The council devoted significant time to the issue of increased burglaries, with the Chief of Police providing a detailed account of current crime trends. While robberies have declined, burglaries have seen a notable rise, aligning with a statewide pattern. The Chief explained that burglars now primarily operate at night, targeting high-end vehicles by accessing keys inside homes. To combat this, the department had implemented summer details with unmarked vehicles and plainclothes detectives, temporarily reducing burglaries. However, the Chief noted that the frequency of these crimes has increased again, attributed to officer fatigue from extended working hours.

In response to concerns about theft, the Chief highlighted a near 30% increase in such incidents, often due to unlocked vehicles. The rise in shoplifting cases was also discussed, with store employees advised not to confront thieves, resulting in delayed police responses. The Chief recounted a personal experience of witnessing a theft.

To address these issues, the council discussed several crime prevention initiatives. These included conducting free home surveys to enhance residential security and creating a list of frequently targeted car models to raise awareness among residents. The involvement of the Public Information Officer was suggested to disseminate this information.

A notable proposal during the meeting was the introduction of a temporary firearm storage program, similar to an initiative in Cincinnati. This program is designed for residents needing to store firearms temporarily, such as during family gatherings or vacations. The Chief of Police expressed the need to consult with other agencies to assess the feasibility of implementing such a program in Maplewood. The council recognized that while the town had not frequently used extreme risk protective orders, this program could offer a secure option for families concerned about firearm accessibility.

The council also addressed the administration of police overtime, noting that a portion had been allocated for burglary details over the summer. The department had been operating with a thin schedule, leading to overtime from sick leave and vacation replacements. A proposed shift to 12-hour workdays was discussed as a potential solution to reduce overtime costs and improve coverage.

Traffic enforcement was another key topic, with an increase in moving violations noted. The Chief reported that the use of radars had contributed to a rise in speeding tickets. Discussions also covered the discretion officers have in issuing tickets versus warnings during traffic stops.

The council deliberated on the challenges of enforcing a curfew on Halloween, particularly with the upcoming holiday falling on a Friday. Concerns were raised about the feasibility and implications of such a measure, with suggestions for proactive safety measures like improved lighting and increased police presence. Despite the difficulties of enforcing a curfew, the council considered other options to manage safety during Halloween festivities.

Crossing guard placements and school traffic patterns were also discussed, with an emphasis on gathering better data regarding student routes. The council acknowledged the need for proactive communication with the school district to ensure adequate crossing guard coverage and enhance student safety. A recent incident involving a student being struck by a vehicle highlighted the need for improved pedestrian safety education.

Finally, the meeting touched on the administration of off-duty police employment, with plans to improve the current system through a Request for Proposals for management services. The potential adjustment of administrative fees collected from such services was discussed, along with a proposed increase in the off-duty rate for police officers.