Owatonna Police Department-2008 Annual Report

Exceeding Expectations

Table of Contents Chief’s Message…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 Mission and Values Statement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 Organizational Chart………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….. 3 Personnel Changes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Budget ………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 Administration Division………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8 Patrol Division……………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Patrol ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9 Patrol Sergeants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Patrol Officers …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 Canine Officer …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Patrol Districts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12 Traffic Summary ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13 Training …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 Field Training Officers …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14 Firearms Instructors ……………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14 Defensive Tactics Instructors .….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15 Investigations Division …………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16 Criminal Investigations ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16 Crimes Against Persons ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17 Property Crimes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18 School Liaison Officers ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18 South Central Drug Investigation Unit …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19 SCDIU Tactical Team ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20 Professional Standards ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21 Compliance Initiatives …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22 Predatory Offender Registry ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22 Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23 Gang Officer ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23 Investigations Support ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 24 Crime Scene Technicians …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 24 Property and Evidence………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 24 Forfeitures …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 24 Support Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………. 25 Parking Control ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25 Community Service Officers.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26 Animal Control ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27 Records …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28 9-1-1 Pearl Street Center ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28 Community Programs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..……. 29 COLA (City of Owatonna Landlord Association) ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 29 National Night Out ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 30 Law Enforcement Memorial ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 31 Explorers …………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 31 State Funded Grants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 32 Safe and Sober ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 32 Data Trend …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….….… 33 Growth Opportunities…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….….… 35

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

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Message from the Chief

Mayor, City Council Members, City Administrator and Citizens of Owatonna: Once again, it is my privilege to provide the Owatonna Police Department’s 2008 Annual Report. It is important to convey that 2008 was a historic year for the police department. In 2008, the department experienced significant advances in technology that impacts many of the efficiencies in our day to day operations.

It is our hope that as members of this community, you appreciate the services we provide as well as respect the professionals who provide these services. In the truest spirit of public service, our men and women are committed to this community and to the profession that are such fundamental components of who they are.

They all share a strong dedication to providing the safest possible environment for your families and theirs.

The Department has been very proficient and successful resolving many high profile crimes in the past year.

Excellent patrol response along with skilled and devoted investigative and support staff have gathered the necessary evidence at scenes to lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of those offenders who cause community concern. These arrests allow citizens a peace of mind and inspire community confidence in the department.

Strategically, the Department focuses on achieving and sustaining excellent customer service by demanding responsibility and accountability from personnel for successful problem solving outcomes. As a result, we have identified five broad goals for which we prioritize in 2009 - Leadership: Expand programs and opportunities that develop skills and build leaders; and Accountability: Promote build and consistently demonstrate a culture of accountability at the individual, organizational and community levels; and Diversity: Achieve diversity in all ranks that reflects the community we serve; and Efficiency: Operate efficiently and effectively with every resource entrusted to our stewardship; and Crime Reduction: Improve community participation in our efforts to reduce crime and traffic hazards.

In fighting crime and securing our community, many approaches will be tried; many strategies and solutions will be utilized. That is a positive thing because we must remain vigilant and always resist the complacency that shadows any long struggle. Nevertheless, as we constantly seek to make our community safer and more secure, we must hold on to those fundamentals that we know work by ensuring continuous improvement. We must maintain an unflinching concentration on the immediate causes of the problems we seek to solve, partner with those that can best help us solve them, and align our organizations to better combat those things that most threaten the dignity of our community.

It is my privilege to serve as the Chief of Police for the City of Owatonna and in doing so, present this report as a reflection of your Police Department’s profound impact on our growing community.

Respectfully Submitted,

Shaun E LaDue Shaun E. LaDue Chief of Police Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

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Exceeding Expectations

Mission and Values

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

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2008 Organizational Chart Shaun LaDue Chief of Police

Cheryl Pfeifer Administrative Assistant Eric Rethemeier

Charles Walerius Training

Patrol Captain

Records

Animal Control

Investigations Captain

SCDIU

Dispatch

Professional Standards

Mike Bartsch

Kimberly Dub Pamela Roberts

Community Service Officers

Timothy Hassing Sergeant

Property and Evidence

Administrative Assistant

Parking Control

Thomas Murphy

Jeffrey Mundale

Jeffrey Okerberg

Sergeant

Sergeant

Sergeant

Deanne vonWald

Robbe Kniefel

Sergeant

Sergeant

Joel Welinski Investigations Sergeant

John Petterson Willie Goodsell

George DeVinny

Joel Hunt

Tracy Duchene

Jason Weber

Andrew Drenth

Corporal Investigator

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Thomas Munns Corporal Investigator

Dave Schroeder

Joe Wagoner

Brandon Fandel

Andrew Seifert

Chad Fierst

Josh Sorensen

Mark Edel

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Canine Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Corporal Investigator

Charlie Eichten

Jason Petterson

Kevin Fisher

Kyle Parr

Terrence Flynn

Sean Cooper

Investigator Trainee

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

Jay Matejcek

Mike Earl Investigator Trainee Brady Vaith Patrol Officer

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

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New Hires

Chad Fierst Police Officer Patrol

Promotions

Budget

Michael Schneider Community Service Officer

Eric Rethemeier Captain of Investigations

Karen Zimny Community Service Officer

Robbe Kniefel Sergeant Patrol

Joel Welinski Sergeant SCDIU Commander

Resignations

Stephanie Fogel Police Officer Patrol

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Retirement

Captain Joe Schramm retired from the Owatonna Police Department on April 30, 2008. Captain Schramm began his career with OPD on December 15, 1977 and served as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Captain, and Interim Chief during his career.

In addition, Captain Schramm served as the Commander of the SWAT team for 15 years.

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Budget The annual base budget and capital budget for the police department is established by the Police Chief and staff within the department. The adopted fiscal year budget for 2008 was approved at $4,001,207.00 of which $3,286,901.00 or 82% of total budget was allocated to personnel costs. In addition, $626,306.00 or 16% was allocated to supplies and services and $88,000.00 or 2% was allocated to capital items consisting of replacement squad cars, patrol, canine and investigative equipment and technology updates such as computer upgrades and replacements as well as public safety radio upgrades and replacements. In essence, the department has consistently exceeded all budgetary demands and has in all instances proven fiscally responsible.

