Officer Shane Winden has been selected by the State Rotary Club to be the law enforcement representative of a contingent going to Tasmania, Australia in May 2012. Per Administrative Order No. 113, all travel outside the continental limits of the United States and Canada must be reviewed and approved by the City Council. This is the second half of a cultural exchange; their representatives were here a year ago. While in Tasmania, Officer Winden will represent the Billings Police Department by presenting to local Rotary Clubs as well as job shadowing Tasmanian law enforcement.  The Police Department endorses his travel and absence from Billings as it will ultimately benefit our community and the Police Department.  Officer Winden is currently assigned as one of the downtown officers and his absence is approved and endorsed by the DBA.  Additionally, Officer Winden's absence does not adversely affect day-to-day staffing.    

The City Council may:

• Approve Officer Winden to Travel to Tasmania, Australia for the Montana Rotary Group Study Exchange Program or;
• Not approve Officer Winden to Travel to Tasmania, Australia for the Montana Rotary Group Study Exchange Program

There is no cost to the City as the Montana Rotary Club is funding the entire cost of the trip. 

Staff recommends that the City Council approve Officer Winden's to travel to Tasmania, Australia for the Group Study Exchange Program.