Topic: Why does AL have so many Police employees?
started by: alcitizens
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 02 2009,12:27 am
Why does Albert Lea need more Police employees than other cities? From: Alea Citizen [mailto:alcitizens@live.com]
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 6:07 PM
To: (Leaders)
Albert Lea can easily make cuts from a police force that is tripping over each other. Here is the 2008 Crime Risk Index for the City of Albert Lea. We average 2 law enforcement officers per 1000 people. With our low crime rate, we only need 1 to 1.5 law enforcement officers per 1000 people. Please don't raise our property taxes.
Respectfully, AL Citizens
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: RE: 2008 Crime Risk Index/Albert Lea
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:19:33 -0500
From:
To: alcitizens@live.com
Albert Lea has 1.5 officers per 1000 people; not 2. It always helps to know your information before making false assumptions.
Approximately 18,500 citizens divided by 28 sworn officers = 1.5129/1000 citizens.
I should also note that many communities have many more non-sworn positions than we have (CSO’s, specialists).
Dwaine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: alcitizens@live.com
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:13:05 -0500
To: (Leaders)
Dear Citizens,
In the 2007 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) there was 29 Sworn Police employees and 10 Civil Police employees in Albert Lea, Total was 39. 39 divided by 18,500 population= 2.1 Police employees per 1000 people. Current population estimate is 17,389. 39 divided by 17,400 population= 2.24 Police employees per 1000 people. 2007 Minnesota Group V average was 1.6 Police employees per 1000 people. Why does Albert Lea need more Police employees than other cities?
Please don't raise property taxes.
Respectfully, AL Citizens
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Page 112
< http://www.bca.state.mn.us/CJIS/Documents/crime2008%5Cmci2008.pdf >
2008 Crime Risk Index/Albert Lea
< www.clrsearch.com/RSS/Demographics/MN/Albert_Lea/56007/Crime_Statistics >
Posted by Paul Harvey on Jul. 02 2009,1:48 am
Thank you. Excellent post and I agree wholeheartedly. 
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 02 2009,2:48 am
Thanks Mr. Harvey!! We can together make government cut government... Not raise taxes!!!
Posted by This is my real name on Jul. 02 2009,5:35 am
But... but... we NEED more police to make sure we're buckled up and to protect us from underage drinkers! 
Posted by hot84svo on Jul. 02 2009,8:14 am
Why does Albert Lea have so many Library employees?
Posted by mncowgirl on Jul. 02 2009,10:49 am
heck its because of high property taxes that I can't afford to buy a house!!!!!!!!!! buying the house is easy to do, but paying the extra every month for the high taxes is what kills you! and now MN taxes went up AGAIN heck we might as well go back like the cave men did and live that way it might be cheaper!
Posted by pantalonesverdes on Jul. 02 2009,12:15 pm
you mean:"respectfully, Your neighborhood criminals"
I get a kick out of people who sign things in a way that makes it look like absolutely everyone is behind their ideas. There are places to save money, but I for one, am happy to pay for police and fire. When the poo hits the propeller, it is nice to have. Think Austin fire. I also compare it to not changing the oil in your car to save money... kind of a false sense of savings.The other thing:
I listened to the scanner for not more than two minutes and I realized that people in Albert Lea (and probably much of the rest of the world) can't seem to work the smallest things out with their neighbors, get their kids to go to school or to bed, break up with girlfriends/boyfriends, or solve the most rudimentary civil concerns without police assistance. I would focus more on why our neighbors continue to strain the system. We want want want and no one seems to want to pay for it all.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 02 2009,1:04 pm
Why does Albert Lea have so many Paul Sparks fans?
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Jul. 02 2009,1:55 pm
(This is my real name @ Jul. 02 2009,5:35 am)
QUOTE
But... but... we NEED more police to make sure we're buckled up and to protect us from underage drinkers!
And who will drive around as if the streets were their own private go kart track.
They do have turn signals in them cop cars, right?
Population decrease yet a 13% increase for the police dept. per the city report in the trib. $ 3.8 million and counting .
Posted by Common Sense For A.L. on Jul. 02 2009,4:36 pm
Why with the reduced hours for the library do they have so many employees? It seems a year ago they were open longer in the day and open sundays with fewer staff running around???
Posted by Common Sense For A.L. on Jul. 02 2009,4:38 pm
Also I have said this before, why do we have a full staffed fire dept when Albert Lea is smaller then Owatonna and Austin and theres id voluntary???It seems to me that cutting some staff in the library and going to volunteer fire department would save us some taxes???
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 02 2009,4:49 pm
(Common Sense For A.L. @ Jul. 02 2009,4:38 pm)
QUOTE
Also I have said this before, why do we have a full staffed fire dept when Albert Lea is smaller then Owatonna and Austin and theres id voluntary???
It seems to me that cutting some staff in the library and going to volunteer fire department would save us some taxes???
It seems to me that cutting some staff in the library and going to volunteer fire department would save us some taxes???
More! More! More!
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 02 2009,5:08 pm
(This is my real name @ Jul. 02 2009,5:35 am)
QUOTE
But... but... we NEED more police to make sure we're buckled up and to protect us from underage drinkers!
Thousands of dollars in fines collected is the same as ((Raising Taxes)) for many that can't afford to pay for the basics. Seat belt laws should only be enforced if motorcycles are outlawed!!
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 02 2009,5:14 pm
Why are loud Harleys never ticketed, despite the VEHICLE NOISE LAWS ENFORCED signs?
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 02 2009,5:16 pm
(mncowgirl @ Jul. 02 2009,10:49 am)
QUOTE
heck its because of high property taxes that I can't afford to buy a house!!!!!!!!!! buying the house is easy to do, but paying the extra every month for the high taxes is what kills you! and now MN taxes went up AGAIN heck we might as well go back like the cave men did and live that way it might be cheaper!
PERFECT!! I call property taxes "Lot Rent", just like living in a mobile home park. If you don't pay your lot rent, they take your house.......
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 02 2009,5:22 pm
(Botto 82 @ Jul. 02 2009,5:14 pm)
QUOTE
Why are loud Harleys never ticketed, despite the VEHICLE NOISE LAWS ENFORCED signs?
As long as you don't have to use a seat belt, you can have a loud exhaust system.
Posted by irisheyes on Jul. 02 2009,5:55 pm
For years I've thought the police Dept. was overstaffed. If someone calls in a report of suspicious activity, they'll have about 4 or 5 cars show up. Way too many people with nothing to do but bug motorists over seatbelts and window tint. I have a lot of respect for many of them, but I think they could cut several of the newer guys.Same with the fire dept. Plenty of citys and towns get by okay, but we keep ours staffed at all times because it makes people feel better. In the meantime you've got a bunch of guys sleeping or watching TV on the clock. We can't afford to do it, but we'll just keep increasing taxes...
I do think it was nice of Winkels to respond to your e-mail though.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 02 2009,6:41 pm
(irisheyes @ Jul. 02 2009,5:55 pm)
QUOTE
For years I've thought the police Dept. was overstaffed. If someone calls in a report of suspicious activity, they'll have about 4 or 5 cars show up. Way too many people with nothing to do but bug motorists over seatbelts and window tint. I have a lot of respect for many of them, but I think they could cut several of the newer guys.
Same with the fire dept. Plenty of citys and towns get by okay, but we keep ours staffed at all times because it makes people feel better. In the meantime you've got a bunch of guys sleeping or watching TV on the clock. We can't afford to do it, but we'll just keep increasing taxes...
I do think it was nice of Winkels to respond to your e-mail though.
Same with the fire dept. Plenty of citys and towns get by okay, but we keep ours staffed at all times because it makes people feel better. In the meantime you've got a bunch of guys sleeping or watching TV on the clock. We can't afford to do it, but we'll just keep increasing taxes...
I do think it was nice of Winkels to respond to your e-mail though.
Local Goverment Aid (LGA) to be cut to Albert Lea. This means either property taxes go up or Government needs to cut itself or a combination. I voted to pay additional taxes to bus children and mine are grown and gone. I voted for additional taxes to have clean lakes and drinking water and then they required me to replace my entire septic system at a cost of $15,000. I can't afford to pay more property taxes.
Police Chief Winkels didn't realize I had the info when he slammed me in his email.
LGA < www.thanklga.org/lga-basics/ >
Posted by allergic to bogus on Jul. 02 2009,8:50 pm
If you were to ask the familes of the victims of Good Samaritan... I'm sure they would suggest getting rid of Winkels. And it wouldn't be a witch hunt either.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 03 2009,9:24 am
(hot84svo @ Jul. 02 2009,8:14 am)
QUOTE
Why does Albert Lea have so many Library employees?
Albert Lea Government keeps growing in all areas as our population keeps dropping. Property owners keep taking the hit.
Posted by Glad I Left on Jul. 03 2009,9:55 am
(alcitizens @ Jul. 03 2009,9:24 am)
QUOTE
(hot84svo @ Jul. 02 2009,8:14 am)
QUOTE
Why does Albert Lea have so many Library employees?
Albert Lea Government keeps growing in all areas as our population keeps dropping. Property owners keep taking the hit.
It's not just the local gov't, take a look at the nat'l level as well. Not only do we get nailed on local taxes (property, local sales tax, etc...) we are going to get nailed at the federal level too, do you think all those cazrs work for free?
