Safety & Loss Control Workshops Recap

The 2019 League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) Safety & Loss Control Workshops have concluded. It was attended by more than 1,000 of our members and insurance professionals. We thank all who attended, and we are still reviewing your evaluations and comments. I reached out to our presenters in the police track and asked for a summary of what they learned and experienced.

Risk Management Attorney Chris Smith presented on mutual aid/joint powers agreements, PTSD, and filing a work comp claim. These were Chris’ observations:

• Most people seemed to agree with LMCIT’s suggestion that in mutual aid agreements, the party requesting assistance should assume liability. However, some police officers seemed reluctant to assume the liability of another city. Cities should understand that the liability provisions in the League’s Model Mutual Aid Agreement are suggestions. LMCIT does not require cities to apportion liability in any particular manner.
• In regard to PTSD, the State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (in conjunction with the Medical Services Review Board) recently released draft workers’ compensation rules for the treatment of PTSD. LMCIT was actively involved in the drafting process.
• When filling out a First Report of Injury, it appears that the injured worker often fills out the form. However, the form states: "Employers, not employees, are responsible for completing this form." When the form is completed, it should be sent to LMCIT—not the Department of Labor and Industry.

Loss Control Field Consultant Tracy Stille presented property room management. These were Tracy’s observations:

• Police property and evidence room management continues to be a time-consuming and challenging task for many police departments across the state. This first emerged as a problem area for police agencies back in 2009 and—although we have seen some improvements—continues to be a problem for many agencies. These problems have included the proper packaging and tracking of evidence, training of assigned personnel, audits and inventories, security and ventilation concerns, and the proper disposition of evidence in a timely and legal manner. It is essential that agencies develop and implement a proper packaging manual and a written policy for the property and evidence room.

I presented on liability, opioid issues, and autonomous vehicles. My observations were:

• The opioids issues vary widely from region to region, city to city, and (in some cases) even within a city. Most members—not all—reported a continued uptick in the number of overdoses, and our informal survey showed most departments are carrying naloxone. Members were appreciative of the responder safety information and laminated handout. Every session discussed the continued prevalence of issues related to methamphetamine use, and many talked about the increase in crime associated with this problem.
• The membership was interested in Minnesota’s plan for autonomous vehicles, and I noticed many heads shaking when a video clip laid out the manufacturers’ timelines for the implementation. I think it was in disbelief.
• As in the past, the interaction with the membership between sessions and over lunch was enlightening. Members bring us their questions and concerns that are not related to the formal presentations. Often we are able to locate LMCIT staff at the workshop who specialize in the area of concern and start the conversation within a few minutes. The discussions over lunch are usually less formal and—rest assured—in Minnesota, police humor is alive and well.

Up next: A Few Photos from Law Enforcement Memorial Day

Stay safe,
Rob