OWATONNA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 Annual Report Chief Keith E. Hiller Owatonna Police Department / 204 East Pearl Street http://www.ci.owatonna.mn.us/170/police
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OWATONNA, MN
Chief’s Message
2
Organizational Structure / Mission
3-4
Mayor:
Department Budget
5
Administrator: Kris M. Busse
Personnel Changes
6
Government:
Mayor—Council
Population:
25,792
Location:
Crossroads of I35 &
Administrative Division
Thomas A. Kuntz
Professional Standards
7
General Overview
7
Chaplains
8
Land Area:
14.45 Square Miles
Police Officer of the Year
8
City Budget:
$31,428,955
Department Training
9-10
Roadways:
155 Lane Miles
Airport:
Runway 1—5,500’ x 100’
Patrol Division General Overview, Districts
11
2019 Highlights
12
U.S. Hwys 14 & 218
Runway 2—3,000’ x 75’
Detective Bureau General Overview
13
2019 Highlights
13-14
Statistics
15
SCDIU, SROs
16
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL
Detective Bureau Support Property & Evidence
17
Crime Scene Unit
17
Forfeitures
18
DEPARTMENT FLEET
Support Services Community Service Officers
19
Parking, Animal Control
20
Community Programs Citizen’s Academy
21
Shop with a Cop, Night to Unite
22
Explorers
23
Reserves
24
Data Trend
Table of Contents
25-27
OPD Annual Report—Page 1
CHIEF’S MESSAGE
Citizens of Owatonna Mayor and City Council Members City Administration and Staff
The staff at the Owatonna Police Department present the 2019 Annual Report. Our team is proud of our accomplishments and honored to have served you over the past year. We want to offer our gratitude to you for supporting us in many ways. As you live, work or play in our city, we hope you feel safe. Within a population range of 25,000 – 49,999, our city is the fifth safest out of 21 cities according to the Uniform Crime Report. We are safer than most cities in the State of Minnesota. Part 1 crimes, or our more serious crimes, declined by 6.9%. Part 1 crimes have declined for four consecutive years. This is the lowest Part 1 crime rate in over 20 years. Part 2 crimes increased by 12%; however, proactive policing can account for a significant amount of the increase. We focused on human trafficking and sex assaults, driving under the influence, and drug offenses. The staff welcomed a new canine partner, Vegas to the ranks. We implemented Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) to add additional legitimacy, trust, and transparency to our department. The Police Explorer Post was awarded 4th place for Domestic Crisis at the 2019 Law Enforcement Explorer Conference in Rochester, Minnesota. The Police Reserve Unit volunteered 947.5 hours. A host of other tidbits that benefitted our department and community are on the pages that follow. We continue to be proud of our community. It is the reason we serve daily. As you read the annual report, I trust you will see our dedication to the community and the many successes within the year. We can continue to lower crimes, build trust and shape our community for the betterment. All we need is your help! It is your watchful eyes, compassion, empathy, kindness and a sense for the common good that makes the City of Owatonna a true gem. My wish for all of you is a happy and healthy year.
Warmest Regards,
Keith E. Hiller, Chief of Police City of Owatonna, Minnesota
Chief’s Message
OPD Annual Report—Page 2
C
K
Administrative Technician (1)
Reco
Patrol Operations
Re
Captain (1)
Sergeants (6)
Administrative Technician (1)
Chaplains (3) Reserve Officers (13) Explorer Post
Patrol Officers (20) Includes:
Divisions:
K9 Unit (0) Crime Scene Techs (3) SWAT (4)
Command Staff Sworn Staff
Field Training (5)
Civilian Staff
DRE (0)
Shared Staff
EVOC(0)
Volunteers
Firearms (6) Use of Force (3)
MISS
The Owatonna Police Department is dedicated to providing a safe
unwavering commitment to excellence. Policing excellen
Organizational Structure, Mission Statement
Chief of Police
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Keith E. Hiller
ords Management
Professional Standards
ecords Clerks (4)
Support Services
Evidence Technician (1)
Captain (1)
Community Service Officers (3) Includes Parking Control and Animal Control
Investigations
Sergeant (.5)
Investigators(5)
Drug Investigations
SCDIU Commander(.5)
OPD SCDIU Agent (1)
ICAC Child Protection SRO Gangs
SCDIU Agents (3)
SION STATMENT
e and secure community through partnerships, leadership, and an
nce through our People, our Work and our Relationships.