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 03 2009,9:57 am
(pantalonesverdes @ Jul. 02 2009,12:15 pm)
QUOTE
you mean:
"respectfully, Your neighborhood criminals" I get a kick out of people who sign things in a way that makes it look like absolutely everyone is behind their ideas. There are places to save money, but I for one, am happy to pay for police and fire. When the poo hits the propeller, it is nice to have. Think Austin fire. I also compare it to not changing the oil in your car to save money... kind of a false sense of savings.
The other thing:
I listened to the scanner for not more than two minutes and I realized that people in Albert Lea (and probably much of the rest of the world) can't seem to work the smallest things out with their neighbors, get their kids to go to school or to bed, break up with girlfriends/boyfriends, or solve the most rudimentary civil concerns without police assistance. I would focus more on why our neighbors continue to strain the system. We want want want and no one seems to want to pay for it all.
"respectfully, Your neighborhood criminals"
I get a kick out of people who sign things in a way that makes it look like absolutely everyone is behind their ideas. There are places to save money, but I for one, am happy to pay for police and fire. When the poo hits the propeller, it is nice to have. Think Austin fire. I also compare it to not changing the oil in your car to save money... kind of a false sense of savings.The other thing:
I listened to the scanner for not more than two minutes and I realized that people in Albert Lea (and probably much of the rest of the world) can't seem to work the smallest things out with their neighbors, get their kids to go to school or to bed, break up with girlfriends/boyfriends, or solve the most rudimentary civil concerns without police assistance. I would focus more on why our neighbors continue to strain the system. We want want want and no one seems to want to pay for it all.
Trust Me!! Home owners already pay dearly for services. Yes services are needed but whats the CAP?? When does Albert Lea Leaders step in to stop the GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT or to reduce the size?? The PAIN should not always fall on the home owner........ Crime in Freeborn County would be limited statisticly without a HUGE Law Enforcement Agency.
Posted by nosale on Jul. 03 2009,1:57 pm
Posted by the breeze on Jul. 03 2009,3:06 pm
In praise ofpeace officers
Policemen and policewoman are many things: sons, daughters; fathers, mothers; uncles, aunts; and sometimes even grandfathers or grandmothers. They are protectors in time of need and comforters in time of sorrow.
Their job calls upon them to be diplomats, psychologists, lawyers, friends and an inspiration to us all. They suffer from an overdose of negative publicity about brutality and dishonesty.
All too often they suffer from the notoriety produced by unfounded charges. Their acts of heroism go unnoticed and the truth is buried under all the criticism.
The fact is that less then 1 percent of policemen ever discredit their uniform. That’s a better average than you’ll find among the clergy today.
Policemen and policewomen are ordinary guys and gals who are called upon for extraordinary bravery. To many of us, their job may sometime seem routine, but the interruptions can be moments of stark terror. They face crazed gunmen, rescue lost children, challenge a mob and risk their necks more often than we realize.
They stand between the law abider and the law breaker. They are the prime reason your home hasn’t been burned, your family abused and your business looted. Try to imagine what might happen if there were no policemen or policewomen around.
Show them how much you respect them. Offer them a smile and a kind word. See to it that they don’t have to be magicians to raise their families on less-than-adequate salaries. They deserve your respect and your profound thanks.
I think policemen and policewomen are great. I thank God for all the little boys and girls who said they wanted to be police officers when they were growing up.
I hope you feel the same way.
Audrey Smart
Calabasas
Posted by MADDOG on Jul. 03 2009,3:44 pm
Hey, Psst. Breeze. What's that got to do with having too many?
Posted by the breeze on Jul. 03 2009,4:00 pm
(MADDOG @ Jul. 03 2009,3:44 pm)
QUOTE
Hey, Psst. Breeze. What's that got to do with having too many?
psst, what does this have to do with not having enough.?
Posted by Paul Harvey on Jul. 03 2009,4:12 pm
What's really interesting is to read between the lines with breeze propaganda. 1. Notice the place the letter comes from. Calabasas...stronghold of multi million dollar McMansions behind gated communities. These folks can NEVER have enough police. There's gangs in LA and rich folk don't wanna play with no gangs you see. So of course this writer is on praise of cops just like Mike Jackson is in praise of prescription drugs.
2. It tells us about who breeze is. A closet racist, a neocon, a religious bigot...well...pretty much everything the whole country ran away from last election! LOL
Posted by the breeze on Jul. 03 2009,4:21 pm
(Paul Harvey @ Jul. 03 2009,4:12 pm)
QUOTE
What's really interesting is to read between the lines with breeze propaganda.
1. Notice the place the letter comes from. Calabasas...stronghold of multi million dollar McMansions behind gated communities. These folks can NEVER have enough police. There's gangs in LA and rich folk don't wanna play with no gangs you see. So of course this writer is on praise of cops just like Mike Jackson is in praise of prescription drugs.
2. It tells us about who breeze is. A closet racist, a neocon, a religious bigot...well...pretty much everything the whole country ran away from last election! LOL
1. Notice the place the letter comes from. Calabasas...stronghold of multi million dollar McMansions behind gated communities. These folks can NEVER have enough police. There's gangs in LA and rich folk don't wanna play with no gangs you see. So of course this writer is on praise of cops just like Mike Jackson is in praise of prescription drugs.
2. It tells us about who breeze is. A closet racist, a neocon, a religious bigot...well...pretty much everything the whole country ran away from last election! LOL
the best part of you run down your mothers leg.
Posted by Paul Harvey on Jul. 03 2009,4:50 pm
How do you know, were you there?
Posted by scary on Jul. 03 2009,6:22 pm
(the breeze @ Jul. 03 2009,4:21 pm)
QUOTE
(Paul Harvey @ Jul. 03 2009,4:12 pm)
QUOTE
What's really interesting is to read between the lines with breeze propaganda.
1. Notice the place the letter comes from. Calabasas...stronghold of multi million dollar McMansions behind gated communities. These folks can NEVER have enough police. There's gangs in LA and rich folk don't wanna play with no gangs you see. So of course this writer is on praise of cops just like Mike Jackson is in praise of prescription drugs.
2. It tells us about who breeze is. A closet racist, a neocon, a religious bigot...well...pretty much everything the whole country ran away from last election! LOL
1. Notice the place the letter comes from. Calabasas...stronghold of multi million dollar McMansions behind gated communities. These folks can NEVER have enough police. There's gangs in LA and rich folk don't wanna play with no gangs you see. So of course this writer is on praise of cops just like Mike Jackson is in praise of prescription drugs.
2. It tells us about who breeze is. A closet racist, a neocon, a religious bigot...well...pretty much everything the whole country ran away from last election! LOL
the best part of you run down your mothers leg.
Breezy, that was not a religious comment! what chapter and verse were you quoting?
Posted by MADDOG on Jul. 03 2009,6:53 pm
(scary @ Jul. 03 2009,6:22 pm)
QUOTE
Breezy, that was not a religious comment! what chapter and verse were you quoting?
WWOD?
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 03 2009,10:07 pm
Property tax Levy's have already increased city wide by 181% since 2003. The Albert Lea City Council has to look for government waste and cut it... My example stated in this article points a finger at just one example of waste, that being law enforcement, police employees. Thank you 
2009 & 2010 Local Government Aid (LGA) cuts in Albert Lea. Big Bucks!!! Check it Out!!!
< http://www.thanklga.org/city-stories/albert-lea/ >
Posted by hot84svo on Jul. 03 2009,10:14 pm
There is an extra $500,000 in pretty lights Can we get that cash back?
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 03 2009,10:24 pm
(hot84svo @ Jul. 03 2009,10:14 pm)
QUOTE
There is an extra $500,000 in pretty lights
Can we get that cash back?
Can we get that cash back?
Great Example of Waste!!
Population decline and vacancy after vacancy on Broadway and downtown area... No refunds!!
Posted by scary on Jul. 03 2009,10:32 pm
(alcitizens @ Jul. 03 2009,10:24 pm)
QUOTE
(hot84svo @ Jul. 03 2009,10:14 pm)
QUOTE
There is an extra $500,000 in pretty lights
Can we get that cash back?
Can we get that cash back?
Great Example of Waste!!
Population decline and vacancy after vacancy on Broadway and downtown area... No refunds!!
No wait just a minute!
We put up them ugly looking things to draw people to downtown AL at night, it is worth the money spent!
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 03 2009,10:37 pm
(scary @ Jul. 03 2009,10:32 pm)
QUOTE
(alcitizens @ Jul. 03 2009,10:24 pm)
QUOTE
(hot84svo @ Jul. 03 2009,10:14 pm)
QUOTE
There is an extra $500,000 in pretty lights
Can we get that cash back?
Can we get that cash back?
Great Example of Waste!!
Population decline and vacancy after vacancy on Broadway and downtown area... No refunds!!
No wait just a minute!
We put up them ugly looking things to draw people to downtown AL at night, it is worth the money spent!
Ghost town at night in downtown Albert Lea.
Posted by scary on Jul. 03 2009,10:37 pm
(scary @ Jul. 03 2009,10:32 pm)
QUOTE
(alcitizens @ Jul. 03 2009,10:24 pm)
QUOTE
(hot84svo @ Jul. 03 2009,10:14 pm)
QUOTE
There is an extra $500,000 in pretty lights
Can we get that cash back?
Can we get that cash back?
Great Example of Waste!!
Population decline and vacancy after vacancy on Broadway and downtown area... No refunds!!
