Foley Puts Plan To Hire Private Cops On Hold

FOLEY, Minn. (AP) -- Foley officials are putting plans to hire private security patrols for the central Minnesota town on hold.

The City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday to go back to Benton County for a new police services contract. The St. Cloud Times reports Mayor Gary Gruba was one of the dissenters.

City Administrator Sarah Brunn says Foley is asking the county to have five core officers cover the city to provide consistency for residents. County commissioners will have to vote on whether to approve the contract.

Last month, Foley decided to hire a private security company to patrol its streets, to save money. But Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson raised concern about possible legal ramifications of relying on private security, and urged the city and the county to meet in mediation.

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