OPD Annual Report—Page 3 & 4
DEPARTMENT BUDGET
OWATONNA POLICE
REVENUES
EXPENDITURES
TOTAL
2019 ACTUAL
$815,285
$5,173,529
$4,358,244
2019 PROPOSED
$886,537
$5,238,102
$4,351,565
2018 ACTUAL
$820,814
$4,929,899
$4,109,085
2018 PROPOSED
$870,751
$4,960,486
$4,089,735
2017 ACTUAL
$875,606
$4,759,983
$3,884,377
2017 PROPOSED
$941,202
$4,891,027
$3,949,825
The Owatonna City Council approved the 2019 annual base and capital improvement budgets after a series of presentations by:
Chief of Police, City Administrator and Finance Director Click on the City of Owatonna’s 2019 Adopted Budget (picture above) and scroll to page 112 to find program details for the Owatonna Police Department.
Department Budget
OPD Annual Report—Page 5
2019
NEW HIRES
Benjamin Metcalf 2/10/2019
Joshua Lee 2/11/2019
Anna Peterson 5/6/2019
Zachary Plein 11/12/2019
Todd Schwanke 4/15/2019
John Van Alstine 12/17/2019
RESIGNATIONS Michaela Smith
2/3/2019
Corey Turner
Collin Regenscheid
6/19/2019
Alexandra Jorissen 7/10/2019
Benjamin Borash
8/7/2019
Brooke Baker
8/21/2019
*Jason Christensen
11/1/2019
Sean Cooper
12/6/2019
* Terminated
Staffing Updates
3/20/2019
David Schroeder (Deceased 1/28/2019 )
(tribute pg. 20)
OPD Annual Report—Page 6
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS One of the most important functions of a police department is that of internal affairs. Modern law enforcement agencies are complex organizations engaged in high liability activities with the corresponding need to maintain the integrity of its operations and the ethical conduct of its members. It is the policy of the Owatonna Police Department to investigate complaints and allegations related to internal discipline in a manner that will assure the community of prompt corrective action in the event of employee misconduct, while at the same time protecting employees from unwarranted criticism pursuant to the proper discharge of official duties. The policy provides for the investigation of alleged or suspected violations of law or departmental policies. Upon the conclusion of a complete and thorough investigation, the Captain of Investigations submits the final report to the Chief of Police to make a final determination if the alleged misconduct took place or whether the officer’s actions were justified, lawful and proper. In addition, on occasion, other police agencies will contact the Owatonna Police Department to conduct an investigation on their behalf to avoid a conflict of interest. In 2019, Professional Standards investigated 11 complaints involving Owatonna Police Department staff. Eight of the investigations resulted in disciplinary action taken, three investigations either exonerated the officer or did not sustain the complaint. In addition, three matters that were pending from the previous year were sustained at arbitration by the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services; these three cases involved a single officer and resulted in progressive discipline leading to termination. In 2019, the Owatonna Police Department did not conduct any conflict internal investigations for a partnering law enforcement agency.
GENERAL OVERVIEW ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION This group manages and controls department operations. The team prides itself in recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly qualified staff. It assigns officers to specialized assignments, promotes staff, and provides oversight of its professional development. The team is responsible for professional standards and policies that advance the organization. The team manages accounts payable and receivable. Team members sit on a variety of committees designed to solicit input from all work groups. Overall, the team is strategic and deliberate in accomplishing its goals and objectives established by the community, city council, city administrator, and staff.
Professional Standards, Administration Overview
OPD Annual Report—Page 7
CHAPLAINS Front Row Reverend Loren Olson Parish Nurse Nancy Deetz Back Row Reverend Brent Carlson What is the role of a Chaplain? •
To serve Owatonna Police Department members and the
community with non-denominational spiritual care;
•
To provide assistance to police staff giving next of kin death
notifications;
•
To provide confidential services to officers and their families
involved in critical incidents;
•
To attend and present at city council and officer swearing-in ceremonies; and,
•
To join officers on frequent ride-alongs.
2019 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR On May 9th, the Moonlighter Exchange Club honored their selection for the Owatonna Police Officer of the Year—Sergeant Josh Sorensen. Josh is a 15-year veteran of the department currently serving as a patrol sergeant. Josh is also defensive tactics supervisor and firearms instructor and was previously assigned as a detective and school resource officer.