Dividing Up Your 2008 Tax Dollar (Based on $150,000.00 home)

38¢ Steele County 34¢ City of Owatonna 28¢ Owatonna School District

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FOUR YEAR REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE SUMMARY BUDGET 2005

BUDGET 2006

BUDGET 2007

BUDGET 2008

266,452 198,500 11,500

291,620 215,000 92,000

284,457 215,000 12,000

289,504 253,267 0

TOTAL REVENUES

476,452

598,620

511,457

542,771

EXPENDITURES PERSONNEL SUPPLIES & OTHER SERVICES CAPITAL OUTLAY

2,429,527 363,625 27,000

2,873,633 500,498 209,000

3,202,702 564,570 147,500

3,286,901 626,306 88,000

2,820,152

3,583,131

3,914,772

4,001,207

REVENUES INTERGOVERNMENTAL FINES & FORFEITURES OTHER

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

2008 Revenue

2008 Expenditures 2% 16%

47%

82%

Capital Outlay

Materials, Supplies,

Personnel

Expenditures Total: $4,001,207.00

Intergovernmental

53%

Fines & Forfeitures

Revenue Total: $542,771.00

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Exceeding Expectations

Administration Division Administration

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

John Quincy Adams

The Administration Division is responsible for the day-to-day administration of providing law enforcement services to the citizens of Owatonna. The Chief of Police is responsible for a budget of approximately $4.0 million and the department’s 41 employees. The Chief of Police reports directly to the City Administrator. The Administrative Division is comprised of the Chief of Police, the Patrol Commander, the Investigations Commander and an Administrative Assistant. Each of the division commanders oversees their respective areas of responsibility. The administrative assistant is charged with processing payroll, accounts receivables and payables, coordinating and managing all training records, facilitating hiring processes and practices, and coordinates all department policy review and updates housed on the Departments intranet through the Policy Committee.

Under the leadership of Police Chief Shaun E. LaDue, the Owatonna Police Department continues to guide the delivery of efficient and effective service to the community through high standards of service delivery and professionalism. This guidance ensures victims of crime and those experiencing personal emergencies are treated with compassion. It also seeks the cooperation with the community through the development and implementation of local partnerships in solving local problems, through efficient and effective utilization of resources, environmental scanning and an intelligence-led problem-solving approach. The Department will continue to work towards achieving best practices and embrace management principles that ensure staff have the appropriate authority, accountability, tools, education, training and development to deliver professional services. In addition, The Owatonna Police Department promotes a safe and healthy working environment, engenders the principles of equity and diversity, and develops progressive career path opportunities that balance the needs of individuals and the organization. The Administration provides leadership, supervision and review, and updates and evaluates departmental practices and procedures utilizing change-management strategies.

Shaun E. LaDue Chief of Police Cheryl Pfeifer Administrative Assistant

Eric G. Rethemeier Investigations Captain

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

Charles M. Walerius Patrol Captain

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Exceeding Expectations

Patrol Division

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak.

Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

Winston Churchill

Patrol The Patrol Division of the Owatonna Police Department is comprised of 26 people, and is currently supervised by the Patrol Captain. The Patrol Commander oversees six Patrol Sergeants who supervise 19 Patrol Officers. The patrol division is supported by anywhere from one to five Community Service Officers (CSO’s) who augment the police officers by providing a variety of services that aid in community policing efforts. The division also has a canine program that aids in sniffing out illegal drugs and is heavily involved in tracking and searched for individuals.

The Patrol Division is spread out into three patrol districts, which assigns specific officers to each district.

One officer is selected on a rotating basis to serve as “Team Leader” for each district. The Team Leader coordinates all specific directed functions within that district. Each Team Leader also coordinates all action requests from citizens who have special requests such as extra patrol, and other enforcement efforts aimed at increasing individual involvement by the officers. The purpose is to increase the role of each officer in community policing and strategic enforcement efforts.

New technology was added in 2008 including squad video camera systems that provide valuable evidence when it comes to traffic enforcement. This system provides video of actual violations as they occur that will aid in prosecution of offenses. The audio portion also records necessary conversations that the patrol officers have with suspects, victims, and witnesses. Also added was a new records management system that includes additional functionality for the officers through the mobile computer systems. Officers are able to obtain information from dispatch and the State much quicker when it comes to answering calls for service and obtaining drivers license and registration information. The police department will be able to obtain and utilize more accurate data that can be used strategically in deploying resources within the community. Additional technology for 2009 will include a Field Based Reporting System that will not only hasten the writing of police reports, but also improve communication with prosecutors, and an electronic ticketing system that will create a citation with the swipe of a driver’s license. All changes in technology are secured to help officers not only work better but smarter as well.

Also new to 2008 was the initiation of Roll-Call briefings, where officers gather for a few minutes at the beginning of their shift to obtain information from the previous shifts happenings and intelligence information aimed at keeping officers safe. The exchange of information during the Roll-Call briefings has increased communication between officers and supervisors which has led to increased arrests for crimes committed in the City of Owatonna. These briefings also serve as a forum for training covering things such as policy and procedure, officer safety issues, defensive tactics, and many other targeted areas in which officers need to stay proficient. At the roll-call the officers are given a “HOT SHEET” which has information regarding warrant arrests, extra patrol areas, traffic detail assignments, training, stolen vehicles, missing persons, runaways, and an area for other information that is beneficial to their duties on the street. Also utilized is the new “e-briefing” system which is an electronic hot sheet that is accessible from the squad cars. Again this improved technology has not only helped officers to do more but to also work smarter in their quest to make the streets of Owatonna safe.

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Patrol Sergeants The Owatonna Police Department has six (6) patrol sergeants, who along with day to day supervisory duties of patrol officers also coordinate efforts of the Team Leaders in each district as well. Each sergeant is also assigned an area of specialization that they not only coordinate, but also are responsible for duties as assigned. These assignments include, City of Owatonna Landlord Association (COLA), Firearms and Defensive Tactics training, Field Training Program, state grant programs, crime prevention, department wide traffic initiatives, scheduling, first aid/AED and medical supplies, equipment and supplies, canine program, and other initiatives as directed by the Chief or the Patrol Captain.

The sergeant’s main responsibility is to supervise officers assigned to their specific shift and to hold the officer accountable for their day to day functions, activities, and duties as well as provide evaluations and opportunities for professional development. They are also tasked with conducting the roll-call briefings on a daily basis. The sergeants all report to the Patrol Captain.

Patrol Officers Patrol officers provide basic 24-hour police services to the community, and are assigned to one of the three patrol districts within the city.

Each officer works to maintain public safety through directed enforcement, education, and prevention initiatives to each of their respective districts. Within their assigned district, each officer is tasked with becoming familiar with crime issues and trends, and to work side by side with area residents to improve the quality of life in each neighborhood. The officers, on a rotating basis, also each serve a term as the “Team Leader” for each district. It is the duty of each Team Leader to keep a pulse on the activities within their assigned district. They also perform various duties including: responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, conducting preliminary investigations of criminal activity, handling traffic crashes, preparing both initial and supplemental case reports, performing necessary follow-up investigations, making arrests and searches as required, identifying and attending to problem and directed patrol areas, enforcing criminal and traffic laws including city ordinances, providing courtroom testimony, and providing general security to business establishments, residential neighborhoods, school property, and the parks system. The patrol officers are under the direct supervision of the patrol sergeants.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

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Exceeding Expectations

Canine Officer A police canine is a valuable and indispensible tool in modern day policing. Bullet is a four year old German Shepherd Dog imported to the United States from Slovakia for the sole purpose of being a service dog. A police canine’s main purpose is to be a locating tool. Police canines can be trained to locate people, narcotics, bombs, cadavers, wild game and illegal food brought into the country. Bullet is a dual purpose canine trained to locate people and narcotics. Bullet is also trained to apprehend dangerous or fleeing criminals or persons who threaten or attack his handler.