No wait just a minute!
We put up them ugly looking things to draw people to downtown AL at night, it is worth the money spent!
No wait just a minute!
the downtown is not OPEN when the lights are on.
as spock would say "that doesn't seem logical"
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 03 2009,10:39 pm
(scary @ Jul. 03 2009,10:37 pm)
QUOTE
(scary @ Jul. 03 2009,10:32 pm)
QUOTE
(alcitizens @ Jul. 03 2009,10:24 pm)
QUOTE
(hot84svo @ Jul. 03 2009,10:14 pm)
QUOTE
There is an extra $500,000 in pretty lights
Can we get that cash back?
Can we get that cash back?
Great Example of Waste!!
Population decline and vacancy after vacancy on Broadway and downtown area... No refunds!!
No wait just a minute!
We put up them ugly looking things to draw people to downtown AL at night, it is worth the money spent!
No wait just a minute!
the downtown is not OPEN when the lights are on.
as spock would say "that doesn't seem logical"
Ding! Ding! Gotcha loud and clear....................
Posted by scary on Jul. 03 2009,10:53 pm
(alcitizens @ Jul. 03 2009,10:39 pm)
QUOTE
(scary @ Jul. 03 2009,10:37 pm)
QUOTE
(scary @ Jul. 03 2009,10:32 pm)
QUOTE
(alcitizens @ Jul. 03 2009,10:24 pm)
QUOTE
(hot84svo @ Jul. 03 2009,10:14 pm)
QUOTE
There is an extra $500,000 in pretty lights
Can we get that cash back?
Can we get that cash back?
Great Example of Waste!!
Population decline and vacancy after vacancy on Broadway and downtown area... No refunds!!
No wait just a minute!
We put up them ugly looking things to draw people to downtown AL at night, it is worth the money spent!
No wait just a minute!
the downtown is not OPEN when the lights are on.
as spock would say "that doesn't seem logical"
Ding! Ding! Gotcha loud and clear....................
Your post #36, beat my post #37 by seconds. it kind of took the air out of my smart a??ness. i will have to be quicker in the future!
but you have to admire the beauty and purpose of the "RUST LAMPS"
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 04 2009,8:01 am
Albert Lea Police 2009 Budget (Click Picture)
<
>Albert Lea Police 2009 Budget up nearly $700,000 since 2006. What kind of Leaders do we have? So SAD!!
Posted by Joe The Plumber on Jul. 04 2009,6:26 pm
How many Community Service Officers do we have?I know when they first started this program we had one and her name is Mary S. Is she still with the department? Have they hired any more new ones?
OK , do I need to E-Mail the " CHEIF WINKELS " to get the FACTS and TRUTH.
PS. I have mixed reviews about are current police force. I think it's 50/50. Some are very good and some act like they just got out of " ROOKIE SCHOOL. " I have noticed in the past ten years that the size of some new hired officers are alot smaller in height than years ago.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 04 2009,8:29 pm
The best thing we can do is contact all of our local leaders and explain our disgust....Power To The People!!!
Albert Lea Leaders:
< http://www.cityofalbertlea.org/?page_id=85 >
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 04 2009,8:50 pm
(Joe The Plumber @ Jul. 04 2009,6:26 pm)
QUOTE
How many Community Service Officers do we have?
I know when they first started this program we had one and her name is Mary S. Is she still with the department? Have they hired any more new ones?
OK , do I need to E-Mail the " CHEIF WINKELS " to get the FACTS and TRUTH.
PS. I have mixed reviews about are current police force. I think it's 50/50. Some are very good and some act like they just got out of " ROOKIE SCHOOL. " I have noticed in the past ten years that the size of some new hired officers are alot smaller in height than years ago.
I know when they first started this program we had one and her name is Mary S. Is she still with the department? Have they hired any more new ones?
OK , do I need to E-Mail the " CHEIF WINKELS " to get the FACTS and TRUTH.
PS. I have mixed reviews about are current police force. I think it's 50/50. Some are very good and some act like they just got out of " ROOKIE SCHOOL. " I have noticed in the past ten years that the size of some new hired officers are alot smaller in height than years ago.
Positions at Albert Lea Police Department is at Page 31 of the 2009 Budget. I see 3 or 4 CSO's.
Positions Held: 2009 Budget Page 30 & 31
< http://www.cityofalbertlea.org/pdfs/2009_budget.pdf >
Posted by Joe The Plumber on Jul. 04 2009,9:36 pm
WOW ,Do we really need that many in this town?
Posted by irisheyes on Jul. 04 2009,10:07 pm
(alcitizens @ Jul. 04 2009,8:50 pm)
QUOTE
I see 3 or 4 CSO's.
It's 3 CSO's, but only one of them isn't listed as an animal control officer (sounds like a glorified dog catcher). Out of the 2 dog catchers, one is part time. That doesn't sound that out of line, if you ask me. Especially with all the dog complaints we have in this town, I think we get our moneys worth there.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 05 2009,1:28 pm
(irisheyes @ Jul. 04 2009,10:07 pm)
QUOTE
(alcitizens @ Jul. 04 2009,8:50 pm)
QUOTE
I see 3 or 4 CSO's.
It's 3 CSO's, but only one of them isn't listed as an animal control officer (sounds like a glorified dog catcher). Out of the 2 dog catchers, one is part time. That doesn't sound that out of line, if you ask me. Especially with all the dog complaints we have in this town, I think we get our moneys worth there.
I know our leaders will find areas of the budget that can be cut. The police department stands out as a possible area for cuts. Do you??
Please don't raise our property taxes.... AL Citizens
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 06 2009,11:17 pm
(Joe The Plumber @ Jul. 04 2009,9:36 pm)
QUOTE
WOW ,
Do we really need that many in this town?
Do we really need that many in this town?
Nearly a 4 million dollar 2009 budget at the Albert Lea Police Department.
Cut Government size.
Please don't raise property taxes........
$4,000,000...........................$4,000,000
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 10 2009,5:14 am
2 School Police $118,000. For what? Locker raids.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 11 2009,11:41 pm
STOP GOVERNMENT WASTE AND PROTECT PROPERTY OWNERS FROM EXCESSIVE TAXES. CUT OUT THE TOTAL CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT TO MAKE EVERY DECISION FOR US. 
ARE YOU A SHEEP?
alcitizens@LIVE.COM
Posted by Paul Harvey on Jul. 12 2009,9:16 am
Do you support the war on drugs?
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 12 2009,9:02 pm
(Paul Harvey @ Jul. 12 2009,9:16 am)
QUOTE
Do you support the war on drugs?
I support education. Much of the war on drugs has been a losing battle and a waste of money... Flooded prison system...
Posted by Paul Harvey on Jul. 13 2009,2:46 am
I was gonna say, because if you're concerned about wasting money the drug war costs us 10's of billions per year and that's all they'll admit too. The actual number is much higher. This is the drug warrior, the user and the police all in one place.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 13 2009,2:52 am
(Paul Harvey @ Jul. 13 2009,2:46 am)
QUOTE
I was gonna say, because if you're concerned about wasting money the drug war costs us 10's of billions per year and that's all they'll admit too. The actual number is much higher. This is the drug warrior, the user and the police all in one place.
Seriously!!
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Jul. 13 2009,11:12 am
A friend of mine said he got stopped in one of Iowas famous pull them all over once they cross the border road blocks this weekend. He said they must of had fifty cars pulled in to the rest area at once. Dogs sniffing all cars. His daughter was driving one of his cars and could not find the proof of ins in the car and she was ticketed. The card was found in the car later. He was driving his truck and could not find his either and recieved no ticket. He said he had to go down to Mason City courthouse and prove he had insurance and was hoping to have to pay just the court cost.I think you will see more and more of this type fo stuff to fill the states coffers. Show us zee papers pleaze. We got job security.
Posted by Paul Harvey on Jul. 13 2009,11:23 am
Well, if the drug war is on your agenda and you supported the GOP you were FOR this. You WANTED this. Who's sorry now?
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Jul. 13 2009,11:40 am
It is not but I do like Reno 911.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 22 2009,1:02 pm
2007 Uniform Crime Report for Minnesota Group V has 55 Cities. Only 4 cities have the same or more non-sworn police employees than the Albert Lea Police Department. Police Chief Dwaine Winkels says many communities have more non-sworn police employees than Albert Lea. Does Chief Winkels train his officers to LIE like he does?
Please don't raise our property taxes....
Posted by Wolfie on Jul. 22 2009,5:33 pm
What is your beef with the police department? It doesn't sound to me like a citizen concerned about taxes, it sounds like a personal vendetta because you got/get stopped by the police. If you really are concerned about the tax base that funds the police department why don't you go ask to go on a ride along and spend some time with them and see what they have to deal with on a daily basis. I for one am pleased with the level of protection that we receive for our tax dollars. I understand that crime happens, I get it, but the police can't be everywhere. There will be gaps in the coverage that they provide, especially when they are out dealing with the nit picky stuff you hear about on the scanner. Also if you are using the scanner traffic as your yardstick to measure what the police do you have to realize that good guys can have scanners but so can bad guys. The really important info that goes on with the police is done via the computers that are in the squad cars. Do I believe the system the police have with the CSO's and the licensed officers is perfect, not by any means. But it currently is the best we have, I ask you if you can do better then do the research and then submit the ideas to the chain of command. Otherwise this soapbox grandstanding is doing nothing but making people ignore you. I have been lurking and reading but after this post I will think twice before I even bother to open a thread started by you.