Chaplains, Police Officer of the Year
OPD Annual Report—Page 8
2019 DEPARTMENT TRAINING Firearms Training Unit Firearms Training Coordinator: Sergeant Jason Matejcek Certified Firearms Instructors: Sergeants Andrew Drenth, Joshua Sorensen and Jason Petterson, and Officers Benjamin Johnson, Andrew Van Osdale and Alan Callahan The certified firearms instructors train, test, and evaluate the officers under the mandated training requirements set forth by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST). Each licensed officer must qualify with their department issued handgun, their squad shotgun, and patrol rifle. In 2019, the Firearms Training Unit conducted the following trainings: Annual qualification, Chief’s Top Shot/off-duty weapon qualifications, Close Quarter Battle (CQB) - force on force building clearing, and a combined low light / inclement weather training. The instructors strive to replicate realistic situations and scenarios through a variety of ways in order to raise the stress levels in the officers. Training the officers in a controlled environment under stress can help them learn how to mitigate and reduce their stress response during actual situations that they encounter while on-duty. Instructors train officers to have a winning mindset by utilizing scenario-based training where the instructors and officers utilize simunition (non-lethal) rounds and role players.
Department Training
OPD Annual Report—Page 9
2019 DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCDIU Tactical Team Officer Joel Hunt – Team Leader Detective Matthew Oeltjenbruns – Assistant Team Leader / Sniper Officers Zackary Schumaker & Alan Callahan - Operators In 2019, the South Central Drug Investigation Unit Tactical Team (SWAT) was comprised of about 29 team members from 11 different agencies within Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, and Faribault counties. The primary goal of the tactical team is the safety and preservation of all human life. The team is a support group that aids local police departments and sheriff’s offices through the use of their specialized trainings and equipment to resolve high-risk, critical incidents that are beyond the capabilities of the local authorities. All officers assigned to the tactical team maintain a high-level of proficiency through attendance of monthly ten-hour training days. Assigned OPD officers are allowed to conduct additional six-hour monthly trainings in order to comply with the National Tactical Officers Association’s (NTOA) training hour recommendations. Team members participate in the annual three-day Special Operations Tactical Association Conference (SOTA) to compete against other tactical teams throughout Minnesota and to learn the latest trends in tactical techniques. In 2019, two OPD members moved up the ranks within the tactical team. Officer Joel Hunt took over as a Team Leader, and Detective Matt Oeltjenbruns moved up to fill the Assistant Team Leader position. Also, after a competitive department process, Officer Alan Callahan was selected and appointed to the tactical team to fill the open position left by former Officer Jesse Ackerson. The South Central Drug Investigation Unit Tactical Team (SWAT) was call-out to respond to 13 incidents.
Use of Force Training Unit Sergeant Josh Sorensen, Detective Matt Oeltjenbruns Officers Travis Ardolf and Alan Callahan The use of force instructors have received specialized instructor training in SPEAR, L.O.C.K.U.P., TASER, Less Lethal, and ASP curriculums. Officer Travis Ardolf and Detective Matt Oeltjenbruns instructed our taser program while taking care of the maintenance and downloading of data when these units were deployed in the field. Our agency has outfitted each sworn officer with an X2 Taser. This past year, the instructors dedicated four full days of training to provide a minimum of eight (8) hours of continuing education credits to all sworn police officers. Our community service and reserve officers also receive annual training from the use of force unit. One of our training highlights was an environmental drill at the gun range. We incorporated ground fighting outside during a range day and included simmunition as part of the stress inoculation training. The use of force unit also works with each newly hired officer for a minimum of ten hours to review department policies, state statutes, and our current training curriculum. In 2019, our instructors gave presentations to Citizen’s Academy and Leadership Owatonna groups as a way to educate the public on how we conduct ourselves on the street.
Department Training
OPD Annual Report—Page 10
GENERAL OVERVIEW PATROL Often referred to as the backbone to a police department, the uniformed Patrol Division is the largest and most visible division of the Owatonna Police Department. Tasked with patrolling and answering calls for service within the city of Owatonna—an area encompassing approximately 14.45 square miles—the Patrol Division was staffed by (1) captain, (6) patrol sergeants and was authorized for (20) patrol officers. The sergeants and patrol officers are assigned to one of three policing districts—the North, South or West Central District. Patrol districts are designed with a focus on taking ownership and responsibility, building relationships to make a positive impact on the quality of life and safety in our neighborhoods. This is accomplished through partnerships, collaboration, problem solving and community engagement. The officers engage regularly with our citizens, businesses and community leaders and seek other agencies and organizations to identify issues for positive resolutions. Specialty units that are within the Patrol Division include the K9, Field Training Unit, Use of Force/ Firearms Unit, Drone, Chaplains, and volunteer/mentorship programs.
