SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS
The Community Service Officer supports the efforts of the Owatonna Police Department by providing services to the community while also supporting other divisions within the police department. There are currently three part-time Community Service Officers working for the police department. The Community Service Officers are knowledgeable and flexible in their assignments as they are asked to perform duties from every division within the Owatonna Police Department. The Community Service Officer (CSO) is responsible for a variety of functions within the department which do not necessarily require the response of a sworn officer. CSOs patrol the city parks and schools. 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. CSOs are tasked with administrative duties such as crime mapping, maintaining the warrant list on the department’s web page, and updating the organizational chart. The CSO responds to tow releases and warning tags at the Law Enforcement Center. Furthermore, CSOs transport evidence to the BCA crime lab, deliver paperwork to other government entities, and complete other deliveries as needed. 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 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 to view squad cars and other police equipment to 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.