Posted by nosale on Jul. 22 2009,6:27 pm
IGNORED<
>
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 22 2009,6:53 pm
At least I don't LIE. I only deliver the facts. Read em or weep. 
Posted by MADDOG on Jul. 22 2009,7:37 pm
And vendetta or not, he does provide facts. I guess each of you has to form an opinion.If you could compare response time for a Freeborn deputy v. the ALPD, you would decide that either there's way too many police in Albert Lea or the county is undermanned.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 22 2009,9:17 pm
Pawlenty's pledge of 'no raising taxes' is a bald-face lie. By cutting LGA, local municipalities have to raise property taxes. That sounds like 'raising taxes' to me, only Teflon Tim looks like he didn't have anything to do with it.
Posted by ICU812 on Jul. 22 2009,10:44 pm
QUOTE
By cutting LGA, local municipalities have to raise property taxes
Or cut spending like they were instructed to.
But we all know government needs to do much more than they do. It ain't just roads and public safety anymore.....
Gotta have a Bobcat in the basement of the mansion, a boat and four-wheeler on the 'shed. Can't pay mileage to the empoyees, gotta give em a car. Don't maintain the current fleet, upgrade 'em at the tune of 500 large....
And it goes on and on and on.
Posted by Paul Harvey on Jul. 23 2009,3:35 am
How do we reward government for saving money? As it stands, there's no incentive to save.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 25 2009,9:45 am
Albert Lea 2009 Basic Budget... Property tax set to go up faster than inflation as population declines and property values decline. Contact your leaders to cut government and not raise property tax.Albert Lea Leaders:
< http://www.cityofalbertlea.org/?page_id=85 >
Posted by alcitizens on Aug. 31 2009,1:40 am
(Paul Harvey @ Jul. 13 2009,11:23 am)
QUOTE
Who's sorry now?
^
This tune says it all!! Thank you Mr. Paul Harvey....
Posted by Paul Harvey on Aug. 31 2009,4:13 am
Hehe... 
Posted by Glad I Left on Aug. 31 2009,9:21 am
(Paul Harvey @ Jul. 23 2009,3:35 am)
QUOTE
How do we reward government for saving money? As it stands, there's no incentive to save.
Just catching up on this thread, and for once in your life sybil, you have made a profound statement. And I have to agree
Posted by hot84svo on Aug. 31 2009,10:21 am
We have over $900,000 year budget for a library. I wonder how that compares to Martin county:
Martin County, MN
Population: 20,000
Card Holders: 9,000
Libraries:
Fairmont (pop. 10,251)
Sherburn (pop. 1,022 )
Trimont (pop. 689)
Truman (pop. 1,161)
Welcome (pop. 681)
2008 Operating Budget
$612,000
2009 Operating Budget
$634,000
Posted by hot84svo on Sep. 10 2009,8:49 am
Folks, Albert Lea funds the library in Albert Lea with only one building over $250,000 more than the entire Martin county library system with 5 locations.
The library budget is bloated.
A reduction here could help pay for the shortfall in public safety without raising taxes!
Posted by alcitizens on Dec. 06 2009,6:30 pm
I think cuts to the Police Department is a good place to start...
Posted by timber on Dec. 07 2009,8:02 am
So you can call Harig and have him send a squad car to wake up family members to let them know there is a baby on the way. Just keep that in mind you need something call Harig. We have officers just for that!!!
Posted by pantalonesverdes on Dec. 11 2009,12:10 am
Now that was just petty, petty, petty. Don't let a hunger for controversy or personal vendetta overshadow reality. Nothing was done here that the Sheriff need be ashamed of.< http://www.albertleatribune.com/news...om-home >
Baby girl is born in bathroom at home
Mom: ‘You need to come here now!’
By Tim Engstrom | Albert Lea Tribune
Published Saturday, December 5, 2009
Addison Rose Harig was in a hurry to see the world. She was born in the wee hours of Friday in the upstairs bathroom of her parents’ home on South Shore Drive.
Mother Nicole Everett woke the father, boyfriend Randy Harig, from his slumber at about 12:30 a.m. with strong contractions about four minutes apart and asked him to call the hospital. He quickly dressed and grabbed her cell phone, but the device wouldn’t work. He grabbed his cell phone. It didn’t work either. Was a tower down?
Like many young adults, they don’t have a land line. Randy went outside to see if neighbors were awake, but no luck. He went to neighbor Troy Waldemar’s house and banged on the door. When Waldemar came to the door, Randy asked to call his parents, Mark and Trudy Harig. He let his father, the sheriff of Freeborn County, know he would be taking Nicole to the hospital and asked if he could reach her parents, Randy and Nancy Page. He said he would send a squad car to their house to wake them.
Randy ran back to his house, and Nicole was in the bathroom.
She yelled, “You need to come here now!”
He rushed up the stairs and closed the door.
“She said, ‘The baby’s coming now!” Randy told the Tribune in an interview Friday at Albert Lea Medical Center’s maternity ward. “She said, ‘I am holding the head!”
Nicole, 30, had had four children, but this was Randy’s first. The 33-year-old would need to deliver it.
He asked her to lie down. As soon as she was on the floor, the baby came out. The floor flooded with water because it wasn’t until the birth that her water broke. Randy caught the newborn and announced she was a girl — they hadn’t known the gender in utero. He wrapped the baby in a towel and handed the infant to the mommy. They didn’t sever the umbilical cord, and they didn’t need to clear the airway because the baby had cried right away.
Photo by Brie Cohen
Addison Rose Harig was born at home on South Shore Drive early Friday morning.
Photo by Brie Cohen
Nicole Everett holds baby Addison Rose Harig as she and Addison’s dad, Randy Harig, talk to Mark Jacobs at Albert Lea Medical Center about their experience early Friday morning. Jacobs is the paramedic that rode in the back of the ambulance with Nicole and Addison; he is also their neighbor.
Down the stairs and out the door Randy went to the Waldemar house.
“Can you call 911? I just delivered my daughter on the bathroom floor,” he told the man, who couldn’t believe his ears.
When Waldemar called, it coincidentally resulted in Sheriff Harig’s call to the dispatch center being placed on hold. That’s how the sheriff learned he was a grandfather. Meanwhile, the new father soothed the mother, saying the ambulance was on the way, and he grabbed more towels.
In six minutes, emergency responders were there despite snowy streets. First to arrive was a police officer, who checked to see if the baby was OK, and seconds later paramedics walked in, who checked the baby and the mommy. They clamped the umbilical cord and moved her downstairs to the living room.
The four other children — Garrett, 8, Joshua, 6, Lucas, 5, Paige 3 — were thrilled the baby was a girl. The family had hoped for one. And during this high-tension moment in their house, they were well-behaved, the parents said. Randy said they seemed to understand it was no time for childish antics.
Nicole walked to the ambulance with help from paramedic Mark Jacobs, who lives in the same neighborhood. He rode in the back of the ambulance with them on the way to Albert Lea Medical Center. It was at the hospital she delivered the placenta.
Randy told Dr. Stephen Thorn jokingly, “Since I delivered the one. I think you can cut the umbilical cord.”
Friday was a hectic day for the parents. Their Facebook page was loaded with comments from friends and family.
“No one believes us,” Nicole said.
During the birth of her four older children, labor had been induced and she had been on pain medication.
No painkillers this time. Labor for Addison happened so fast, she was more scared than anything.
“There wasn’t really time to worry about the pain,” she said.
Nicole had been to Albert Lea Medical Center on Thursday for a nonstress test. Her cervical dilation was the same as it had been the previous two weeks — 2 centimeters. The due date had been Dec. 7.
Addison was born at 12:59 p.m. Dec. 4 at 6 pounds 13 ounces and 19 inches long at 2517 South Shore Drive in Albert Lea.
The maternity ward at ALMC is called The Baby Place. Its nursing manager, Joy Shaft, said Addison was the first unanticipated home birth of 2009.
Randy said he was thankful for many things functioning when the cell phones would not, including that he was at home. He works from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Interstate Packaging.
“It’s amazing how things work when it really needs to work,” he said.
Thorn had been Nicole’s obstetrician for all of her children. He had told her that because her other births came quickly, don’t be surprised if this birth came fast against once her water broke.
Little did she know how right the doctor was.
Posted by alcitizens on Dec. 15 2009,9:09 am
2008 Uniform Crime Report Group V shows Albert Lea has:2.27 Police Employees per 1000
Population 17,663 divided by 40 Police Employees
2008 Uniform Crime Report Group V shows the STATE AVERAGE is:
1.60 Police Employees per 1000
That means Albert Lea has 11 more Police Employees than other cities our size.
2008 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Page 112
< http://www.bca.state.mn.us/CJIS/Documents/crime2008%5Cmci2008.pdf >
2008 Crime Risk Index/Albert Lea
< http://www.clrsearch.com/RSS...tistics >
Posted by Glad I Left on Dec. 15 2009,10:19 am
I think we could apply this thread to all levels of gov't. They all have too many employees.
Posted by justmealmn on Dec. 15 2009,12:07 pm
I have to agree with Glad I left. Personally I think we could start with all the department heads and the city vehicles they drive back and forth to work. Is that something that was written into their contract when hired to have a vehicle to drive for that? I believe the city could really do some major cuts if they truly put their minds to it. Is it neccessary to have so many gals up in that office where the water bills are paid. They are always sitting and just visiting when you arrive at the window. I am sure their pulling in 40 grand each. I am sure that work could be done by less people and at a much lesser paycheck. 