A major benefit to a police canine is the psychological affect a dog has. In August, two individuals suspected of 2nd degree assault with a knife were attempting to flee out the back door of a residence. They were intercepted at the back door by Officer Fandel and Bullet. The two complied with officer’s commands. Without the presence of Bullet, there no doubt would have been a foot pursuit and/or a physical altercation between them and the officers.

In June of 2008, Officer Fandel and Bullet attended Regional Patrol Dog 1 Trials in Detroit Lakes, MN. Officer Fandel and Bullet performed very well, improving on their score from the past year. Officer Fandel and Bullet also train constantly on “real world” scenarios to keep Bullet sharp when called on by his handler or partners. Bullet was hampered by a knee injury in the beginning of September. Bullet was cleared to come back to “light duty” in mid November and return to a full training regimen in January. This injury caused Bullet to miss the 2008 Narcotics Certification Trial.

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Exceeding Expectations

Patrol Districts The Owatonna Police Department divides the city into three patrol districts, each with their unique set of issues, concerns, and traffic patterns. Officers, under the direction of their team leaders, are assigned to a specific district for not only patrol duties and calls for service, but to also establish partnerships with members of the community.

120

103

100 80 52

60 40

23

20 0 North

South

2008

West Central

2007

All officers assigned to the individual districts are responsible for “Action Requests” from citizens who call in specific concerns, crime issues, or traffic problems in their neighborhoods. This affords the community the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the officers as well as a vehicle for information sharing between the community and law enforcement. Specific to traffic initiatives based on citizen concerns from each district, is the use of the speed trailer which monitors and records speeds of passing motorists. This important data is then passed on to citizens as a follow-up to their concerns. It is important for the officers to maintain district integrity as they respond to emergency calls and concerns from citizens.

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2008 Traffic Summary Officers of the Owatonna Police Department pride themselves on effectively and efficiently enforcing the traffic laws of the State of Minnesota. Each officer routinely engages in traffic enforcement and education as a part of their daily activities.

Traffic enforcement and education is a valuable facet in the overall mission of the Owatonna Police Department in keeping the citizens of Owatonna safe. Between special traffic enforcement details, routine traffic law enforcement, and public education, we can achieve a safer community for motorists using the roadways within the city. The main purpose of any traffic enforcement program is to establish a level of voluntary compliance among the citizens who will obey traffic laws when the police are not present in the area.

Radar Enforcement: This is perhaps one of the most well known of enforcement techniques and radar/Lidar technology can accurately measure the speed of an on-coming car. Occasionally, a speed trailer (a trailer that flashes the speed to on-coming cars) is used to inform drivers of their speed as a sort of a warning, and no citations are issued. The speed trailer is often used when a complaint about speeders in a specific area is received to see if the area warrants a radar enforcement program. With the ability to leave the trailer in place unattended, it saves money on staff time since it can be in place while it continues to provide a benefit to the neighborhood and the data collected is essential for future planned enforcement If the department identifies a problem area usually by citizen complaints, speed trailer results, or crash surveys, a radar enforcement program can be implemented on a street to break a pattern of speeding violations. Many factors influence whether a citation will or will not be issued. Violators who commit “blatant” or hazardous violations are more likely to receive tickets. Drivers who commit minor offenses, such as failing to signal before changing lanes or turning, are very likely to walk away with warnings if the officer perceives them to be responsive to the warning. People in a hurry are more prone to commit violations than anyone else. They take chances by speeding, not coming to full stops at stop signs and signals, following other cars too closely, and changing lanes unsafely.

DWI (Driving While Impaired) Enforcement: Though significant progress has been made in reducing the frequency of driving while impaired (DWI) and related injuries and fatalities, alcohol remains the primary factor in fatal crashes. DWI continues to be one of society’s major problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that two in five Americans will be affected by alcohol related collisions during their lifetime. The Owatonna Police Department addresses this problem by prioritizing DWI enforcement, public education, training, equipment.

During 2008 the Owatonna Police Department made 136 arrests for DWI.

160 140 2003

120

2004

100

2005

80

2006

60

2007

40

2008

20 0

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

DWI arrests

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Exceeding Expectations

Training Field Training Officers The field training and evaluation process of any police department is a critical component of any successful police department. It ensures that the employer has sufficient opportunity to directly observe and certify that a newly hired officer has the essential job-related knowledge and skills to be an effective solo police officer. In 2008, Sergeant Robbe Kniefel became the coordinator of the field officer training program.

New officers are put through an extensive sixteen week, four-phase field training and evaluation period, in which they are evaluated on a daily basis in ten areas of core competency. Each newly hired officer spends time working at least one training phase during a day, evening, and night shift.

Included during this period is the fourth and final phase in which the field training officer rides along in plain clothes and acts as an observer to the probationary officer. Upon successful completion of the four phase field training, new officers are certified for solo patrol duties and remain as probationary officers through their first year of employment.

Firearms Instructors Firearms Instructors continue to look for new and better ways to prepare officers for deadly force encounters.

There were four certified Firearms Instructors in 2008. Instructors include Sergeant Mundale, Officer Petterson, Officer Sorensen, and Officer Drenth.

Live-fire trainings were held at the 20 Rifle and Pistol Club and reality based training was held at various other locations throughout town. Annual training consisted of annual weapon qualifications, low light shooting, cold weather shooting, and reality based training. Included in these trainings are distance shooting, close quarter contact, malfunction drills, reloads, speed drills, shooting on the move, utilizing cover and concealment, threat recognition, and verbalization.

As part of reality based training, firearms instructors attempt to replicate actual deadly or non-deadly force situations in an effort to raise the stress levels of the officers being trained. Training officers how to react in a controlled environment can reduce stress and response time in an actual situation while on duty.

In 2008, patrol rifles were purchased for each squad car. Rifles are seen as a valuable tool and have their place in law enforcement. Officer Petterson became a certified Patrol Rifle Instructor and AR-15 armorer and will begin to institute a patrol rifle program in 2009.

In September, Sergeant Mundale, Officer Petterson, and Officer Sorensen attended Glock Armorer Certification and Re-Certification.

Armorers conduct an annual inspection of each officer’s handgun to check for worn, damaged or dirty parts. This maintenance program is recommended by Glock, Inc. which keeps officer’s service weapons in the best condition as possible.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

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Exceeding Expectations

Defensive Tactics Instructors Officer Sorensen and Officer Drenth are the Defensive Tactics Instructors for the Owatonna Police Department.

