Lakes Area Police Commission accepts reality of sending officers to metro sites of unrest

The four elected officials on the Lakes Area Police Commission were confronted this week with directing the Chief of Police on whether or not local officers should be sent to situations of unrest surrounding the trial of Derek Chauvin.

Lakes Area Police Chief Bill Schlumbohm asked the commissioners at their regular meeting Wednesday March 10 if sending local officers to answer a call for help would cause problems.

Schlumbohm explained that Lakes Area has personnel in the countywide Mobile Field Force, which is a special unit organized by the county and trained for and equipped to aid other departments. The Field Force helps when other agencies are short of personnel or have situations where their response capabilities are strained. Said the Chief, “I want the officers to know I’ve got their backs, but I need to know you (the commission) has my back.”

He also noted the county special mobile team is expected to aid Washington County, and vice versa, should Mobile Field Force resources be needed. It’s a very real possibility Washington County would request aid because Chauvin’s residence is a potential hotspot, the Chief added.

Commission Chair Bob Gustafson said the metro’s law enforcement problems are “self inflicted” and, “I have no patience for this.” He stated he is personally opposed to sending Lakes Area officers to assist in containing unrest in the Twin Cities.

Commissioner Kevin Stenson, retired from the police profession, said he is disturbed that a fellow officer would call for help and Lakes Area Police wouldn’t respond.

Stenson said tying the hands of officers who are hard-wired “...to care for each other and for us to say you can’t go,” is unthinkable.

Commissioner Jeremy Dresel added, if the LAPD personnel are trained for this type of situation, “We have got to protect and serve.”

Chief Schlumbohm commented that metro area public safety agencies provide assistance here often. The bomb squad, which Chisago County does not have, has responded to calls locally for example, providing explosives experts and disposal skills.

Chief Schlumbohm said he needs to be able to advise the sheriff “where we’re at” as far as call outs. “I’m looking for your comfort level.”

Commissioner Gustafson softened his stance, saying, “If you feel obligated to work with them (metro departments), I won’t stand in the way....nobody is going to not back you.”