Sergeant Tracy DuChene (Middle) takes home the medal for the 2019 Steele County Free Fair watermelon seed spitting competition against the Steele County Sheriff’s Office. Way to go OPD!
Police Districts
To the left is Officer Joel Hunt demonstrating OPD’s drone—an unmanned aircraft that can be navigated without a human pilot on board. The aerial vehicle is navigated from the ground using a GPS tracking system. The drone is used for emergency situations such as search and rescue, chemical spills, crash scenes, searching for armed suspects and missing persons. It allows the OPD to search faster, cover more terrain, and use less resources.
Patrol Overview
OPD Annual Report—Page 11
2019 PATROL HIGHLIGHTS
K9 Vegas joined the ranks at the Owatonna Police Department in July 2019 at just 13 months old after making the journey from Slovakia. He is a German Shepherd and is assigned to his handler, Officer Casey Martin. The team attended a 10 week academy in Buffalo, MN at Performance Kennels. Vegas is a dual certified K9 in patrol work and drug detection.
Technology for police officers is always evolving. Body Worn Cameras (BWC) are just one of those pieces of new technology gaining popularity yet still emerging in police work across the world. Mid-year, the Owatonna Police Department Technology Committee began field testing BWCs. After a lengthy department evaluation and implementation process as set forth by the MN Legislature, a proposal was presented and approved by the Owatonna City Council. OPD began officially utilizing BWCs on December 19, 2019. Our vendor is Visual Labs—a software company that designed a BWC App to operate on a mobile phone video camera. The added benefits of this BWC platform are the extra technologies that officers need that come with smart phone devices.
2019 Patrol Highlights
OPD Annual Report—Page 12
GENERAL OVERVIEW-DETECTIVE BUREAU The Detective Bureau is a support division to the Owatonna Police Department and is currently comprised of a captain, detective sergeant, (2) general investigators, (1) child protection investigator, (2) school resource officers and (1) evidence technician. The Detective Bureau is tasked with a variety of responsibilities; the primary function being to provide investigative support to the Patrol Division. Reported incidents are carefully screened by the detective sergeant to determine those cases that require additional follow-up which would typically over task the Patrol Division’s resources. Case assignments to detectives often include cases requiring multiple interviews, out-of-town followups, crime scene work, surveillance activities, obtaining search warrants or subpoenas, and assist outside law enforcement agencies on investigations that overlap into Owatonna. In addition, the Detective Bureau sergeant also serves as the commander of the South Central Drug Investigative Unit (SCDIU) - a locaL and grant funded Violent Crimes Enforcement Team (VCET) that serves Steele, Waseca, Freeborn and Faribault Counties and the cities contained within those counties.
2019 DETECTIVE BUREAU HIGHLIGHTS The Owatonna Police Department was dispatched to the Kwik Trip Store at 2270 46th St. N.W. for a report of an overdose on July 10th. In the Kwik Trip parking lot, Owatonna police officers and detectives located a 24-year old male deceased in the front seat of a motor vehicle. The decedent was identified as Jesse Frohwein of Austin. Owatonna detectives and South Central Drug investigation Unit agents were able to determine and identify a suspect who had provided illegal controlled substances to Frohwein prior to this death. On Saturday, July 21, 2019, the Owatonna Police Department arrested Robert James Matras, age 47 of Inver Grove Heights, MN on suspicion of 3rd Degree Murder-causing the death of Frohwein. Matras was being held in the Mower County Detention Center on unrelated charges. Matras was transported to the Steele County Detention Center and has been formally charged with 3rd Degree Murder and 2nd Degree Manslaughter. (OW19-001474)
Detective Bureau Overview
OPD Annual Report—Page 13
2019 DETECTIVE BUREAU HIGHLIGHTS On August 29th, the Owatonna Police Department was called to the area of 24th Avenue NW and Hoffman Drive for the report of gunshots fired. Owatonna officers responded to the area and located a vehicle parked alongside the road on 24th Avenue occupied by a female and a male. The male individual reported he had been shot in the upper torso. The male victim was transported to the Owatonna Hospital by Mayo Ambulance Service and later air-lifted to Rochester. The 39 -year old male victim was being treated for non-life threatening injuries. The female was not injured. Subsequent to the shooting, Owatonna detectives were able to develop probable cause that the shooting victim was in possession of a handgun at the time of the shooting and it was recovered at the scene; the victim was ineligible to possess a firearm due to a prior criminal conviction/adjudication of a crime of violence. The following Sunday, a female victim reported a black male held a gun to her head and accused her of setting him up in the earlier shooting—the female identified the black male as the victim in the 24th Avenue shooting who detectives learned had walked away from a hospital in Rochester. In an operation in Waseca, the shooting victim was taken into custody and jailed. James Williams, age 39 of Owatonna, has been charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm, 2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Threats of Violence. (OW19-001968)
