Chief’s Message

Citizens of Owatonna Mayor and City Council Members City Administration and Staff

The staff at the Owatonna Police Department present the 2019 Annual Report. Our team is proud of our accomplishments and honored to have served you over the past year. We want to offer our gratitude to you for supporting us in many ways.

As you live, work or play in our city, we hope you feel safe. Within a population range of 25,000 – 49,999, our city is the fifth safest out of 21 cities according to the Uniform Crime Report. We are safer than most cities in the State of Minnesota. Part 1 crimes, or our more serious crimes, declined by 6.9%. Part 1 crimes have declined for four consecutive years. This is the lowest Part 1 crime rate in over 20 years. Part 2 crimes increased by 12%; however, proactive policing can account for a significant amount of the increase. We focused on human trafficking and sex assaults, driving under the influence, and drug offenses.

The staff welcomed a new canine partner, Vegas to the ranks. We implemented Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) to add additional legitimacy, trust, and transparency to our department. The Police Explorer Post was awarded 4th place for Domestic Crisis at the 2019 Law Enforcement Explorer Conference in Rochester, Minnesota. The Police Reserve Unit volunteered 947.5 hours. A host of other tidbits that benefitted our department and community are on the pages that follow.

We continue to be proud of our community. It is the reason we serve daily. As you read the annual report, I trust you will see our dedication to the community and the many successes within the year. We can continue to lower crimes, build trust and shape our community for the betterment. All we need is your help! It is your watchful eyes, compassion, empathy, kindness and a sense for the common good that makes the City of Owatonna a true gem.

My wish for all of you is a happy and healthy year.

Warmest Regards,

Keith E. Hiller, Chief of Police City of Owatonna, Minnesota