DEPARTMENT: Sheriff
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute A Joint Powers Agreement For South Metro SWAT
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Sheriff's Office to execute a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the Cities of Apple Valley, Faribault, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Northfield, Rosemount, South St. Paul, and West St. Paul, and the County of Rice for South Metro SWAT.
SUMMARY
Since 2003, the Dakota County Sheriff's Office has joined with the Cities of Apple Valley, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Northfield, Rosemount, South St. Paul, and West St. Paul to form the Multi-Agency Assistance Group (MAAG). This group was formed as a Countywide resource for the purpose of training, equipping, and providing a group of deputies and police officers to respond to incidents across the County that present a significant high risk to public safety and law enforcement personnel. Examples include narcotics search warrants, violent offender encounters, barricaded suspects, active shooters, and hostage situations.
The group is governed by an oversight board made up of representatives from the aforementioned agencies, as well as a representative of the Dakota County Sheriff's Office. This oversight board meets quarterly and ensures that contemporary policy is in place, that the business of the group is conducted as originally proposed, and that changes to policy and personnel are done properly. The oversight board also manages the budget. The 2024 contribution from each member agency, including the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, is $17,500. Those funds are utilized for operational costs including equipment and training for SWAT members.
JPAs for the team have been in effect since that time, with the last amendment made on December 18, 2018 (Resolution No. 18-651).
Within its last amendment, the group name was changed to South Metro SWAT due to the addition...
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