In the second week of November, an agent with the US Department of Homeland Security turned over a child exploitation investigation to our detectives. This is a case involving the social media site KIK and an adult attempting to engage in sexual contact with a child. In this case, the suspect reached out to the DHS agent who was posing undercover as a 15-year old female and solicited the undercover agent for sex in Owatonna. The suspect also exchanged a sexually explicit video of himself to the undercover agent. Around noon on Tuesday, Owatonna detectives staked out the meeting location; when the suspect arrived he was quickly taken into custody. In an interview, the suspect admitted that he planned to meet in Owatonna to have sex with a child. Zachariah Montgomery, age 34 of Rochester, has been charged with Attempted 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, Engaging in Electronic Communications Relating/Describing Sexual Conduct with a Child and Distributing Electronic Communication Describing Sexual Conduct to a Child—these alleged crimes are all felonies. (OW19-002582)
2019 Detective Bureau Highlights
OPD Annual Report—Page 14
2019 DETECTIVE BUREAU STATS
Detective Bureau Statistics
OPD Annual Report—Page 15
SOUTH CENTRAL DRUG INVESTIGATION UNIT The South Central Drug Investigation Unit’s (SCDIU) mission is to investigate and apprehend mid to upper level drug dealers and violent offenders in our communities. SCDIU agents build successful cases against dealers including drug sales and possession crimes. Agents also investigate violent crimes in our communities such as robberies, burglaries, homicides, gun crimes and drug overdose cases. Frequently, search warrants are executed to recover illegal drugs. The agents work closely with other agencies to identify drug dealers who are selling in several jurisdictions or states. SCDIU agents are in a small mobile unit that travel to wherever they are needed to make the most impact. The Owatonna Police Department is the fiscal agent of a four county multijurisdictional Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET) including Steele, Freeborn, Waseca and Faribault counties. The team serves 2500 square miles and approximately 100,000 people and in 2018, consisted of a commander, administrative assistant and five full-time agents. In 2019, a fifth agent was added. There are 13 law enforcement agencies that contribute funds to the unit; which is also funded by state and federal grants. Recent trends in the past year have been an increase of opioid abuse including prescription meds, heroin, and the potent synthetic opioid called fentanyl. 2019 Forfeitures Due to unknown potency, overdoses can quickly occur and likely to become fatal. Narcan is an opioid antidote that is used to reverse the fatal effects of opioids and can be administered by first responders. Methamphetamine prices increased by 300% early in 2019 due to Mexican drug cartels sourcing and manipulating the prices. This causes the demand to increase locally and property and persons crimes to subsequently increase.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
The Patrol division...
The Owatonna Police Department and the Owatonna Public School District 761 partner in many ways, but none more recognizable as the school resource officers (SRO) assigned to the Owatonna High School and the Owatonna Middle School. In 2019, Detective Brady Vaith was the SRO primarily assigned to the Owatonna High School, but also covered the ISD 761 Alternative Learning Center. Detective Matt Oeltjenbruns was the SRO primarily assigned to the Owatonna Middle School, but also covered all elementary schools. Both detectives have received specific, formal training, and certifications to work as a school resource officer. School resource officers wear many hats such as an informal counselor, mentor, educator and law enforcement officer, but their key function is to help provide a friendly, safe learning environment for the students and staff where students can come to learn and grow into future leaders in our community.
SCDIU, School Resource Officers
OPD Annual Report—Page 16
PROPERTY & EVIDENCE The Property and Evidence Technician maintains the chain of custody for all evidentiary items submitted to the prop-
erty room.
Documenting the intake,
storage, security, release, and disposal of all items is the primary focus of property room personnel.
The Owatonna
Police Department handles evidence for both the Owatonna Police Department and the South Central Drug Investigation Unit.
CRIME SCENE UNIT The Crime Scene Unit assists the Patrol and Investigative Divisions for the purpose of evidence identification, collection, and preservation. Crime Scene Technicians are trained in areas of crime scene photography, latent print development and recovery, biological and trace evidence recovery, and tool mark and footwear impression recovery. Members strive to obtain the most up to date training and equipment in crime scene processing. In 2019, Crime Scene Technicians provided training to the Owatonna Middle School Forensics Class and the St. Mary’s Forensics Class.
