not having current and legally sound policies is contrary to principled risk
management. Clear current policies serve to protect both the City and police department
employees.
Financial Impact:
The cost for Lexipol policy manual consulting and development for a department our size is
$7,950.00. In recognition of the need for an updated policy manaul, staff budgeted for this
expense, which is part of the Council adopted 2011 budget.
Advisory Commission Discussion:
None
Council Committee Discussion:
None
Attachments:
None