SCDIU, School Resource Officers

SOUTH CENTRAL DRUG INVESTIGATIVE UNIT

The South Central Drug Investigation Unit’s (SCDIU) mission is to investigate and apprehend mid to upper level drug dealers and violent offenders in our communities. SCDIU agents build successful cases against dealers including drug sales and possession crimes. Agents also investigate violent crimes in our communities such as robberies, burglaries, homicides, gun crimes, and drug overdose cases. Frequently, search warrants are executed to recover illegal drugs. The agents work closely with other agencies to identify drug dealers who are selling across several jurisdictions or states. Agents receive crime tips and follow up with any criminal leads. SCDIU agents are a small mobile unit that travels to wherever they are needed to make the most impact. The Owatonna Police Department is the fiscal agent of a four county multi-jurisdictional Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET) including Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, and Faribault counties. The team serves 2500 square miles and approximately 100,000 people and in 2020, consisted of a commander, administrative assistant, and 5 fulltime agents. There are 13 law enforcement agencies that contribute funds to the unit, and is also funded by state and federal grants. Recent trends in the past year have been an increase of opioid abuse including prescription meds, heroin, and the potent synthetic opioid called fentanyl. Due to unknown potency, overdoses can quickly occur and likely to become fatal. Narcan is an opioid antidote that is used to reverse the fatal effects of opioids and can be administered by first responders.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

Each year, the Owatonna Police Department assigns School Resource Officers to work in a partnership with the Owatonna Public School District #761. The officers bring their specialized training, knowledge, and genuine concern for the safety and wellbeing of the students and staff each and every school day. In 2020, two resource officers were assigned—Detective Brady Vaith to the Owatonna High School and the Alternative Learning Center, and Detective Steve Bowman—assigned to the Owatonna Middle School and all elementary schools. To the right is SRO Steve Bowman thoroughly enjoying the time he worked with the kids at the Owatonna Middle School...clearly on official business! Can you guess which Care Bear is Steve? Page 18