On the agenda: Bemidji Community and Police Advisory Board — Flock camera (Oct 27)

BEMIDJI COMMUNITY AND POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Conference Room
City Hall – 317 4th Street NW
4:00 PM

1.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER

2.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

3.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.

4.

September 22, 2026 Minutes

BUSINESS
b.

Brochure and Power Point Review/Update

c.

Outreach Review and Documentation

5.

NEXT MEETING

6.

ADJOURN

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COMMUNITY AND POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
City of Bemidji – City Hall
Meeting Date: September 22, 2026
Meeting Time: 4:00 p.m.
Members Present: Shannon Seibel, Salena Beasley, Ashley Johnson, Barb Lottmann, Thomas Sorenson,
Bella Schaefer
•

Members Absent: Andrea Kent, City of Bemidji City Clerk: Michelle Miller

Guests: None
Staff Present:
•

City of Bemidji Chief of Police: Mike Mastin

•

City Council Representative: Audrey Thayer

Meeting Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 4:00 pm
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
a. Flock camera discussion was added to the agenda.
b. A motion was made by Thomas Sornson and affirmative vote by Ashley Johnson, with all in favor.
3. INTRODUCTIONS: Not completed on audio recording.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Previous meeting minutes were not available and will be reviewed when
provided.
5. BUSINESS:
a. Neighborhood Connections/Summer Picnics 2026 Review
Members discussed participation in the summer neighborhood picnics and shared observations
regarding community engagement. Members expressed appreciation for opportunities to connect with
residents, learn about community resources, and strengthen relationships between community
members and law enforcement.
Discussion included opportunities to increase the Board's presence and educational role at future
neighborhood events. Suggestions included:
•

Develop informational displays or educational materials identifying the Board's purpose and
responsibilities.

•

Provide community resource information and appropriate points of contact.

•

Increase awareness of how residents can communicate concerns, ask questions, and become
involved with the Board.
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•

Utilize existing brochures and presentations at future community events.

Members discussed whether the Board should continue replacing summer meetings with neighborhood
picnic participation; Board bylaws require a minimum of four meetings annually.
Discussion included:
•

Previous summer meetings experienced difficulties maintaining a quorum.

•

The Board previously prioritized picnic participation to maintain community engagement during
summer months.

•

Some members expressed concern about the extended period without formal Board meetings.
Suggestions included holding at least one summer meeting or coordinating meeting dates with
picnic events.

•

No formal decision regarding changes to summer meeting frequency was made.

b. Board Member Recruitment and Update
The Board reviewed current membership vacancies and recruitment efforts.
It was reported that an application had been received; the status of the application was not confirmed
during the meeting.
c. Outreach Discussion
Members discussed the Board's responsibility to strengthen communication between the community,
City leadership, and the Bemidji Police Department. Concerns were expressed regarding limited
community awareness of the Board's purpose, responsibilities, and how residents can contact
members.
Members emphasized the importance of providing accurate information, identifying appropriate
resources, and communicating community concerns to the appropriate agencies.
Existing outreach materials were discussed, including Board brochures and a PowerPoint presentation
previously developed for members to use during community presentations. Suggestions included:
•

Redistribute existing brochures and presentation materials to Board members.

•

And consider developing an informational resource identifying appropriate contacts for common
community concerns to assist members in providing accurate information and referrals.

•

Increase visibility through community organizations, social media, and other public
communication channels.

•

Identify specific outreach activities and measurable action steps for future meetings, and
document community engagement activities to support the Board's annual reporting
responsibilities.

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d. Flock Cameras – Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
Chief Mastin provided an overview of the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, a multiagency partnership
involving local, county, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Discussion included the Task Force's focus
on drug-related offenses and violent crimes, its collaboration with the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task
Force, and its oversight of the Flock camera program.
Chief Mastin explained that the Flock camera program operates under the policies of the Beltrami
County Sheriff's Office. Information presented included:
•

Approximately 22 cameras throughout the Task Force service area, including approximately nine
within the City of Bemidji.

•

A publicly accessible transparency portal containing program policies, usage statistics, and
related information.

•

Restricted access to camera data by authorized law enforcement personnel, and there is a 30-day
data retention period, as described during the meeting.

Chief Mastin explained that Flock cameras capture license plate information from passing vehicles and
may assist with investigations involving drug-related crimes, violent crimes, stolen vehicles, burglary,
theft, and other criminal activity. Information may be used to identify vehicles of interest, establish
investigative timelines, and support criminal investigations.
Discussion included the distinction between reviewing historical license plate information and
proactively tracking vehicles, including applicable search warrant requirements. Members asked
questions regarding system alerts, data access, information sharing, investigative evidence, privacy
concerns, and constitutional protections.
Members discussed the importance of reporting suspected criminal activity and providing information to
law enforcement through appropriate emergency or non-emergency channels, the Task Force's online
tip-reporting system, or available anonymous reporting options. Discussion emphasized realistic
expectations regarding investigative responses and the understanding that individuals submitting tips
may not receive updates on investigative outcomes.
Members raised questions regarding the Bemidji Police Department's use of drones. Chief Mastin
indicated that the Department has two drones and discussed their operational uses, documentation
requirements, and circumstances involving search warrants or exigent circumstances. Members also
discussed privacy concerns and reporting suspicious drone activity.
Discussion emphasized the importance of transparency, community education, and providing accurate
information regarding law enforcement technology, investigative practices, privacy protections, and
reporting procedures. Members were encouraged to review the publicly available ALPR transparency
portal and share information with the community.

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e. Additional Topics – Community Transportation Update
An update was provided regarding public transportation services. Discussion included potential changes
to service administration, funding, transportation routes, and opportunities for expanded services.
Members discussed the potential benefits of scheduled public transportation routes, particularly for
residents who rely on transportation to access healthcare, community services, employment, and other
resources.
Concerns and considerations included:
•

Extended wait times for transportation.

•

Limited availability of scheduled routes.

•

Transportation barriers for individuals with limited financial resources.

•

Winter transportation challenges and associated safety concerns.

•

Opportunities to expand service hours and improve transportation accessibility.

f. Additional Topics – Substance Use, Harm Reduction, and Community Safety
Members discussed concerns regarding discarded syringes, suspected drug activity, and neighborhood
safety. Discussion included the importance of reporting potentially hazardous materials and ensuring
safe disposal.
Information was shared regarding community harm-reduction services, including:
•

Syringe disposal and collection.

•

Needle exchange and safer disposal education.

•

Naloxone access.

•

Basic first-aid supplies and related resources.

•

Referrals and connections to additional healthcare and support services.

Members discussed the availability of trained community providers who may assist with the safe
collection and disposal of discarded syringes. Discussion emphasized reducing exposure risks,
educating residents, and avoiding unsafe handling of discarded materials.
Members acknowledged the importance of addressing substance use through education, prevention,
recovery support, and community partnerships.
Community recovery events and increased public engagement around substance use and recovery were
recognized as positive developments.
6. NEXT MEETING: October 27, 2026, 4:00 pm
7. ADJOURN:
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