These officers have received specialized training in defensive tactics and follow the Pressure Point Control Techniques (PPCT) training curriculum. The officers not only teach the tactics but help officers understand the physiological effects of the body and how that can affect an officer’s reaction or physical response. Each year, Officer Drenth and Sorensen dedicate two full days of training to provide a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education to all sworn officers of the Owatonna Police Department.

Instructors train officers with scenariobased training using padded Redman suits.

This form of stress inoculation training allows officers to practice delivery and placement of strikes, kicks, stuns, and take down techniques. In addition, the participants can experience the human factors associated with use of force engagements; such as, increased heart rate, fatigue, exhaustion and how their body performs at different levels of deterioration. These training officers are also teamed up with other Firearms Instructors Sergeant Mundale and Officer Petterson to provide similar training known as reality-based training.

During this level of training, Officer Drenth and Officer Sorensen teach and critique officers in their judgment and application of use of force options, which can range from officer presence, verbal skills, soft empty hand techniques, TASER, chemical, and the actual use of firearms using simunition training cartridges.

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Exceeding Expectations

Investigations Division “Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it.”

Oswald Chambers

Criminal Investigations The role of the criminal investigations division is the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of suspected offenders. The Investigation Division is mainly a reactive function of law enforcement, though it will take proactive approaches when the need arises, such as surveillance and installing portable alarms. The major components of investigations are case screening, follow-up investigations, and gathering criminal intelligence.

In 2008, the unit was comprised of (1) Captain, (1) Sergeant, (3) Corporal Investigators, (2) Investigator trainees, and (1) Administrative Assistant. The Captain of Investigations oversees the operation of the division. The Captain is also in charge of Professional Standards, Internal Affairs, and Property and Evidence. The Sergeant assigned to the Investigations Division currently serves as the Commander to the South Central Drug Investigation Unit. In addition to these responsibilities, the sergeant also over sees the Predatory Offender Program and occasionally screens cases for assignment. Two of the three Corporal Investigators are assigned to the Owatonna Public Schools during the school year, serving as School Liaison Officers. In addition to their responsibilities as School Liaison Officer, one serves as the primary financial crimes investigator and the other serves as the Gang Intelligence Investigator. The third Corporal Investigator serves as the primary investigator for crimes against person relating to sexual assaults, and adult/child protection matters. Both investigator trainees are assigned to general investigations, which include crimes against persons and property. Investigator trainees are appointed to the investigative division as a means of staff development and are in this assignment for at least one year.

Trainees in this role receive specialized training in the areas of interview and interrogation, writing search warrants, crime and death scene investigations. The Investigations Division Administrative Assistant serves as the property and evidence technician for the department and also serves as the Fiscal Agent for the South Central Drug Investigations Unit.

The types of cases referred to the Investigations Unit are broken into two separate classification, crimes against persons and property crimes. Crimes against persons involve criminal sexual assault, child/adult protection, assaults, arson, robberies, and homicides. Property crimes include: thefts, burglaries, fraud/forgery, financial and computer crimes. In addition Investigators conduct alcohol and compliance checks, coordinate predatory offender verifications, conduct pre-employment background investigations, and oversee the Retailer’s Protection Agency (RPA) program and gang intelligence gathering.

Citizen reports a crime

Patrol Division responds, investigates and completes report

Case is assigned to an investigator, if needed

Investigators follow up on leads , identify suspects, prepares case for county attorney

County Attorney determinees appropriate charges and files formal complaint

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

County Attorney files complaint against suspect

Defendant proceeds through criminal justice system

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Exceeding Expectations

2008 Investigations 194 140

43

50

42 20

38

27

40

34

27 8

6

12

5

Crimes Against Persons Investigators spent hours working cases involving crimes against persons in 2008. Many cases were worked jointly with other agencies such as other local police departments, human services agencies, and federal agencies. Notable cases from 2008 are listed below.

Homicide Owatonna investigators assisted detectives from Ramsey County in the investigation of a homicide that occurred in Little Canada. The suspects in the case lived in Owatonna or had ties to the area.

Criminal Vehicular Homicide The Burnsville Police Department investigated a fatality crash in their city. The Burnsville Police enlisted the aid of Owatonna Investigators in apprehending the suspect who was residing in our community.

Aircraft Crash Investigators assisted agents from the NTSB and FFA in the investigation of a plane crash at the Degner Regional Airport. The crash took the lives of all nine passengers aboard a flight destined for Owatonna.

Criminal Sexual Conduct A report was filed regarding a male sexually assaulting a juvenile. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that the suspect had sexually assaulted four additional young juvenile victims.

Bomb Threats Bomb Threats were reported at the SPX Corp. Wenger Corp., and Crown Cork and Seal. Investigators were able to link all three cases to a single suspect. An arrest has been made in the case; however, no formal charges have been filed.

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Exceeding Expectations

Property Crimes A significant amount of time was spent on several high profile investigations in 2008. Several employers in Owatonna reported a rise in employee theft. Three of these cases involved hundreds of thousands of dollars and ultimately led to felony theft charges brought against the suspects. In addition, Investigators working property crimes spend a large amount of time working fraud and forgery cases. Some of the most notable investigations were: Financial Fraud Wenger Corp. reported a theft involving an employee. A confession was received linking the suspect to the theft of over $35,000 in Wenger’s Funds.

Pal’s Machining reported a theft involving an employee. A confession was received linking the suspect to the theft of over $350,000 in Pal’s Funds. Thousands of dollars in property was seized as proceeds from the theft.

Proprietary Theft Federated Insurance reported the theft of proprietary secrets involving a former employee. Investigators executed search warrants in several Minnesota counties in an attempt to recover the trade secrets.

Building Fraud Numerous complaints were filed against a local contractor regarding fraud. Investigative work revealed the company allegedly forged many documents and embezzled an estimated $850,000 that was to be paid to subcontractors.

School Liaison Officers With over 5000 students enrolled in the Owatonna Public School district, the School Liaison Officers are assigned to help maintain a safe, secure, and uninterrupted learning environment for the students, staff, and parents in the district. The liaison officers, one assigned the senior high school and the other assigned to the junior high and elementary schools, serve as a resource to prevent crime in the school as well as investigate incidents that occur on school property. The liaisons also serve as an education resource by bringing their experience and expertise as guest instructors in certain facets of educational curriculum.

