Committee hears sheriff’s requests for mobile booking and tasers, funding for in‑jail music therapy and safe‑storage gun programs

Council Member Webb presented a sheriff’s office budget modification request totaling $2.7 million for mobile booking, courthouse security and tasers. Officer Aaron Craft spoke to the committee, saying that non‑lethal options such as tasers provide law enforcement alternatives "than just a gun" during split‑second decisions. Committee members clarified that weapons are not carried inside the jail itself but that patrol officers, warrant officers and some security staff are armed; the taser request was described as intended for officers who operate outside jail secure areas.

The committee also reviewed a $15,000 minority‑caucus request to fund the Beat of Life program, which brings 12 professional songwriters into jail facilities to run music‑therapy sessions, songwriting workshops and performances for women and youth detainees. Council Member Stiles described the program as existing work the sheriff supports and said additional funding would expand visits to county detention centers.

On community prevention, Council Member Welsh sought restoration of $50,000 for a safe gun storage program. Administration staff noted multiple partners have supported distribution of gun locks, including MNPD and public health clinics; funding sources have included state donations and other grants. Members discussed coordination with MNPD and public‑health distribution channels. No procurement, appropriation or policy changes were voted on during the session; members asked for additional details about deployment, training and oversight for tasers and for program reporting metrics for the detention‑program funding.