Posted by hymiebravo on Dec. 15 2009,7:59 pm
The only way things are ever going to change is by doing something like making cuts. Only then will people start to look for other ways to conduct business.
Only then will the consolidation, type mergers start to take place.
I sense an adversarial type of demeanor is emitted from the city staff and council members toward the public, for the most part.
That's the general vibe I always get when watching or listening to these council meetings.
The overall impression I got from last night was that there wasn't any real serious efforts being made at trying to cut back and be more efficient and lean.
Just a bunch of political posturing and attempts to try and convey that they were.
They didn't sound like people who were serious about belt tightening and efficiency to me.
It still sounds like they, those on the local government payroll are the boss and the public works for them to me.
Posted by hymiebravo on Dec. 15 2009,8:08 pm
That Channel View guy getting up there really smelled of a large scale BS operation too. IMO The success or failure of a place like that; is determined by the management more than anything.
He was laying it on pretty thick I thought.
If the morale is going to implode at the ALPD based on the cutting of a position.
If Channel View is going to implode over it as well.
That's on each of them individually. Not the citizens that pay the wages, and benefits of the police department. IMO
Posted by Liberal on Dec. 16 2009,2:07 pm
Who's going to get up and speak out against the number of police we have when they've got a dozen uniformed officers in the meeting? Normally I'm a big supporter of the ALPD, but they shouldn't have been allowed to address the council in uniform/on duty because it obviously had a chilling effect on those that are on the other side of the issue.
Posted by barking spider on Dec. 16 2009,6:33 pm
what makes you think they were on duty? there are almost never more than 2-3 on duty at any given time, and that number is going down when the council votes to get rid of three officer. yes three! the budget as proposed is for three fewer officers, not one. you all WILL see a difference in service. everyone is so used to calling the police and getting one to your door in a few minutes, not anymore!
Posted by barking spider on Dec. 16 2009,7:06 pm
what makes you think they were on duty? there are almost never more than 2-3 on duty at any given time, and that number is going down when the council votes to get rid of three officer. yes three! the budget as proposed is for three fewer officers, not one. you all WILL see a difference in service. everyone is so used to calling the police and getting one to your door in a few minutes, not anymore!
Posted by barking spider on Dec. 16 2009,7:09 pm
hers the TRUTH. dont listen to policemisconduct. if you take the tine to actually READ the report, it says:The average number of full time law enforcement
personnel in 2008 (including sworn and civilian)
amounted to 2.6 employees per each 1,000 residents of
the state. The average number of sworn personnel
(excluding civilian) amounted to 1.7 employees per
1,000 population. The contributing law enforcement
apply that to Albert Lea. police personnel equals 2.5 per 100
sworn officer equals 1.5 per 100
both are below the state avg.
Posted by barking spider on Dec. 16 2009,7:11 pm
sorry that should say per 1000 on both lines
Posted by alcitizens on Dec. 16 2009,8:18 pm
(hymiebravo @ Dec. 15 2009,7:59 pm)
QUOTE
The only way things are ever going to change is by doing something like making cuts.
Only then will people start to look for other ways to conduct business.
Only then will the consolidation, type mergers start to take place.
I sense an adversarial type of demeanor is emitted from the city staff and council members toward the public, for the most part.
That's the general vibe I always get when watching or listening to these council meetings.
The overall impression I got from last night was that there wasn't any real serious efforts being made at trying to cut back and be more efficient and lean.
Just a bunch of political posturing and attempts to try and convey that they were.
They didn't sound like people who were serious about belt tightening and efficiency to me.
It still sounds like they, those on the local government payroll are the boss and the public works for them to me.
Only then will people start to look for other ways to conduct business.
Only then will the consolidation, type mergers start to take place.
I sense an adversarial type of demeanor is emitted from the city staff and council members toward the public, for the most part.
That's the general vibe I always get when watching or listening to these council meetings.
The overall impression I got from last night was that there wasn't any real serious efforts being made at trying to cut back and be more efficient and lean.
Just a bunch of political posturing and attempts to try and convey that they were.
They didn't sound like people who were serious about belt tightening and efficiency to me.
It still sounds like they, those on the local government payroll are the boss and the public works for them to me.
Right on Hymie..
Posted by justmealmn on Dec. 17 2009,9:36 am
Maybe the city council needs to look toward the ALFD to drop a few of the firemen. I believe there are 17 FT firemen and do we truly need that many of them?? Cause if one shift is out on a call they can always rely the other 2 shifts to come in and any of the townships departments. So that means the other shifts that get called in are on like Doubletime pay. So TONS of pay is going toward the local fire department and we have a Chief that I don't think has ever been on a call in all his years on the department. Plus has he even ever wore his complete fire attire in all those years? Hes one that could be gone and save 80+ thousand a year. I am sure the Fire captains from each shift could do his duties. Just a thought on saving the $$'s for the city. I believe we're the biggest department around compared to Austin, Owatonna and a couple of others too.
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Dec. 17 2009,10:00 am
(barking spider @ Dec. 16 2009,7:06 pm)
QUOTE
you all WILL see a difference in service. everyone is so used to calling the police and getting one to your door in a few minutes, not anymore!
Sounds like the centurions are threatening to be surly.
Look, I believe we need law enforcement, it has just become to bloated by seemingly scare tactics aimed at the old folks. Don't threaten loss of service by the reduction of 3 officers. It will be unnoticeable., unless one of them updates the website. On the website they have a crash map, a quality of life map and a crime map, the crime map is disabled, the others are out dated. Please do not tell me they are so busy no one has time to update.
And I don't really care if they have a website or not just thought that if the reason to have so much LE you would think they would have the info operating to support their position.
There does seem to be more of a surge of stuff in the paper but one wonders if it is not more for revenue or to protect jobs by looking busy. Truly there are a lot of stupid people out there and I think being a cop would be tough.
While I feel bad for any body losing any job right now, I think the whole dept should be eliminated and half the officiers should be merged in a lateral move with a "sherrif dept only" to eliminate duplicate cost. We would have more than enough for our little county, Seems kind of stupid for the city to pay the county rent for space sitting in the middle of the city. Could you imagine the calamity if they had to pay each other taxes.
Posted by alcitizens on Dec. 18 2009,1:49 pm
(Pretzel Logic @ Dec. 17 2009,10:00 am)
QUOTE
(barking spider @ Dec. 16 2009,7:06 pm)
QUOTE
you all WILL see a difference in service. everyone is so used to calling the police and getting one to your door in a few minutes, not anymore!
Sounds like the centurions are threatening to be surly.
Look, I believe we need law enforcement, it has just become to bloated by seemingly scare tactics aimed at the old folks. Don't threaten loss of service by the reduction of 3 officers. It will be unnoticeable., unless one of them updates the website. On the website they have a crash map, a quality of life map and a crime map, the crime map is disabled, the others are out dated. Please do not tell me they are so busy no one has time to update.
And I don't really care if they have a website or not just thought that if the reason to have so much LE you would think they would have the info operating to support their position.
There does seem to be more of a surge of stuff in the paper but one wonders if it is not more for revenue or to protect jobs by looking busy. Truly there are a lot of stupid people out there and I think being a cop would be tough.
While I feel bad for any body losing any job right now, I think the whole dept should be eliminated and half the officiers should be merged in a lateral move with a "sherrif dept only" to eliminate duplicate cost. We would have more than enough for our little county, Seems kind of stupid for the city to pay the county rent for space sitting in the middle of the city. Could you imagine the calamity if they had to pay each other taxes.
I like the idea of merging the two departments to Sheriffs Department Only.
Posted by ridethelightning on Dec. 18 2009,2:04 pm
And if this happened, just how would it work?
Posted by busybee on Dec. 18 2009,4:16 pm
Barking spider makes a valid point about actually reading the report.We all need to understand the statistics presented and how to apply them to the community we live in in the best way possible to have productive results.
As far as I know, what is considered a "crime" is based exclusively on the individual definition of "a crime" by each community within a state.
Thus you have all communities labeling certain crimes in their own "category" to be included in combined statistical reporting data for comparison with other communities within a State, comparisons of State to State, and the United States compared to other nations of the world.
The best analogy I can use here is violent crime "labeling."
If a community, law enforcement, prosecution attorney's and Judge's have a no tolerance policy for all violent crimes, every violent crime will be reported as such for the statistical data comparison.
If a community, law enforcement, prosecution attorney's and Judge's have tolerance for domestic violence and a no tolerance policy for all other violent crimes, this is going to result in discrepancy in the data reported for violent crimes.
I choose this example because many communities still uphold a tolerance for violent crimes related to domestic violence, although the criminal choice in behavior is exactly the same as if the offender were a complete stranger to their victim (s).
Therefore, a community that recognizes all criminal behavior as a crime is going to report a "real" crime even though the offender and victim(s) know each other, compared to a community who defines criminal behavior as a "civil dispute" instead of an "aggravated assault" because the victim (s) and offender "know" each other.
The level of safety offered by a community to it's citizens is not determined by statistical reports gathered from all communities with varying definitions of crimes, especially violent crime.
