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Records/Pearl Street 911 Center

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS

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

The current climate within police agencies is that they are becoming increasingly constrained because of budgetary concerns and the need to serve a larger or growing community. In this environment, the position of the CSO is considered a blessing for both the departments and communities they serve in. CSOs typically are paid significantly less than sworn officers, allowing departments to field more people for the same amount of money. This has the effect of providing quicker response times to citizen requests for police services. Further, CSOs usually handle lower priority calls which do not require an armed police officer with arrest powers thus freeing sworn officers to concentrate on those incidents requiring their specific skill set. Even a few CSOs can have a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of police services that departments provide.

CSOs are tasked with multiple duties such as: traffic control at vehicle collisions, public events, traffic signal outages, patrol the city parks and schools, issue parking tickets, community relations including crime prevention and responding to requests for information. 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.

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 maintenance 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 for citizens to view squad cars and other police equipment at 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. 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.

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

ANIMAL CONTROL

The animal control officer for the city of Owatonna is Mike Bartsch. ACO Bartsch is contracted through the city of Owatonna and is supervised by the police department. Animal Control helps to maintain the health and safety of pets and protects city residents from problem animals. ACO Bartsch primarily responds to concerns with domestic animals within the city. He also enforces the city ordinances regarding animals, educates the public on important issues concerning animals, and looks after the safety and welfare of pets and their owners.

The following services are performed by the animal control officer: provide traps for catching cats, pick up animals caught, impound loose dogs, vaccination tag enforcement, investigate cruelty and barking complaints, and enforce the dangerous dog ordinance. The animal control officer answers all complaints in a timely and courteous manner. In 2010, a total of $4,342 in funds were collected from animals claimed at the animal control shelter.

The animal control officer also maintains and cares for animals at the animal control shelter. When ACO Bartsch is not available the police department or community service officers respond to calls for service.

2010 Animal Shelter Statistics

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

RECORDS AND 911 CENTER

Records Division

The Records Department is staffed with four full time Steele County employees. The Owatonna Police Department contributes 50% of their salary. The Records department updates all names, locations, arrests, and property-loss reports as well as handles non-emergency calls, background checks, transcription, and other general requests from the public.

Pearl Street 911 Center

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

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

AED PROGRAM

In 1999, the Owatonna Police Department implemented the AED program. At the start of the program, funding was obtained from the Department of Public Safety and two AEDs were purchased with this grant. Later with help of several local charities (Eagles, Elks, Golden Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, and VFW) in 2005, there were a total of eight AEDs in Owatonna Police Department squad cars. In 2007, Owatonna Hospital donated two AEDs through the Owatonna Hospital’s Heart Safe Communities project. At the same time, the Owatonna Women’s Club and Federated Insurance donated AEDs and the Owatonna Police Department purchased a unit. This brings the total number of AEDs to 13. Early in 2008 the Owatonna Hospital Heart Safe Communities heard we had one squad without a AED and purchased the AED for this squad. This bringing the Owatonna Police Department to a total of 14 AED’s in 2009. The Owatonna Police Department entered into an agreement with Gold Cross Ambulance Service and Dr. Ralph Wertwijn, who agreed to be the local medical director for the use of AEDs by officers. Officer training is completed annually; consisting of four hours of lecture and hands on experience. Since the inception of the program, the AED has become an important link in the Chain of Survival in the Owatonna Community. 14 lives have been saved as a result of having AED placement in squad cars!

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

COLA

The City of Owatonna Landlord Association (COLA) was formed five years ago to network small and large landlords with the police department and other property managers. We are now in our fourth year as an organization. Sergeant Hassing is the department liaison with the landlords and attends all monthly COLA board meetings and well as many general membership meetings. In 2010, COLA membership increased by 10% bringing the total number of members to over 100. Two new properties were also added to the Phase III Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.

Disorderly use violations and the enforcement of the ordinance continued to be a focus in 2010 while addressing issues which were taking place in rental units throughout Owatonna. In 2010, there were a total of 312 disorderly use violations and 144 nuisance violations which were addressed and resolved. The communication and involvement between landlords in addressing these issues helped make the housing units safe for members of the community.

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