Property & Evidence, Crime Scene Unit
OPD Annual Report—Page 17
FORFEITURES If arrested for any of the following offenses, a vehicle or cash can be forfeited: 1st Degree DWI Felony or Felony refusal, 2nd Degree DWI G.M. or G.M. refusal DWI or test refusal is any degree with canceled-IPS driving status, current DWI or test refusal is any degree: with no use of alcohol or drug license restriction. (B Card restrictions)
Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle Controlled substance forfeiture
Designated offense (Felony level offense) Murder (1st, 2nd, 3rd Degree), Criminal Vehicular Homicide or Injury, Robbery, Assault (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Degree), Kidnapping, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Bribery, Esc ape, Theft, Identity Theft, Counterfeit Checks, Receiving Stolen Property, Arson, Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Criminal Damage, Forgery, Dangerous Weapons, Financial Card Transaction Fraud, Computer Theft
Prostitution Forfeiture Drive By shooting
2019 OPD CASH FORFEITURES
Vehicle forfeitures recorded:
13 DWI
2 Criminal Sexual Conduct
1 Fleeing
4 Controlled Substance
Forfeitures
Status of these forfeitures:
7 Released to registered owner or lien holder
1 Sold
1 Junked
11 Still in progress
OPD Annual Report—Page 18
COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS Community Service Officers (CSOs) are uniformed, unarmed, civilian members of the Owatonna Police Department that engage in a variety of law enforcement/ community-related services including: animal control/complaints, parking enforcement, traffic control, private property accidents, motorist assists, ordinance enforcement and countless other duties. CSOs usually handle non-criminal, lower priority calls which do not require a licensed police officer with arrest powers, essentially freeing our licensed officers to concentrate on those incidents requiring their specific skill sets. CSOs are considered a blessing for both the department and community they serve—they are often the department members seen leading a parade, funeral procession, or giving a squad and facility tour. The CSO program is a very successful, cost effective program that allows the Owatonna Police Department to continue providing several quality of life service services to the citizens of our community. The CSO Unit is currently staffed by (1) full-time and (2) part-timers.
A Tribute to Dave Schroeder In 2019, we suffered a great loss within our department with the passing of a colleague and good friend, Community Service Officer David Michael Schroeder. David passed away on January 28, 2019, due to Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 63 years old. In 1982, Dave earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in both Law Enforcement and Corrections. He retired from the Owatonna Police Department in August of 2011 after 25 years. Dave taught defensive tactics, served as an investigator and school liaison officer, and was a member of the regional SWAT team and a sniper. He loved working as a police officer and felt a great sense of purpose while serving as an officer. In 2014, Dave returned to the Owatonna Police Department where he served at the Owatonna Middle School as a community service officer. He will be forever missed by his friends at the Owatonna Police Department. The strong bonds between him and his partners is formidable and unbreakable. We have a deep affection for him and his family along with his stories, laugh, talents, and smile. We hold him in great esteem for making all of us better at serving others. The badge is more than metal, it is a symbol that bonds our family together. He will always be part of our family.
Community Service Officers
OPD Annual Report—Page 19
PARKING CONTROL It is the responsibility of the Owatonna Police Department to enforce parking regulations in the City of Owatonna that have been approved by the City Council. These violations can range from: short/long term parking, 48 hours, parking in yellow zone, obstructing driveway access, winter parking ordinance (odd/even winter parking restriction), school zone parking, downtown 2-6 a.m. parking and other enforceable offenses. The winter parking restriction is something that always creates attention. The police department focuses on citizens each year on the reoccurring ordinance dates (Nov. 15—Mar. 30) and restrictive street parking hours. Winter Parking Ordinance signs are placed along all major thoroughfares as you enter the city limits and throughout the neighborhoods. Each year as the odd/even restriction approaches, officers will issue about 1,000 parking notices to residents who park in enforceable areas. A fine is not attached to this notice initiative, but rather to serve as a reminder and to educate those that may not know about the ordinance. The odd/even parking enforcement is not contingent on an impending snowstorm. The objective is to condition citizens to comply with the ordinance to avoid costly fines and possible tows so efficient street maintenance and snow removal operations can occur. Voluntary compliance, precipitated by consistent enforcement, results in a significantly more effective and efficient plowing operation. Funds collected from parking tickets are deposited into the City of Owatonna general fund. To find out more information on public and winter parking restrictions, scan QR code to the right.