Freeborn County/Albert Lea, MN law enforcement may not have "drive by shooting" violence issues like Minneapolis, but this doesn't mean the violent crime rate is "better" here. Murder is murder. Violence is violence. Nothing makes this "better" or the community "safer" because it's a "domestic" instead of a random drive by murder or act of violence that someone survived and didn't know their offender.
When community members question the number of law enforcement officers on the payroll, it is imperative for the community to also be knowledgeable about the crime trend in their own community and if their local law enforcement and others within the system are serving the community affectively.
The following link provides crime trends that include Albert Lea, MN, Austin, Owatonna, etc... for comparison to each other.
< Local Agency Crime Reporting >
Posted by barking spider on Dec. 19 2009,10:20 am
as far as merging the two departments, keep this in mind.the sherriffs department employees get paid MORE than city employees. if they were to merge, the city would have to contract with the county for police protection. this means we all pay MORE than what we currently do.
there has to be a set mininum on the number of police you have to cover things like vactions and days off. running a police dept is a 24/7 365 day affair. another point to make is that Albert Lea is a charter city. it has its own charter defining the different departments. i'm not real sure, but i think it would have to re-do the charter and get state approval to make the change
Posted by Liberal on Dec. 19 2009,11:15 am
QUOTE
i think it would have to re-do the charter and get state approval to make the change
We're a Home Rule Charter city, we don't have to go to the State to change our Charter we have a Charter Commission that takes care of that.
Posted by alcitizens on Dec. 19 2009,12:28 pm
Freeborn County Public Safety $5 millionAlbert Lea Police Department $4 million
Total $9,000,000 Approx..
Total Freeborn County Population 32,000
Posted by pantalonesverdes on Dec. 19 2009,5:10 pm
...Yawn...
Posted by alcitizens on Dec. 19 2009,7:22 pm
Cuts will happen, so prepare for the future today.QUOTE
By Karen Clark, Guest Column, Albert Lea Tribune
According to our most recent budget forecast, Minnesota is facing a $1.2 billion dollar deficit for the current 2010-11 biennium and the projections only get worse over the long-term as the deficit rises to $5.4 billion in 2012-13.
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/news...et-cuts >
According to our most recent budget forecast, Minnesota is facing a $1.2 billion dollar deficit for the current 2010-11 biennium and the projections only get worse over the long-term as the deficit rises to $5.4 billion in 2012-13.
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/news...et-cuts >
Posted by busybee on Dec. 19 2009,10:30 pm
QUOTE
...Yawn...
I agree because no one seems to want to address the most concerning crime trend for the community of Albert Lea...
MURDER.
Until the community of Albert Lea and it's local government decides what they expect and want from the law enforcement officers on the payroll as their part in crime prevention and investigations to promote improvement, why even discuss the number of officers on the payroll and if removing three or none is going to change anything?
It appears to be like the same old hop, skip and jump over the real problems here and another one of those "poor me" competitions about who's pocketbook's getting hit the hardest this time.
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Dec. 20 2009,9:47 am
Oh please , Murder? Crime Trend? You do realize that if you had fifty more cops it is not going to stop some one from murdering anybody. Or I know lets each have our very own cop. Instantly no unemployment and no one would get murdered. Please explain how crime prevention would stop any one from killing anyone. You should know this stuff by age seven. Again 9 million dollars to police 32,000 people. And if most are law abiding citizens such as your self, how many people is that 9 million being spent on? You do not want cops you want to live in a prison with guards.
Look Out - there's a boogie man.
Posted by busybee on Dec. 26 2009,3:19 pm
QUOTE
Oh please , Murder?
Yep...I didn't stutter.
QUOTE
Crime Trend?
Since 2001, there has been at least three murders and one murder followed by suicide. The most recent murder was this year (2009).
Five violent deaths in 8 years IS a problematic concern and EXPENSE for a community of 32,000 people.
QUOTE
You do realize that if you had fifty more cops it is not going to stop some one from murdering anybody.
Sure do.
I never advocated for increasing law enforcement on the payroll or even keeping the numbers the same to decrease murders.
ONE law enforcement officer that is educated about this violent crime trend is better than 50 who aren't.
QUOTE
Or I know lets each have our very own cop.
Instantly no unemployment and no one would get murdered.
Instantly no unemployment and no one would get murdered.
I didn't write, advocate, or ask that this be done either.
QUOTE
Please explain how crime prevention would stop any one from killing anyone.
The type of crime trend murders I am referring are committed by an offender who knows their victim through a past or present domestic relationship. Chances are likely that law enforcement assistance
was requested at least once for a prior "dispute."
Most State Statutes authorize Law Enforcement Officers to use every reasonable means to protect the alleged victim, victim’s children and child victims and to prevent further violence.
If a Law Enforcement Officer can articulate probable cause is necessary for the protection of an alleged victim, they can make an arrest and/or pursue other actions to prevent further violence.
Sadly, more often than not, arrests or other actions are rare, even if the alleged victim already has a protection order.
By no means am I stating law enforcement should make an arrest for every domestic call for service they get. I know the difference between a wasteful use of law enforcement services and a call for service with probable cause of an alleged victim in need of protection.
QUOTE
You should know this stuff by age seven.
Do you mean stuff like the children left behind after one of their parents have been murdered are forced to learn?
Stuff like a murdered child will never learn by age seven?
QUOTE
Again 9 million dollars to police 32,000 people.
Exactly my point and reason why I choose to challenge there even being a REASON for an argument and discussion about the number of law enforcement on the payroll.
Why do this when the current number isn't being effective in decreasing the most violent crime trend for a community of 32,000 people?
Keeping things the same, increasing or decreasing law enforcement on the payroll isn't going to change the outcome of the current violent crime trend.
This type of thinking is ignorant and shallow minded.
The fact is, the number of people being paid to do something, the attractiveness of a building, ect... does NOT make a community SAFER, well EDUCATED or PRODUCTIVE for it's people!
Effectiveness and productivity takes much MORE than that and has NOTHING to do with SPENDING MORE or PAYING LESS.
It has to do with ATTITUDE and a willingness of a community to recognize the real issues and address them before spending more or paying less.
QUOTE
And if most are law abiding citizens such as your self, how many people is that 9 million being spent on?
I'm not sure.
It's just as baffling to me how four people in eight years never committed any recognizable prior violent acts or weren't thought to be a threat to anyone in a community of 32,000 people until after they committed murder.
QUOTE
You do not want cops you want to live in a prison with guards.
Look Out - there's a boogie man.
Look Out - there's a boogie man.
I think for MYSELF and I write for MYSELF.
I don't OWN what you choose to think about me or choose to write for me.
It might be easier for us to have a discussion about this issue if you stopped making the choice to tell me what I think and want based upon what yourself exclusively.
Posted by Botto 82 on Dec. 26 2009,4:17 pm
(busybee @ Dec. 26 2009,3:19 pm)
QUOTE
Why do this when the current number isn't being effective in decreasing the most violent crime trend for a community of 32,000 people?
I don't follow your thinking on how this works. More beat cops would deter this type of crime, how, exactly? Is it like someone about to shoot his significant other suddenly has this flash back to an article he read in the Tribune, something about more cops being added a while back, so he puts down the gun and rethinks his position?
Posted by busybee on Dec. 26 2009,5:25 pm
Once again, I have NOT written that I think MORE cops is better. I am STATING that ONE educated officer who ACTS according to the LAW to assist in preventing this crime trend is better than one or more officers who don't.
I am STATING that increasing law enforcement is NOT going to decrease this crime trend.
I am STATING that reducing law enforcement is NOT going to decrease this crime trend.
I am STATING that without RECOGNIZING and ADDRESSING this crime trend issue, there is NO reason to discuss the number of officers on the payroll because no matter what REASONING people use for more or less, this problem is NOT going to change.
Can you hear me now?
Posted by grassman on Dec. 27 2009,8:18 am
What you need is Andy Taylor. Maybe Barney too, to round things out! 
Posted by busybee on Dec. 27 2009,2:53 pm
Ya, in Mayberry, "mediation" from good ole' Andy always fixed the problem, even Barney's.
Posted by busybee on Dec. 27 2009,9:34 pm
QUOTE
I don't follow your thinking on how this works. More beat cops would deter this type of crime, how, exactly?
Already answered.
QUOTE
Is it like someone about to shoot his significant other suddenly has this flash back to an article he read in the Tribune, something about more cops being added a while back, so he puts down the gun and rethinks his position?
You're right that kind of article in a newspaper has no impact what so ever.
Articles about arrests and convictions
Does "significant other" imply a living together relationship?
If the "significant others" separate and are not living together, are they still "significant others" to each other?
If two people date, are they "significant others?"
I'm curious how many honestly think people "snap" like that with a significant other without ever demonstrating some form of alarming behaviors or abuse/violence crimes previously?
You're right an article in a newspaper about an "increase" (or decrease also my opinion) has no impact what so ever on preventing crimes of this kind.
Articles about arrests and convictions about other domestic crimes, besides murder, might though.
Posted by irisheyes on Dec. 28 2009,1:27 am
(busybee @ Dec. 27 2009,9:34 pm)
QUOTE
Articles about arrests and convictions about other domestic crimes, besides murder, might though.
