For police, as with the DoD, civilian control is the ultimate reliance. For instance, in Ramsey where I live, the police are not autonomous, but answerable to the city administrator and the city council both for budget and conduct matters. Civilian control is essential.
But why bring this up now? Because Strib online reports:
Minneapolis may pull out of Gang Strike Force
Among other concerns, $300,000 cash was found in a property room safe. Other departments may get out, too.
By RANDY FURST, Star Tribune - update: May 1, 2009-11:24 PM
Created 12 years ago as a team effort to battle gangs in the Twin Cities, the Metro Gang Strike Force has logged hundreds of arrests a year and a small fortune in forfeitures - the seized cash and merchandise that judges have allowed it to keep - to help finance its operations.
However, several police departments, including Minneapolis, are said to be evaluating whether it would be more beneficial to leave the Strike Force and manage gang issues in their own cities through their own departments.
Their departure would be another blow to an agency that has recently faced embarrassing revelations about an authorized trip by six investigators to a Hawaii conference and a report that a man lost $4,500 to the force but hasn't been charged with a crime.
Also, this month the state legislative auditor is expected to issue a report on how the Strike Force had handled seized property and funds.
During a preliminary review, the state Department of Public Safety found $300,000 in cash in a Strike Force safe and wrote last November that "the record-keeping system is inadequate and in some instances policies and procedures representing sound evidentiary procedures are either not in existence or not being consistently followed."
Minneapolis police, who have considered withdrawing for a long time, declined comment on Strike Force issues. "We would rather discuss this with the advisory board than in the newspaper," said Rob Allen, deputy police chief.
The board, which oversees the Strike Force, is chaired by West St. Paul Police Chief Bud Shaver, who said Friday that he knew of no police departments discussing pulling out and said several are considering joining.
"I think the gang unit is a great unit," said Shaver. "It has real value for the metro, and we're going to get through this."
[...]
Added Ramsey County Sheriff [can you say, RNC Gestapo tactics on the streets of St. Paul] Bob Fletcher: "Ramsey County has no plans to get out. The Strike Force has arrested over 700 criminals each year and has a significant impact on reducing crime. Most of the successes I would attribute to commander Ron Ryan's leadership."
Paul Mesken, a Strike Force member from Ramsey County, contends that Campion and Stanek are part of a small group coordinating a campaign to get rid of the Strike Force. Campion and Stanek had no comment on the allegation.
A conspiracy against the Strike Force? Or is it more scrutiny on Keystone Kops:
photos online, from here and here
