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 a sworn police officer, 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 that are not considered emergencies or a matter of immediate public safety. Further, CSOs usually handle lower priority calls which do not require a licensed 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 tours and presentations. CSOs may respond to minor calls such as minor accidents, thefts and vandalism. CSOs work closely with the Owatonna Park and Recreation Department by reporting and documenting damage in the city parks and trails as well as assisting with locking park buildings at park closing times. The CSOs also work closely with our department’s fleet vehicles by monitoring mileage, scheduling routine maintenance and vehicle repairs with the public works mechanics. CSOs also patrol the city to enforce ordinance violations, junk vehicle complaints and perform house checks.

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.

Our CSOs act as the primary animal control officers in the city. As a result, they are typically the responding officers to all animal related calls for service, such as a barking dog, a dog/cat biting incident or a dog/cat at large. The CSOs are responsible for the care of impounded animals being held at the Animal Control Facility and the maintenance of the Animal Control Facility. Lastly, the CSOs will investigate and follow-up with all dog/cat bite complaints to make certain the animal owner is in compliance with the state statutes related to potentially dangerous dogs and dangerous dogs.

SUPPORT SERVICES

ANIMAL CONTROL

Animal Control helps to maintain the health and safety of pets and protects city residents from problem domesticated animals. The Owatonna Police Department Community Service Officers respond to domestic animal complaints within the city including barking dogs, animals at large, amongst others. 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 live traps for catching cats, picking up animals captured by citizens, impounding loose dogs and cats, vaccination tag enforcement, investigate cruelty and barking complaints, and enforce the potentially dangerous and dangerous dog ordinances. In 2012, a total of $2,720.00 in funds was collected from animals claimed at the animal control shelter.

SUPPORT SERVICES

RECORDS AND 911 CENTER

Records Division

The Records Department is staffed with four full time Steele County employees; Owatonna Police Department contributes 50% of their salary. The Records Department updates all names, locations, arrests, and property-loss reports as well as handles n o n-e m e r g e n c y c a l l s , b a c k g r o u n d c h e c k s , 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

As a kick off to Corky’s Early Bird Softball Tournament, the Owatonna Police Department competed in the 2nd annual charitable Guns vs. Hoses softball game against members of the Owatonna Fire Department. The Owatonna Fire Department won the 2011 inaugural game by a score of 16-2. In 2012, led by team captain Brandon Fandel, the police department vowed revenge and began a regimented training program. The training paid off as the department avenged last year’s loss by defeating the fire department comfortably 18-4.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

COLA

The City of Owatonna Landlord Association (COLA) was formed to network small and large landlords with the police department and other property managers. We are now in our sixth year as an organization. S e r g e a n t v o n W a l d w a s t h e department liaison with the landlords in 2012. She attends monthly COLA board meetings and well as many general membership meetings.

In 2012, there were over 50 COLA members. The Owatonna Police Department and COLA continue to participate in the Crime Free MultiHousing Program.

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 2012 while addressing issues which were taking place in rental units throughout Owatonna. In 2012, there were a total of 205 disorderly use violations and 42 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.