You're suggesting that someone might think twice about killing someone if they read about people getting arrested and convicted a lot lately? Doubt it. If someone is going to kill someone, there's not a damn thing you can do other than try and see warning signs before. Trouble is, that's minority report crap. In this country, we don't arrest and convict people of things until AFTER they do it, not before. I know you're suggesting arresting them and convicting them of some other bogus charge to keep them off the street. But if we did that, how much of Albert Lea will be left. You'll be seeing "signs" in damn near everyone. Don't give LEO's that much credit, they don't know s*** and can't be trusted with that much authority. Stick to the facts, ma'am. If you LOOK for ways to arrest & convict people when it's not there, none of us will be free in the end.
You lost me as soon as you said the words "probable cause." Those words are kind of like a rabbit cops like to pull out of a hat when they want to bust someone for nothing. More people have had their civil liberties violated by those words than most people would like to know.
Posted by pantalonesverdes on Dec. 28 2009,2:36 am
Perhaps you should look up "probable cause" again. It is exactly what keeps the police from busting "someone for nothing". I've attached a link on probable cause for your reading pleasure:
< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probable_cause >
Posted by irisheyes on Dec. 28 2009,5:49 am
Look it up? I guess I was talking about the real world, not your textbook idea of probable cause. They pull people over, search cars, and sometimes even houses on probable cause that everyone knows is questionable at best, completely phony at worst.
Posted by grassman on Dec. 28 2009,8:46 am
Ya, the old "Can we look inside your vehicle? If you have nothing to hide it should not be a problem. If you decline we will get a warrant. We need to handcuff you while we search."
Posted by pantalonesverdes on Dec. 28 2009,3:25 pm
Time to put the foil hats on again. Geez, was that a black helicopter that just flew by?
Posted by busybee on Dec. 28 2009,8:13 pm
QUOTE
You're suggesting that someone might think twice about killing someone if they read about people getting arrested and convicted a lot lately? Doubt it.
I didn't write "lately."
I wrote a general statement that in my opinion makes common sense.
Kind of like, DUI's. Most everyone knows the consequences because it's publicized in the newspapers.
QUOTE
If someone is going to kill someone, there's not a damn thing you can do other than try and see warning signs before.
That's my point.
Hardly anyone cares to learn or hear about the "warning" signs when it comes to violence involving "domestics."
QUOTE
Trouble is, that's minority report crap.
No. It's a fact. It's a fact that people who want to get out of a domestically violent and abusive relationship, want their children to be safe from harm, don't have the support they need.
QUOTE
In this country, we don't arrest and convict people of things until AFTER they do it, not before.
When it comes to domestic violence, it is MORE PROBABLE that NO ARREST will be made AFTER a crime is committed.
Even if an officer determines probable cause and an active search has begun for a domestic violence offender who has fled (they almost always flee), it's common for U.S. communities to set a time limit of less than 24 hours to make the arrest.
If no arrest is made within the time frame, the police report (when the officer completes it) is turned in and then the City/County Prosecutor (when they have time to read the report) takes over.
The City/County Prosecutor will decide on the "probability" of prosecution with a guilty verdict without reasonable doubt from the police report.
Whatever the prosecutor decides determines if any charges are filed or if an arrest warrant is issued.
If you didn't know already, domestic victims of violence do not get to PRESS criminal charges against their offender.
After they report a violent crime to law enforcement, even if they have witnesses, even with a Court Order, and even if an officer determines probable cause, what happens next, the victim of the crime has NO PART in those decisions.
QUOTE
I know you're suggesting arresting them and convicting them of some other bogus charge to keep them off the street.
Nope. That's not what I am suggesting. That's what YOUR thinking, I'm suggesting. Not even close to the same concept.
QUOTE
But if we did that, how much of Albert Lea will be left. You'll be seeing "signs" in damn near everyone. Don't give LEO's that much credit, they don't know s*** and can't be trusted with that much authority.
What authority?
If a neighbor calls in that they are concerned about a family member's safety in the home next to them do you really think law enforcement officers are going to "create" a reason to arrest someone just for the heck of it?
Considering how the majority of people think a domestic call to law enforcement is always because some stupid couple can't seem to argue without calling the cops and is wasting everyone's time and money, I question the logic behind your belief that law enforcement would abuse their authority.
After all, why would the majority of law enforcement think differently than the majority of the public?
QUOTE
Stick to the facts, ma'am. If you LOOK for ways to arrest & convict people when it's not there, none of us will be free in the end.
I am sticking to the facts.
It seems to me you appear to be more concerned about protecting a possibility of someone being wrongfully accused than wanting to discuss how things could be improved so some victims of domestic violence don't have to die to be free.
QUOTE
You lost me as soon as you said the words "probable cause." Those words are kind of like a rabbit cops like to pull out of a hat when they want to bust someone for nothing. More people have had their civil liberties violated by those words than most people would like to know.
The majority of victims who are murdered in domestic abuse and violence situations is because of the offenders belief that they have the RIGHT to take their life and others didn't believe or care to listen to them before it was taken.
Posted by busybee on Dec. 29 2009,1:18 am
QUOTE
Look it up? I guess I was talking about the real world, not your textbook idea of probable cause. They pull people over, search cars, and sometimes even houses on probable cause that everyone knows is questionable at best, completely phony at worst.
Are you implying that law enforcement would just randomly stop at a home, force entry, search and arrest someone for domestic violence because of "probable cause?"
Your concept of probable cause is completely different than how probable cause is supposed to be determined in domestic violence calls for law enforcement service.
Posted by busybee on Dec. 29 2009,1:27 am
QUOTE
Ya, the old "Can we look inside your vehicle? If you have nothing to hide it should not be a problem. If you decline we will get a warrant. We need to handcuff you while we search."
I agree that it's not right for law enforcement to search your vehicle or home without "probable cause."
I believe it is important for law enforcement to do a discovery to determine if there is probable cause to protect a victim from further harm when a call has been made for a domestic situation.
Posted by riffraff on Jan. 02 2010,7:36 pm
/////////////////////////
Posted by alcitizens on Jan. 02 2010,10:46 pm
What the hell was that all about?? 
Three strikes your out..
Posted by riffraff on Jan. 04 2010,4:46 pm
////////////////////////////////
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Jan. 05 2010,8:11 am
Boy Riff Raff, crazy little video. I'll bet if we could get a couple of them we could keep them damn kids from buying smokes.
Posted by alcitizens on Jan. 06 2010,1:26 am
Albert Lea TribunePublished Friday, May 15, 2009
A.L. police getting to be a rogue outfit
The Albert Lea Police Department continues to lose the trust and respect of the people. They’re continuing to develop into a rogue group of people who use intimidation, aggression and questionable reports to make some sort of quota set by the higher-ups.
I was approached entering a local bar in near-complete darkness and was asked if I would come and answer a couple questions. I said no, thank you, not knowing the two men were police officers.
I went to open the door and was violently ripped off the step from behind and then forced to answer questions and take tests with a flashlight shined in my eyes. Later, I was arrested and my license revoked for refusal to take a breath test. I was accused of a DWI. Now five months without a driver’s license and a long legal fight for justice, no driving violation was involved. I haven’t had a citation in over 10 years. The worst thing is that a field training officer that night was training a rookie officer of two months this type of rogue behavior. What will this mean for the future of the Albert Lea Police Department? What will this mean for the citizens of Albert Lea?
Troy Christensen
Albert Lea
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/news...-outfit >
Posted by busybee on Jan. 06 2010,10:34 am
Just another example of the hypocrisy between constitutional rights and civil rights in the U.S.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jan. 06 2010,11:29 am
In a world where cities are losing more and more funding every year, do we really want to head down the slippery slope of 'proactive law enforcement,' or whatever they're calling this Keystone Koppery?That massive justice center you have was never justified by a true public need. I can't help but wonder if the expense of operating that white elephant hasn't created, in some minds, anyway, a heightened need for more arrests.
History shows us that a society Hell-bent on keeping itself 'safe' by giving up essential liberties never works out well for the law-abiding citizenry, never mind the criminals.
Nature abhors a vacuum. Build enough jail space, and you'll invariably find ways to fill it. That's where you find yourselves, now, in the for-profit world of the prison-industrial complex.
Posted by busybee on Jan. 09 2010,10:30 pm
QUOTE
That massive justice center you have was never justified by a true public need.
People in authority, the media and citizens decide what is justified "crime" that affects the public safety, in my opinion.
QUOTE
I can't help but wonder if the expense of operating that white elephant hasn't created, in some minds, anyway, a heightened need for more arrests.
Me too. I typically disagree with what the majority of society considers "criminal."
QUOTE
History shows us that a society Hell-bent on keeping itself 'safe' by giving up essential liberties never works out well for the law-abiding citizenry, never mind the criminals.
In my opinion, U.S. society doesn't know what's 'safe' and it amazes me how hypocritical our society is. Drugs, alcohol and tobacco is not 'safe,' yet murder or attempted murder is the victim (s) problem and not as much of a real crime in U.S. society.
However, we'll spend millions on attempting to protect the human/civil rights of people to live "safely" in other countries where drugs, alcohol and tobacco are not mentioned as the "issue," and violence is.
