Criminal Investigations School Resource Officers….………………………………………………...……………………………19

PATROL DIVSION

REMODEL

In 2012, forfeiture funds and in-kind services from city employees were used to remodel the main floor of the Law Enforcement Center creating a new work area for patrol sergeants and patrol officers. The construction portion of the project was primarily funded by in-kind city services and we extend a big “Thank You” out to our fellow city workers, who without, would have made this project impossible. Those involved in making this project happen include: the city administrator and finance director, the facility and grounds superintendent, city carpenters, city electrician, city plumber and the street department employees who assisted with the demolition.

DETECTIVE BUREAU

Criminal Investigations

The Detective Bureau serves in a support capacity of the Owatonna Police Department by concentrating on the investigation of criminal matters that have previously been reported to the Patrol Division. A detective will take a proactive approach when the need arises, by gathering intelligence, conducting human and electronic surveillance, and installing portable alarms. The major components of investigations are case screening, follow-up investigations, and gathering criminal intelligence.

In 2012, the Detective Bureau was comprised of a captain, a detective sergeant, two corporal detectives, three detectives, and an administrative assistant. The captain oversees the overall operation of the bureau while the detective sergeant oversees the bureau’s daily operations and workflow. The detective sergeant assigned to the bureau also currently serves as the commander of the South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU). In addition to these responsibilities, the detective sergeant oversees the Predatory Offender Program and acts as a liaison to the Steele County Attorney’s Office and Steele County Human Services. Two detectives are assigned to the Owatonna Public Schools during the school year, serving as school resource officers. Detectives receive specialized training in the areas of interview and interrogation, crime and death scene investigations, and writing search warrants. The Detective Bureau administrative assistant serves as the property and evidence technician for the department and also serves as the administrative coordinator for the SCDIU.

The types of cases referred to the Detective Bureau are broken into two separate classifications, crimes against persons and property crimes. Crimes against persons involve criminal sexual assault, child/adult protection, assaults, arson, robbery, and homicide. Property crimes include: theft, burglary, fraud/forgery, financial, and computer crime. In addition, detectives conduct alcohol and tobacco compliance checks twice a year on Owatonna retailers that sell alcohol and/or tobacco products, twice yearly coordinate predatory offender verifications, conduct pre-employment background investigations, oversee the Retailer’s Protection Agency (RPA) program, and gather gang and criminal intelligence.

The Detective Bureau is currently staffed by Captain Rethemeier, Detective Sergeant Hassing, Detective Corporals Munns and Edel and Detectives Drenth, Hunt and Flynn. During the school year, Detective Hunt and Detective Flynn are assigned to Owatonna Junior High School and the Owatonna High School.

DETECTIVE BUREAU

*CAC refers to a formal complaint sent to the county attorney’s office.

Crimes Against Persons

Detectives work cases classified as Crimes Against Persons. These investigations include Criminal Sexual Conduct, Predatory Offenders, Children in need of Protective Services (CHIPS), Adult Protection, Arson, Robberies, and Homicides. Within this subdivision, detectives work collaboratively with numerous resources throughout the state.

Property Crimes

Detectives are also trained to investigate Property Crimes. These investigations include crimes such as burglaries, t h e f t s , f r a u d , f o r g e r i e s , computer crimes, the Worthless Check Diversion Program, as well as alcohol and tobacco compliance checks.

DETECTIVE BUREAU

School Resource Officers

With over 5000 students enrolled in the Owatonna Public School District, the school resource officers are assigned to help maintain a safe, secure, and uninterrupted learning environment for the students, staff, and parents in the district. The officers, one assigned to the senior high school and the other assigned to the junior high and elementary schools, serve as a resource to prevent crime in the school as well as investigate incidents that occur on school property. The officers also serve as an education resource by bringing their experience and expertise as guest instructors in certain facets of educational curriculum. During the school year, Detective Joel Hunt is assigned to the Owatonna Junior High School/elementary schools and Detective Terrence Flynn is assigned to the Owatonna High School.