OHS

OJHS

82 calls

42 calls

School Calls 2007-2008

Elementary Schools

ALC

53 calls

5 calls

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

18

Exceeding Expectations

South Central Drug Investigation Unit 2008 was a year of change and transition administratively for the South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU). The task force no longer includes law enforcement agencies from Rice County. Seeing the need and value of a narcotics task force, the Owatonna Police Department undertook the leadership role as Fiscal Agents of the SCDIU. This included the assignment of a police sergeant as Commander of the task force as well as an administrative assistant. We also continued to co-fund a field agent position in conjunction with the Steele County Sheriff’s Department. The SCDIU is a federally funded narcotics task force formed in cooperation with member agencies of four counties, encompassing a jurisdictional area of approximately 2,500 square miles. Staffed by four specially trained field agents, the task force concentrates their efforts on narcotics and narcotics related investigations. Agents also assist member agencies with criminal investigations that have a correlation with illegal drugs. The SCDIU has developed strong partnerships with adjoining task forces, the Minnesota BCA, FBI, DEA, and ICE, investigating cases that stretch beyond our boundaries that have a direct impact on the flow of illegal drugs into our area. The agents also focus on public education, especially the young people of our communities, by conducting presentations at schools, churches, civic organizations, and in the work place. Over 30 presentations were held throughout the south-central region of Minnesota, covering a wide range of topics such as teen drug use, methamphetamine labs, marijuana grows and club drugs.

Task force agents directly touched the lives of over 1,500 people, educating them on recent illegal narcotics trends and the dangers that illegal drugs pose to our communities.

In 2008, SCDIU agents conducted 99 narcotics investigations which resulted in 50 search warrants, the arrests of 92 people and 103 people charged. Additionally, four large-scale indoor marijuana growing operations and two methamphetamine labs were dismantled. Confiscated or purchased illegal narcotics included 794 grams of cocaine, 88 grams of methamphetamine, 232 pounds of marijuana, 2149 marijuana plants, 332 grams of mushrooms, 89 dosage units of prescription medication, and smaller quantities of crack cocaine and ecstasy. Agents also seized over $19,000 in cash, several vehicles, and jewelry, which was directly linked as proceeds from the distribution of illegal drugs. The task force continued to see the rise in the availability of all forms of cocaine and its decrease in price as well as the importation of glass methamphetamine from Mexico and a significant increase in its street value, to almost twice that of cocaine.

99 Active Investigations

103 Felony Drug Charges

92 Arrests

5 Consent Searches

50 Search Wrrants

2 Meth Labs Dismantled

4 Marijuana Grow Operations

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

19

Exceeding Expectations

SCDIU Tactical Team The primary goal of the Tactical Team is safety and preservation of all human life. The Tactical Team is a law enforcement support unit, which is specifically trained and equipped to resolve critical high-risk situations. Containment of suspects and negotiation procedures are the team’s first responsibilities. The 25 team members are selected from law enforcement agencies within Faribault, Freeborn, Steele, and Waseca counties. Each agency is responsible for equipping the assigned officer.

The SCDIU Tactical Team is overseen by the SCDIU Board. This board consists of chief law enforcement officers from each of the represented agencies.

The SCDIU Tactical Team Commander and Assistant Team Commander report to the board monthly.

Team members train ten hours per month. Training topics include hostage rescue, warrant service, firearms qualifications, tactical first aid, physical fitness, and various other topics. In addition, the SCDIU Tactical Team has also trained jointly with the Bloomington Bomb Squad, the Federal Correctional Institution in Waseca, the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Faribault, and the Minnesota State Patrol Tactical Team. Each year, team members also attend the Special Operations Tactical Association Conference.

2008 SCDIU Tactical Team Call-Outs February 25 May 23 June 28 August 7 September 7 November 25

Drug Search Warrant Suicidal/barricaded male Unresponsive/suicidal Male Barricaded subject w/ hostage Probable Cause Arrest Drug Search Warrant

Owatonna Faribault Albert Lea Blue Earth Owatonna Albert Lea

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

Day Time Hours Night Time Hours Day Time Hours Night Time Hours Day Time Hours Day Time Hours

20

Exceeding Expectations

Professional Standards “Integrity Above All” This is the motto of the Owatonna Police Department and the department works diligently to uphold that motto.

The primary responsibility of the Professional Standards is to ensure the integrity of the Owatonna Police Department. Professional Standards also monitors the relationship between the community and the Department and strives to create mutual trust. It serves as a method of internal accountability by receiving, processing and investigating complaints concerning police conduct. These complaints may allege violations of criminal law or department policy or officer performance and may originate from outside sources or from within the department.

The goal of the Professional Standards is to ensure the integrity of the Owatonna Police Department is maintained through an internal system in which objectivity, fairness and justice are guaranteed by an impartial investigation and review of complaints made against any of our employees, policies or procedures.

Professional Standards have been established to ensure police always act with professionalism and integrity in everything they do. In the circumstance a complaint against officers is received, an internal affairs investigation is initiated to determine if disciplinary action is necessary. If criminal wrongdoing is alleged, the Owatonna Police Department often requests an outside agency complete the criminal investigation. In 2008, there were no allegations of criminal conduct brought against an officer with the Owatonna Police Department. In 2008, there were 26 internal investigatory actions taken which resulted in four disciplinary actions. Disciplinary actions can include verbal and written warnings, suspensions and termination. The remaining investigatory actions were classified as Performance Matters. Performance Matters are not classified as discipline as they generally result from a minor policy infraction and are likely to be resolved by training and counseling if there is no known pattern of similar conduct with the employee and there is no evidence of bad faith or intent to do wrong.

2008 Internal Investigations Actions Unacceptable Perfomance, 2 Vehicle Operations, 2

Performance Matter, 22

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

21

Exceeding Expectations

Compliance Initiatives Predatory Offender Registration The Owatonna Police Department recognizes that predatory offenders pose a significant risk to a community. Keeping the public safe is our priority and it is our belief that a collaborative approach, including taking precautionary measures and encouraging community reporting practices, will ensure that predatory offender registration continues to be largely successful. It has been well documented that roughly 80% of predatory offenders are known by their victims; therefore, it is imperative that law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and human services work together in keeping our community informed and educated. Registering as a predatory offender is a collateral consequence of criminal behavior and it acts as one of the many deterrent factors as to whether someone will re-offend.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains a registry of predatory offenders residing within the state. Those registered have been convicted of a violent felony or sexually related crime and classified in the registry based on their likelihood to re-offend. A risk assessment is conducted on each person registered prior to release from confinement. An offender’s risk assessment dictates the level of community notification that is required of law enforcement.

Level l: Offenders who are considered a low risk to re-offend or do not meet established risk level criteria. Law enforcement notification includes victims and witnesses to the offense and other law enforcement agencies.

Level ll: Offenders who are considered a moderate risk to re-offend. Law enforcement notification to the community can include schools, daycares, organizations or establishments that primarily serve people likely to be victimized by the offender, and individuals mentioned under Level l.

Level lll: Offenders considered a high risk to re-offend. These offenders are typically under intense, close supervision by the Department of Corrections. Law enforcement notification involves the entire community via a media release and a community notification meeting.