Posted by alcitizens on Jan. 11 2010,12:50 pm
Great Job by the Albert Lea City CouncilFrom: Alea Citizen (alcitizens@live.com)
Sent: Wed 12/30/09 5:16 PM
To: Alea Citizen (alcitizens@live.com); bgraham@city.albertlea.org; brian.buhmann@co.freeborn.mn.us; budgetideas@state.mn.us; chadhayson@hotmail.com; christopher.shoff@co.freeborn.mn.us; dandorman@albertlea.org; dandorman@growalbertlea.com; dbelshan@clear.lakes.com; dbelshan@lakes.com; director@albertlea.org; dwainew@co.freeborn.mn.us; ed.shannon@albertleatribune.com; ekehr@vacation.com; glenmath@frontiernet.net; info@unitedwayfc.org; jhutchison@city.albertlea.org; larry5thward@charter.net; lbaker2nd@gmail.com; lifestyles@albertleatribune.com; minnow6th@yahoo.com; murtaugh.mike@gmail.com; mzelenak@city.albertlea.org; olsonsiding@hotmail.com; phavener@city.albertlea.org; pstieler@city.albertlea.org; rdnolander@albertlea.org; rmoen@city.albertlea.org; sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com; sen.dan.sparks@senate.mn; sjahnke@city.albertlea.org; sschulte@city.albertlea.org; tuttleolson@charter.net; vrras@charter.net; vsimonsen@city.albertlea.org
Albert Lea City Council,
Your actions taken to ensure fairness with all departments and to the taxpayer should be commended. I know the budget process was difficult and I'm sure all of you will be rewarded in the future for your efforts. Keep up the good work.
Respectfully,
Albert Lea Citizens
Posted by Wolfie on Jan. 11 2010,2:53 pm
I honestly dont care if this is supposed to be sarcasm or satire or what. What gives you the right to comment on my behalf. I personally dont think the council or the mayor did right by any of us in the gross mismanagement of the funds under their control. In the paper and on here, not too mention common sense, has shown that they misappropriated funds to suit their own needs not the needs of the city. So by you giving them a pat on the back for their actions, you enable them and strengthen them. When in reality they need to be called on the carpet to explain why they can move monies around for their projects but not to save an officers job. As I see it it goes beyond the cost of a police officer, and exposes the real threat of them not concerning themselves with right and wrong. There was a time when politicians like that were removed from office at the end of a gun barrel, but now days no one has the balls to do it. No one has the courage of their convictions to step up and force change.
Posted by alcitizens on Jan. 11 2010,3:20 pm
(Wolfie @ Jan. 11 2010,2:53 pm)
QUOTE
I honestly dont care if this is supposed to be sarcasm or satire or what. What gives you the right to comment on my behalf. I personally dont think the council or the mayor did right by any of us in the gross mismanagement of the funds under their control. In the paper and on here, not too mention common sense, has shown that they misappropriated funds to suit their own needs not the needs of the city. So by you giving them a pat on the back for their actions, you enable them and strengthen them. When in reality they need to be called on the carpet to explain why they can move monies around for their projects but not to save an officers job. As I see it it goes beyond the cost of a police officer, and exposes the real threat of them not concerning themselves with right and wrong. There was a time when politicians like that were removed from office at the end of a gun barrel, but now days no one has the balls to do it. No one has the courage of their convictions to step up and force change.
(0%)ZERO Percent City Property Tax Levy, $1,200,000.00 in Budget Cuts, 8% Cut in Spending and Fairness among all Departments is moving in the right direction.
Posted by irisheyes on Jan. 11 2010,4:06 pm
(Wolfie @ Jan. 11 2010,2:53 pm)
QUOTE
I honestly dont care if this is supposed to be sarcasm or satire or what. What gives you the right to comment on my behalf. I personally dont think the council or the mayor did right by any of us in the gross mismanagement of the funds under their control. In the paper and on here, not too mention common sense, has shown that they misappropriated funds to suit their own needs not the needs of the city. So by you giving them a pat on the back for their actions, you enable them and strengthen them. When in reality they need to be called on the carpet to explain why they can move monies around for their projects but not to save an officers job. As I see it it goes beyond the cost of a police officer, and exposes the real threat of them not concerning themselves with right and wrong. There was a time when politicians like that were removed from office at the end of a gun barrel, but now days no one has the balls to do it. No one has the courage of their convictions to step up and force change.
I guess you don't mind them raising your property taxes then? Or maybe your one of those that have been fooled into thinking we're going to turn into Compton overnight because of one cop getting a pink slip. We lost one through attrition, and I don't remember anyone talking about the great danger we were all in then.
If you want to talk about big conspiracies in "shifting money" around for pet projects, can you at least let us know what you're talking about?
Then again, you've said before you have friends who are cops, so I'm guessing this has more to do with that than anything else.
I feel bad for the cop that's getting let go, but I don't want to see any of my friends or family taxed out of their home to save one guys job. That's bogus, and we've got too many taxpayers suffering already (many of them who've gotten their own pink slip lately) because of a city/county that doesn't have the guts to reign in spending. What the council did has been a long time coming, and my only complaint could be that it's not going far enough.
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Jan. 11 2010,5:18 pm
(Wolfie @ Jan. 11 2010,2:53 pm)
QUOTE
There was a time when politicians like that were removed from office at the end of a gun barrel, but now days no one has the balls to do it.
Like the ones who hired all the cops in the first place.
The irony I find is that you feel strongly about keeping an overabundance of police ,yet advocate violence.
Posted by Wolfie on Jan. 12 2010,1:55 am
The city is causing higher taxes in other ways. Look into all the property taxes that they have forgiven and tell me that wont raise your taxes in the long run. Look at all the property they have purchased and tell me that wont raise your taxes in the long run. 800,000.00 for sidewalks, guess what they need to be maintained, shoveling, weeding and eventual replacement, guess that wont raise taxes or will it. 20,000.00 for heated seating at the arena, for those special few that couldnt possibly let their butts get cold, that system will need upkeep and maintenance, but that shouldnt raise taxes. They forgave the property taxes on the land between home depot and county road 46 but guess what the city will eat the cost of the assessments. When questioned about it the Mayor said no money was changing hands, until the city attorney corrected him and explained the assessment situation. I know the Mayor and I wouldnt call him stupid by any stretch of the imagination, but he is naive when it comes to how much trust he puts in Miss Vickie. And yes if they cant be trusted to perform within ethical guidelines then they need to be removed by any means possible, either a vote of no confidence or armed revolution, whichever works.
Posted by Wolfie on Jan. 12 2010,1:56 am
Another thing. If you dont think violence is the answer, you obviously missunderstood the question.
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Jan. 12 2010,1:16 pm
Wolfie I pretty much am on board with your 1:55 am post, there is certainly plenty of nonsense going on up there at times. I don't think I misunderstood anything in your post I quoted. You are mad that they are letting an officer go, I am mad that they hired so many in the first place with a continual decrease in population. Less equals more only in government.
Posted by irisheyes on Jan. 12 2010,2:45 pm
(Wolfie @ Jan. 12 2010,1:55 am)
QUOTE
Look at all the property they have purchased and tell me that wont raise your taxes in the long run. 800,000.00 for sidewalks
There's a lot of good points in your post, but above is what I agree with the most. I don't mind upkeep and scheduled repairs to roads that were needed, but the amount of money we spent on sidewalks to make the blue zones people happy was rediculous. Look at our city now, we have better sidewalks but can't afford to plow our streets on weekends.
Where were the priorities? Public safety and getting our city through the rough patch with our budget, or cosmetics?
Posted by alcitizens on Jan. 27 2010,7:38 pm
(alcitizens @ Jan. 06 2010,1:26 am)
QUOTE
Albert Lea Tribune
Published Friday, May 15, 2009
A.L. police getting to be a rogue outfit
The Albert Lea Police Department continues to lose the trust and respect of the people. They’re continuing to develop into a rogue group of people who use intimidation, aggression and questionable reports to make some sort of quota set by the higher-ups.
I was approached entering a local bar in near-complete darkness and was asked if I would come and answer a couple questions. I said no, thank you, not knowing the two men were police officers.
I went to open the door and was violently ripped off the step from behind and then forced to answer questions and take tests with a flashlight shined in my eyes. Later, I was arrested and my license revoked for refusal to take a breath test. I was accused of a DWI. Now five months without a driver’s license and a long legal fight for justice, no driving violation was involved. I haven’t had a citation in over 10 years. The worst thing is that a field training officer that night was training a rookie officer of two months this type of rogue behavior. What will this mean for the future of the Albert Lea Police Department? What will this mean for the citizens of Albert Lea?
Troy Christensen
Albert Lea
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/news...-outfit >
Published Friday, May 15, 2009
A.L. police getting to be a rogue outfit
The Albert Lea Police Department continues to lose the trust and respect of the people. They’re continuing to develop into a rogue group of people who use intimidation, aggression and questionable reports to make some sort of quota set by the higher-ups.
I was approached entering a local bar in near-complete darkness and was asked if I would come and answer a couple questions. I said no, thank you, not knowing the two men were police officers.
I went to open the door and was violently ripped off the step from behind and then forced to answer questions and take tests with a flashlight shined in my eyes. Later, I was arrested and my license revoked for refusal to take a breath test. I was accused of a DWI. Now five months without a driver’s license and a long legal fight for justice, no driving violation was involved. I haven’t had a citation in over 10 years. The worst thing is that a field training officer that night was training a rookie officer of two months this type of rogue behavior. What will this mean for the future of the Albert Lea Police Department? What will this mean for the citizens of Albert Lea?
Troy Christensen
Albert Lea
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/news...-outfit >
I just found out the verdict from the Trial..
Count 1: 4th Degree Driving Under the Influence, NOT GUILTY
Count 2: 3rd Degree Refusal to Submit to Test, NOT GUILTY