Records/Pearl Street 911 Center

SUPPORT SERVICES

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS

There are currently three 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 may respond to minor calls such as minor accidents, thefts and vandalism. In addition, they assist parking 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 record 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.

A significant change in duties for our CSOs came about in the middle of 2011. The department previously contracted animal control services to an independent civilian; however, in an attempt to provide the same service in a more economically efficient and effective method, existing CSOs were assigned those duties. CSOs are primarily tasked with responding to domestic animal calls for service, maintaining the animal control facility and impounded animals, and investigating and/or following up on animal bite calls.

SUPPORT SERVICES

ANIMAL CONTROL

In 2011, the contracted position of animal control officer for the city of Owatonna was eliminated and Community Service Officers absorbed the animal control duties. Animal Control helps to maintain the health and safety of pets and protects city residents from problem animals. Community Service Officers respond to concerns with domestic animals within the city. They also enforce the city ordinances regarding animals, educate the public on important issues concerning animals, and look after the safety and welfare of pets and their owners.

The following services are performed: 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. In 2011, a total of $2,720.00 in funds were collected from animals claimed at the animal control shelter.

Total Animal Calls: 1207 1324 1420 1455

SUPPORT SERVICES

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 ambulance services within Rice and Steele County.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Safety Camp

Steele County Safety Camp occurs for two days each year in June. Children from Steele County who have completed the third grade are invited to spend a few days learning about safety. The camp is held at the Lake Kohlmier boat landing and the Fairgrounds and runs from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM each day. Along with fun and games, the kids learn about fishing safety, boat/canoe safety, camping/hiking, bike safety, firearms safety, first aid, electrical safety, fire safety, outdoor equipment safety, and much more. Each child receives a camp T-shirt, a certificate of completion and a team picture. The Owatonna Police Department volunteers five officers, a coordinator, and community service officers to help at Safety Camp. Safety Camp is a joint effort with various organizations contributing time, money and talents to ensure our youth learn the skills they need to stay safe.

Guns Versus Hoses

2011 was the inaugural year for the "Guns vs Hoses" charity softball game. The Owatonna Police Department took on the Owatonna Fire Department to raise money for the Owatonna Park and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund. The firefighters won the game 16-2 and together the teams raised close to $300 for the scholarship fund!

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 n o w i n o u r f i ft h y e ar a s a n organization. Sergeant Hassing was the department liaison with the landlords in 2011. He attends all monthly COLA board meetings and well as many general membership meetings. In 2011, there were 60 COLA members. The Owatonna Police Department and COLA continue to participate in the Crime Free MultiHousing Program and in 2011 had 30 participants in the trainings offered.

Disorderly use violations and the e n f o r c e m e n t o f t h e o r d i n a n c e continued to be a focus in 2011 while addressing issues which were taking place in rental units throughout Owatonna. In 2011, there were a total of 249 disorderly use violations and 109 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.