From: Mayor@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Subject: Re: Release the video footage
Dear Rachel,
Thank you for contacting my office with concerns relating to the Republican National Convention. For several months, the Saint Paul Police Department has worked diligently to make all of the street camera video available to the public. Beginning January 6, 2009, all CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) video will be available for viewing by members of the public at the Saint Paul Police Western District, 389 North Hamline Avenue. Viewing will be based on a first-come, first-served allotment. Viewing hours will be from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments must be made in advance with Pete Panos, Saint Paul Police Department, at 651-266-5735.
Both the City and County Attorney Offices have indicated to my staff that they have no objection to any of the video being made public even if it involves a criminal prosecution. In fact, all of the video in the prosecutors possession, involving arrests from September 1, 2008, has been turned over to defense counsel, as required by the rules of the criminal procedure and court orders.
Our intent from the very beginning was to make this event and our policing transparent, and we will follow through on that commitment. We are in the process of conducting a thorough, independent review of all the practices and policies we implemented and have hired former United States Attorney Tom Heffelfinger and former Assistant United States Attorney Andy Luger to conduct this review of public safety planning and implementation during the RNC. We also have a Police-Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission to investigate any specific incidents regarding Saint Paul police misconduct. I encourage individuals with firsthand knowledge of specific misconduct incidents to contact the commission at 651-266-5583. If our review results in sustaining any instances of police misconduct, the individuals involved will be held accountable.
Overall, the 2008 Republican National Convention was a success. We were able to showcase our city to 45,000 visitors, including 15,000 members of national and international media. Residents and visitors were able to express their dissent while the convention successfully conducted its business and delegates were left with a positive experience and impression of our region. In hosting an event of global importance, we planted a seed. We have told our story to the world and positioned Saint Paul well to host future events. On a national and international stage, our city shone in the spotlight, and Saint Paul stands to reap the rewards for years to come. Thanks again for taking the time to contact my office. Your feedback is invaluable as we work to make Saint Paul the Most Livable City in America.
Sincerely,
Christopher B. Coleman
Mayor
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