In 2008, the Owatonna Police Department monitored and tracked 48 individuals living in our community who are registered as predatory offenders. This included semi-annual unannounced visits to their residences as well as voluntary compliance checks by the offenders. The Patrol and Investigation Divisions work in concert to ensure that predatory offenders are in statutory compliance with their registration requirements. Any offenders who, through investigation, are found to be non-complaint at any time are aggressively prosecuted with the assistance of the Steele County Attorney’s Office.

3 NonCompliant

45

Compliant

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

48 Registered Individuals

22

Exceeding Expectations

Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Checks The Owatonna Police Department, with the assistance of underage operatives, conducts alcohol and tobacco compliance checks with local retailers. Compliance checks provide a proactive effort to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of our youngest community members. These checks are completed twice a year by the department. The operatives are trained, photographed and equipped with electronic listening devices so officers can monitor the conversations.

In 2008, the department received a grant to help cover expenses while conducting the compliance checks.

The first 2008 alcohol check resulted in a 97% compliance rate. The second check resulted in a 100% compliant rate. Owatonna currently has fifty-three liquor license holders.

The first tobacco check for 2008 resulted in a 97% compliance rate. The second tobacco check resulted in a 100% compliance rate. There are currently twenty-nine tobacco license holders in the city of Owatonna.

Gang Officers In 2008, Owatonna Patrol Officer Cooper, was assigned to the department’s gang investigation unit. Officer Cooper works closely with the department’s investigator that is currently assigned to the unit. The department’s investigator is also the Owatonna High School Liaison Officer. The gang unit works with other agencies in the area and attends monthly meetings focusing on gang activity.

The unit developed and implemented the gang field interview cards for the Owatonna patrol officers. The officers are given the field cards to carry with them while on patrol. The field cards have ten gang qualifiers along with physical descriptions of possible gang members. Officers fill out the gang cards and the gang officers place the information into the department’s database. The gang officers use the department’s database and a national database to track and store current information on gang member which assists in investigations.

In 2008, the gang unit officers also put on presentations to area clubs and associations regarding local gang issues. The presentation included a power point along with numerous articles of gang related items that had been confiscated from students that attend the local high school. The officers also presented at the department’s in-service training in September.

With the implement of cameras and the Quick $50 Program (2007) the City of Owatonna has seen a reduction in vandalism and graffiti for 2008. Gang officers attempt to get graffiti cleaned up within twenty-fours after it has been reported. Officers, along with community volunteers will paint over fresh graffiti with the property owner’s permission.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

23

Exceeding Expectations

Investigations Support Crime Scene Technicians The Crime Scene Technician program includes 5 officers. Officer Joel Hunt, Officer Terrence Flynn, Officer Willie Goodsell, Officer Jason Weber and Corporal Tom Munns make up this group of both Patrol Officers and Investigators. The addition of a very useful tool; A 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe was a highlight of the year. The Tahoe is fully equipped to hold all of the equipment needed to properly process any form of crime scene.

Property and Evidence

Crime Scene Technicians have continued to maintain and advance their skills in the following areas: crime scene photography, latent print development and recovery, footwear evidence, biological and trace evidence recovery and crime scene reconstruction.

The Property and Evidence Technician is tasked with maintaining the chain of custody for all evidentiary items submitted to the Property Room. The Technician is responsible for documenting the intake, storage, security, release and disposal of all submitted items. The Property and Evidence Technician receives annual training and is a certified property and evidence specialist. In 2008, 913 total items were entered into the property room. This number includes items entered as evidence, found property, and safekeeping items. Of the 913 items, a total of $8,574.47 was entered into the property room as well as 198 drug items and 39 weapons (including firearms).

913 items entered

58 items released or destroyed

Forfeitures The administrative assistants and the parking control officer manage the forfeiture process for the Owatonna Police Department. Minnesota statutes contain a provision where an offender’s vehicle may be forfeited when the offender has used the vehicle in a driving while intoxicated incident if certain conditions related to the offender’s prior drinking and driving behavior exist. Along with DWI vehicle forfeitures the Owatonna Police Department has seized vehicles associated with criminal crimes and arrests. The intention of vehicle forfeitures is that public safety is served by forfeiting vehicles used in a commission of a crime.

In 2008 a total of twenty-four (24) vehicles were subject to forfeiture. During 2008 one (1) vehicle was maintained for department use, five (5) were sold at auction, seven (7) were returned to the owner/lien holder, while fourteen (14) vehicles are still in the forfeiture process.

Cash forfeitures are also tracked by Owatonna Police Department and with permission of the courts, the money is distributed between the police department, the county attorney, and the state of Minnesota. In 2008, $3,657.92 was seized as a result of criminal activity. Over $2,900.00 in cleared forfeitures was disbursed as well.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

24

Exceeding Expectations

Support Services

“Greatness lies in helping somebody, not in trying to be somebody.”

Harvey MacKay

Parking Control

1339

2008

2007

724

2006

671

4035

1539

4984

1277

Odd/Even

6190

1709

Red Green

730

2005

6529 1420 751

2004

5871 1299 0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

2008 Ticket Totals Green Tickets – 1539

2 – 4 Hour Red Tickets – 4035

Odd/Even Tickets – 1339

TOTAL: 6913 TOTAL DOLLARS: $85,728.00 The parking control officer is responsible for enforcing codes and ordinances governing parking, and assisting the public by providing information about parking locations and regulations. The parking control division implemented an electronic ticketing device in 2008 and with information obtained from this new device was able to obtain data that was vital in reviewing parking issues and trends. Based on the information obtained, a graduated parking fine system will be implemented in 2009. The objective of the new graduated parking fine system is to provide a warning for the first offense but also penalize the chronic offender along with creating longer term parking for customers and employees. The goal of the graduated parking system is to be more user friendly and to maintain a vibrant downtown. A new City ordinance referencing the graduated fine system was adopted by the City Council based upon recommendations from the downtown parking committee.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

25

Exceeding Expectations

Community Service Officers The Community Service Officer supports the efforts of the Owatonna Police Department by providing services to the community while also supporting other divisions within the police department. There are currently three part-time Community Service Officers working for the police department. The Community Service Officers are knowledgeable and flexible in their assignments as they are asked to perform duties from every division within the Owatonna Police Department.

The Community Service Officer (CSO) is responsible for a variety of functions within the department which do not necessarily require the response of a sworn officer. CSOs patrol the city parks and schools. Working closely with the Owatonna Park and Recreation Department, they look for signs of vandalism to city parks and trails as well as assist with locking park buildings at park closing times. CSOs also respond to minor calls such as minor accidents, thefts and vandalism. In addition, they assist Parking Control and Animal Control when necessary. Ordinance violations, junk vehicle complaints, and house checks are also the responsibility of the CSO. CSOs are tasked with administrative duties such as crime mapping, maintaining the warrant list on the department’s web page, and updating the organizational chart. The CSO responds to tow releases and warning tags at the Law Enforcement Center. Furthermore, CSOs transport evidence to the BCA crime lab, deliver paperwork to other government entities, and complete other deliveries as needed.