ANIMAL CONTROL CRIME SCENE UNIT
Community Service Officers primarily handle animal control calls for the Owatonna Police Department. If a CSO is not on duty when a call for animal control assistance comes in to our dispatch center, a police officer will be dispatched as soon as possible. Our CSOs handled over 1,964 animal calls in 2019. If you have an animal complaint that does not need immediate attention, you are welcome to submit your complaint to the City of Owatonna website by filling out a nuisance complaint form. Nuisance Ordinance Violation Complaint
Animals impounded by the Owatonna Police Department are sheltered at the City Animal Shelter located at 1190 Industrial Road, unless special care is required. In 2019, of the 242 animals brought to the animal shelter (111) were adopted and (114) were claimed. Please check our animal control Facebook page if you have a missing dog or cat or are looking to adopt. Owatonna Police Department Animal Control Facebook Page CSOs handle and work with classification and registration of Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous Dogs. In 2019, 27 dog bite investigations for classification which resulted in (16) dogs designated as Potentially Dangerous, (8) dogs as Dangerous and (3) dog bites not classified.
Parking Control, Animal Control
OPD Annual Report—Page 20
CITIZEN’S ACADEMY In 2019, 27 participants graduated from the OPD Citizen’s Academy. During their eight-week class, participants learned about patrol procedures, Use of Force, DRONE, Detective Bureau operations, day in the life of a district court judge, county attorney procedures, SWAT, 911 dispatch center duties, and drug investigations. Below are comments from the graduating class:
Citizen’s Academy
OPD Annual Report—Page 21
SHOP WITH A COP
NIGHT TO UNITE Every year on the 1st Tuesday in August, we take pride in celebrating and bringing our community together by participating in Minnesota Night to Unite. Night to Unite is a program of the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association (MCPA). It is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. In 2019, the city of Owatonna had 30 block parties that took part in this great celebration of community, crime prevention, and strong police/ community partnership. A strong community makes for a safe community. Everything we do to strengthen the ties among neighbors of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles makes our present and future much brighter. Celebrating MINNESOTA NIGHT TO UNITE with the Owatonna Police Department and your neighbors is a positive way to build and nurture our community by starting quite literally, in your own front yard!
CRIME SCENE UNIT
Shop with a Cop, Night to Unite
OPD Annual Report—Page 22
EXPLORERS
SHOP WITH A COP
Owatonna Police Department advisors and mentors are CRIME SCENE UNIT Officers Melissa Michael and Derrick Quinlan. Their commitment and dedication contributes to the success of the program and an opportunity to introduce and recruit students to a law enforcement career path.
In 2019, the explorers have made amazing strides in training and competitions. They have trained in many different scenarios to include traffic stops, hostage negotiations, domestic crisis, field first aid, and crime scenes. The explorers have also helped out at different community events such as parades and Toys for Tots. They took part in a one-day competition held by the St. Paul Police Department and in the state competition in Rochester. In the state competition, our explorers group competed against hundreds of explorers from across the state and took home 4th place in the domestic crisis scenario, 5th place in the 5K run, and 3rd place in the air pistol competition. The explorers have been working hard on fundraising partnering with Buffalo Wild Wings and Papa Murphy's for their next competitions.
Explorers
OPD Annual Report—Page 23
RESERVES 2019 marks our 7th year for the Owatonna Police Department Police Reserve Unit where we had 12 active reserve members who worked a total of 947.50 volunteer hours. Various assignments were the following:
•
Monthly meetings and training requirements to review policies, procedures, CPR and AED, first responder, defense tactics, OC spray, squad car orientation and usage, ATV training
•
Assist with traffic control for various events as Shop with a Cop, From the Heart run / walk, Steele County Safety Camp, Night to Unite, parades, and house checks
•
Respond to emergency call backs to assist officers where needed
•
Provide security at street dances and city park events
•
Assist with prisoner and transport details
The Reserve Program was overseen by Patrol Sergeants Andy DeVinny and Robbe Kniefel. The dedication from our coordinators and members help 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 of the Reserve Program, applications are always being accepted and available upon request. 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. Please visit our website to learn of the requirements needed to become an Owatonna Police Department Reserve Officer.
