Reserves, Explorers

2020 Community Programs

RESERVES

2020 marked our 8th year for the reserve unit. There are nine active members including one sergeant.

The Police Reserve Program is a volunteer program that was overseen in 2020 by Owatonna Patrol Sergeant Andy DeVinny. The dedication from Andy and all reserve members helped sustain the strong partnership between the Owatonna Police Department and the Reserve Unit. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member, applications are always being accepted and are available upon request during regular business hours. You do not need to be pursuing a career in law enforcement to apply and no prior law enforcement experience is required. The focus is to serve the community and develop, train, and recruit prospering law enforcement students to join the law enforcement profession here or elsewhere as well as qualified adults who wish to serve their community. Assignments include:

• Provide security at street dances and city park events • Respond to emergency call-ins to assist officers where needed • Assist with prisoner and transport details for officers

• Monthly meetings and training to review policies and procedures, CPR and AED, first responder, defensive tactics, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, squad car orientation/usage, and ATV training • Events such as Shop with a Cop, From the Heart Run/Walk, Steele County Safety Camp, Night to Unite, parades and house checks, and aid with traffic control

EXPLORERS

In 2020, the Owatonna Police Department had 10 volunteer explorer members. Even though COVID-19 shut most things down and they were unable to go to any state competitions, our explorers still kept up-to-date on training and helped out with various community events when allowed. The explorers collaborated with Papa Murphy’s Pizza for a fundraising event where they sold punch cards at a discounted price. Papa Murphy’s donated a portion of the profits to our group to which they are very grateful! The proceeds went toward equipment and competition fees. During the 2020 COVID-19 shut down, and in their personal time, the explorers did a great job keeping in touch with each other to make sure everyone was coping with new school arrangements that included distance learning. We are so proud of our explorer’s group as many have gone on to become community service officers and reserve officers for the Owatonna PD.

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