Squad Maintenance is assigned to the CSOs. The CSOs track monthly vehicle mileage for all police vehicles, track problems with squad cars and arrange for maintenance and repair with the city shop. They also assist with portable radio repair and maintain the LIDAR equipment.

The Community Service Officer also plays a vital role in the community by providing funeral escorts, assisting with Safety Camp each summer, parade assistance, security for community events, and providing the opportunity to view squad cars and other police equipment to various community organizations and events.

Besides providing critical support to the Owatonna Police Department on a daily basis, our CSO Program continues to turn out top-quality police officer candidates. This is a direct result of the high standards each CSO must meet in order to be hired, the ongoing training they receive, and the job responsibilities they are given. The Owatonna Police Department promoted former CSO Chad Fierst to police officer in 2008.

Like all department personnel, Community Service Officers display a positive image for the Owatonna Police Department while contributing to maintain a more efficient and professional organization.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

26

Exceeding Expectations

Animal Control Animal Control is a contracted position within the City of Owatonna that is supervised by the police department. Animal Control primarily responds to concerns about domestic animals within the City of Owatonna. Animal Control Officer Mike Bartsch, who responds to calls, coordinates Animal Control and helps resolve issues through negotiation or having the police department cite offenders, when necessary. ACO Bartsch also maintains and cares for animals at the animal control shelter. Wild animal control calls should be directed to Critter Busters Nuisance Wildlife Control by contacting Todd at 507-456-1148 or Tami at 507-456-1771. Additionally you may contact Falls Creek Animal Control at 651-235-0829 or 1-866-838-2868. In 2008, Animal Control set up a partnership with Argosy University in Eagan, Minnesota. Animal control brings approximately four cats there a month where they are checked for any sickness, heart worm, feline leukemia, etc. and then they spay and neuter them and bring them up to date with necessary vaccinations. Argosy keeps the cats for a month at which time they are brought back to animal control and adopted out. This is a partnership with their Veterinary Tech program where students receive hands on training with real animals. The partnership comes at no cost for their services. When ACO Bartsch is not available the police department or community service officers respond to calls for service. In 2008 Animal Control received 1,207 calls for service which was an increase of 20% over 2007. Animal calls for service remain one of the highest calls for service for the police department.

2003

2004

1322

2005

1344

2006

2007

2008

1364

1207 1208 1006

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

27

Exceeding Expectations

Records The conversion to LOGIS (Local Government Information Systems) in May 2008 brought new technology to the Records Department.

RMS (Records Management Systems) now stores all data and reports of the Owatonna Police Department.

In 2008, Records staff processed over 4600 reports for the Owatonna Police Department.

The Records Department is staffed with five full time and one part time Steele County employees. The Owatonna Police Department contributes 50% of their salary. The Records department updates all names, locations, arrests, and propertyloss reports as well as handles nonemergency calls, background checks, transcription, and other general requests from the public.

Owatonna Police Department Calls for Service 24743

10746

2005

11745

Pearl Street 9-1-1 Center The 911 Center answers all requests for law enforcement assistance via 9-1-1 and the local police number. The center serves 9 law enforcement agencies, 10 fire and rescue departments, and 5 ambulances services within Rice and Steele County.

12511

Owatonna Police Department 2008 Top Five Calls for Service

2006

2007

2008

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

Animal Complaints (985) Suspicious Activity (786) Medicals (754) Alarms (499) Parking Complaints (452)

28

Exceeding Expectations

Community Programs CITY OF OWATONNA LANDLORD ASSOCIATION: C.O.L.A. In the year 2008, the Owatonna Police Department continued to provide support in its partnership with landlords and managers in the City of Owatonna. The strong support, cooperation and communication continued to increase awareness regarding issues facing law enforcement and property owners and managers.

Now in its third year, COLA continues to make great strides. Membership again increased in 2008 by 10%.

Currently there are 102 registered members of the association.

COLA introduced booklets for applications/leases. This assisted in guiding tenants when applying for rental property. Two seminars were completed which specifically addressed fair housing issues. Fire Chief Johnson, Police Chief LaDue and the COLA attorney each provided support and training at various times in 2008. Their direct involvement and support continues to assist in providing a strong foundation for the association.

Board meetings are conducted monthly and various training opportunities are provided to COLA members including areas such as maintenance, Landlord/Tenant law and technology. A new website was developed and is currently available in conjunction with the city website. It can be viewed at www.owatonnacola.com.

Free advertisements and vacancy listings can be posted on this website.

Landlords and managers continue to work actively with law enforcement in regards to the Disorderly Use Ordinance and making the properties and neighborhoods secure and safe for all. We look for COLA to continue to grow and the partnership with law enforcement to strengthen as 2009 begins.

25

20

15 Disorderly (83) Nuisance (40)

10

Trespassing (51) Evictions (93)

5

0

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

29

Exceeding Expectations

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT On August 5, 2008, the citizens of Owatonna partnered together with the Owatonna Police Department to host National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual event designed to enhance citizens crime prevention techniques, better educate citizens of police duties, bolster police-community relations and neighborhood relationships, and lastly, to send a message to criminals informing them that the police and citizens of Owatonna will not tolerate their crimes.

In 2008 the message to criminals was bold as we had neighborhoods organize a total of 56 block parties, which is an increase of 20% from 2007. Each and every block party was visited by an Owatonna Police Officer who provided crime prevention materials for the adults, toys for the children, and spoke to the groups addressing their concerns in their neighborhoods. A major concern that was brought up in 2008 was the speed of traffic on residential roads. The police department followed up on those complaints with placement of traffic calming devices, speed surveys, and intensive enforcement of traffic laws in those areas. This year’s efforts were also supported by Target who donated door prizes and also attended a few block parties.

National Night Out is one event in particular that is critical in sustaining and strengthening the police-community relationship in Owatonna. The Owatonna Police Department looks forward to gaining further joint community efforts to fight crime through the 2009 National Night Out and other events.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

30

Exceeding Expectations

Law Enforcement Memorial Since 1962, May 15th has been designated as Peace Officer Memorial Day. Owatonna Police Officers take an oath to protect and serve and sometimes that may mean making the “ultimate sacrifice.” Each year in May, Officers volunteer their time to guard the Law Enforcement Memorial in St Paul to honor law enforcement personnel who have made that “ultimate sacrifice.”