http://ci.owatonna.mn.us/242/Reserve-Officer-Program
Reserves
OPD Annual Report—Page 24
2019 DATA TREND OWATONNA POLICE DEPARTMENT Crime Rate
2018
2017
2016
2015
Homicide
0
0
0
0
Rape
3
8
1
9
Robbery
6
6
9
14
Aggravated Assault
17
18
28
37
120
Burglary
56
64
81
142
34
1314
Larceny
344
372
495
513
12
36
128
Motor Vehicle Theft
38
27
36
27
1
1
100
4
Arson
0
1
2
2
0
0
0
0
Human Trafficking
0
0
0
1
432
153
35
1,675
464
496
652
745
Other Assaults
86
75
134
156
Forgery/Counterfeiting
22
16
25
16
Fraud
45
41
72
68
Embezzlement
1
1
0
0
Stolen Property
6
4
11
3
92
93
173
207
Weapons
7
8
12
8
Prostitution
0
0
1
9
Other Sex Offenses
18
14
19
16
Drug Abuse
77
83
92
115
Gambling
0
0
1
0
Family/Children
8
1
6
6
per
# of
Offenses
Offenses
Cleared
% Cleared
Homicide
0
0
0
0
Rape
8
6
75
31
Robbery
1
0
0
4
Aggravated Assault
19
13
68
74
Burglary
31
5
16
Larceny
339
116
Motor Vehicle Theft
33
Arson Human Trafficking
2019 Part I Crimes
Total Part I
100,000
Total Part I
Crime Rate
# of
Offenses
Offenses
Cleared
% Cleared
114
85
75
442
15
9
60
58
Fraud
50
14
28
194
Embezzlement
0
0
0
0
Stolen Property
3
2
67
Vandalism
98
22
22
380
Weapons
12
11
92
47
Prostitution
5
3
60
19
Other Sex Offenses
29
11
38
112
Drug Abuse
93
79
85
361
Gambling
1
1
100
4
Family/Children
7
4
57
27
DUI
72
68
94
279
DUI
58
46
62
112
Liquor Laws
5
5
100
19
Liquor Laws
14
11
11
24
Disorderly Conduct
28
25
89
109
Disorderly Conduct
26
26
38
28
Vagrancy
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
41
Other Offenses
103
76
74
399
Other Offenses
107
73
109
121
Total Part II
635
415
65
2,462
Total Part II
567
495
766
930
1,067
568
53
4,137
Grand Total
1,031
991
1,418
1,675
2019 Part II Crimes Other Assaults Forgery/
Counterfeiting
GRAND TOTAL
Data Trend
per 100,000
CRIME SCENE VandalismUNIT 12
Vagrancy
OPD Annual Report—Page 25
2018 CRIME RATES 25,000—49,999 Population Regional
Owatonna PD 4,211 Faribault PD 6,110
Austin PD 7,893 Albert Lea PD 6,973 Waseca PD 5,452
Steele Co Sheriff 3,104 Rice Co Sheriff 2,827 Mower Co Sheriff 5,692 Freeborn Co Sheriff 2,702 Waseca Co Sheriff 2,837 Faribault Co Sheriff 2,031
CRIME SCENE UNIT 2019 Offenses Cleared
A crime rate describes the number of crimes reported to law enforcement per 100,000 total population. A city’s individual crime rate is derived by dividing the total number of reported crimes occurring within the jurisdiction by the city’s population; the result is then multiplied by 100,000. In Owatonna, our general crime rate is 4,096 per 100,000 general population.
Data Trend
OPD Annual Report—Page 26
2019 DRUG ABUSE Cases Cleared Drug Task Force Regions
Narcotics
South Central Drug Task Force Steele, Waseca, Faribault, Freeborn Population = 99,303 Total Narcotic Arrests = 327 Narcotic Arrests per Capita = .0033
54 92 17
MN River Valley Drug Task Force Martin, Watonwan, Nicollet, Blue Earth Population = 132,621 Total Narcotic Arrests = 569 Narcotic Arrests per Capita = .0043
40 82 12
SE MN Narcotics & Gang Task Force Olmsted, Winona, Goodhue, Dodge, Mower, Fillmore, Houston, Wabasha Population = 376,524 Total Narcotic Arrests = 1,156 Narcotic Arrests per Capita = .0031
28 56 88 159
Cannon River Valley Task Force Rice, Le Sueur Population = 97,387 Total Narcotic Arrests = 339 Narcotic Arrests per Capita=.0035
33
85
CRIME SCENE UNIT
Population
Narcotics Arrests
Narcotics Arrests Per Capita
1,156
376,524
.0043 .0031
132,621
99,303
Data Trend
.0035
339
97,387
So Central
327
569
MN River Valley
.0033
SE Minnesota
Cannon River
OPD Annual Report—Page 27
