Community Service Officers

Support Services

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS

Community Service Officers (CSOs) are a critical, non-licensed support unit with the Owatonna Police Department responsible for responding to citizen complaints and assisting licensed police officers upon request. CSOs primary responsibilities include animal control, parking control, ordinance education and enforcement, traffic control, motorist assists, private property crashes, and house and park checks. These responsibilities are service calls which may not require a licensed officer; however, are an essential part of department duties to meet the needs of the community. Our CSOs can also be found at local daycares giving a squad tour, leading a parade or funeral procession, or other various community engagement events.

Historically, CSO positions were usually held by those going into the law enforcement field and the practical experience gained helped build a foundation for licensed peace officer duties. A CSO position may also lead to an opportunity as a licensed officer with the department. In 2020, we had 10 previous CSOs who served as licensed officers with the Owatonna Police Department.

The department Community Service Officers were Brian Shaw, Gabrielle Flemming and Julia Hansen who responded to 5347 calls in 2020.

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