EXPLORERS The Owatonna Police Department Explorer Post #204 was founded in 1998. In 2008, the program had eight active Explorer Advisors; Officer Terrence Flynn, Officer Joel Hunt, Officer Kyle Parr, Officer Jason Weber, and Officer Fogel. The Explorer program is a young adult career education program for young men and women who are 14 and graduates of eighth grade or are 15 through 20 years of age. There are 15 youth participants in 2008.

Law Enforcement Exploring is a youth development program centered around law enforcement careers and is a cooperative effort between the Owatonna Police Department and the Boys Scouts of America. The purpose of this program is to provide experiences to help young people mature, and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.

The end result of a program of this nature is that the various program activities help youth pursue their special interests, grow and develop. Explorer programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience.

The programs are based on the Learning for Life Mission Statement: “The mission for Learning for Life is to serve others by helping instill core values in young people and in other ways prepare them to make ethical choices throughout their lives so they can achieve their full potential.”

Members of the Owatonna Police Department Explorer Post #204 participate in training meetings, which expose them to a wide variety of situations that law enforcement officers experience, and in community events where their assistance is valuable to the police department, all while giving them insight into the many varied duties of the department. Several previous Explorer members are now sworn officers, and several more are currently majoring in college law enforcement programs.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

31

Exceeding Expectations

State Funded Grants Safe and Sober Grant The Owatonna Police Department has been involved the Safe and Sober program since 1998. In 1998 the Owatonna Police Department submitted traffic enforcement initiatives that Owatonna was doing on their own to prevent traffic infractions for the Safe and Sober Challenge, receiving and award of $2000 to be used towards traffic related equipment and/or overtime traffic enforcement.

Since 1998 the Owatonna Police Department has joined in a partnership with the Steele County Sheriff’s Office and Blooming Prairie Police Departments in applying for Safe and Sober overtime grant monies that allow officers to work specific hours during each of the specific traffic enforcement campaigns.

The grant period begins October 1 and goes through September 30 th the following year. During a grant period, the particular violation focus of traffic enforcement is designated by the Office of Traffic Safety with the State of Minnesota. These campaigns or Waves as they are called are alcohol and/or drug impairment to speeding to underage consumption and seatbelt/child restraint violations. Even though there is a specific focus for enforcement, officers working these overtime shifts still enforce all traffic infractions. The wave’s focus is determined through statistical analysis done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

During the holiday seasons of Christmas and New Year’s, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, the focus is mainly on alcohol and/or drug impairment and underage consumption. Throughout the year, month long initiatives are dedicated to special campaigns that focus on specific types of traffic enforcement. For instance, in May the focus of traffic enforcement was seatbelts. The “Buckle Up, Click it or Ticket” campaign was to battle unbuckled motorists. This also includes children under the age of 11 and front passengers as well. Front passengers of all vehicles must be buckled and children under the age of 11 should be in age appropriate child safety seats or seatbelts in the back seats. The “Seven Days of Summer” in July is when officers all over southeast Minnesota are out during the same days and times with a focus on speed enforcement. August focuses on the “Move Over Law” that was named in honor of State Patrol Trooper Ted Foss who was killed in 2000 by an errant driver during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 in Winona County. The state law requires drivers travelling on multi-lane highways to move one lane away from emergency vehicles on the roadway or shoulder.

Officers look for traffic violations and write traffic citations throughout the year. Just remember “Click it or Ticket,” and “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.” If you break the law you are subject to a ticket and/or can be arrested.

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

32

Exceeding Expectations

Data Trend Owatonna Police Department Total Part I & II Crimes CRIME

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Homicide

0

0

0

0

0

0

Rape

5

8

8

3

7

5

Robbery

4

10

4

4

7

1

Aggravated Assault

32

35

30

19

17

19

Burglary

121

132

141

135

164

74

Theft

519

609

621

499

502

357

Auto Theft

24

26

33

30

29

15

Arson

6

0

2

7

2

4

Total Part I

711

820

839

697

728

475

Total Part II

1573

1700

1582

1603

1237

962

Total

2284

2520

2421

2300

1965

1437

2000 1500 1000 Part I Crimes 500

Part II Crimes

0 2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

33

Exceeding Expectations

2008 UNIFORM CRIME REPORT SUMMARY Part I Crimes Murder Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Arson Total Part I Part II Crimes Other Assaults Forgery/Counterfeiting Fraud Embezzlement Stolen Property Vandalism Weapons Prostitution Other Sex Offenses Narcotics Gambling Family/Children DUI Liquor Laws Disorderly Conduct Other Offenses Total Part II GRAND TOTAL

# of Offenses 0 5 1 19 74 357 15 4 475 # of Offenses

Offenses Cleared 0 4 1 16 10 148 2 0 181 Offenses Cleared

% Cleared 0 80 100 84 13 41 13 0 38 % Cleared

Crime Rate per 100,000 0 20 4 76 298 1439 60 16 1915

100 45 69 1 3 227 10 1 31 62 0 14 113 43 51 192 962

83 15 33 0 3 21 8 1 18 61 0 7 108 43 47 174 622

83 33 47 0 100 9 80 100 58 98 0 50 95 100 92 90 64

Crime Rate per 100,000 403 181 278 4 12 915 40 4 125 250 0 56 455 173 205 774 3879

1437

803

55

5795

*Statistics furnished from the 2008 Version of the Minnesota BCA/CJIS Uniform Crime Report

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

34

Exceeding Expectations

Growth Opportunities - 2009 Staff Development Bi-Annual Department Training In-Service Critical Incident / Active Shooter Exercise Performance Objectives and Expectations/Mid-year Self Evaluations Continued restructuring of department including duty assignments and placement Implementation of Roll Call for enhanced communication throughout department Equipment In-Car Video Camera Systems Patrol Rifle Implementation Evidence Tech Unit Ordinance Updates and/or Implementation Administrative Fines/Fees Social Hosting Ordinance Evidence and Abandoned Property Disposal Ordinance Parking Enforcement Ordinance Enhancement Technology LOGIS Implementation CAD / Records / MDC Property & Evidence Bar Coding Electronic Policy / Procedure Manual Enhanced Data Management - LOGIS Updated and Enhanced Web Site Kiosk Reporting System Speedshift Implementation (timecard reporting system) Parking Control Management Software Hallmark Initiatives South Central Drug Task Force – Unit Commander, Fiscal Agent, Agent Animal Control Services City of Owatonna Landlord Association (COLA) Crime Free Multi-Housing Certifications Annual National Night Out Police Explorers Hotel / Motel Drug Interdiction Safe and Sober Traffic Safety Enforcement Program Predatory Offender Verification Program Alcohol and Tobacco Verifications

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

35

Exceeding Expectations

Owatonna Police Department 204 East Pearl Street Owatonna, MN 55060 507-444-3800

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that has.”

Margaret Mead

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many people within the Owatonna Police Department contributed to the development of this report.

The following individual deserves special recognition for her efforts: Kimberly Dub, Administrative Assistant

www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report

36