Shakopee Police Department 2024 Annual Report

SHAKOPEE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Chief .. . . . . . . . 3 Police Administration & Divisions........................ 4 Staffing, Fleet & Budget . . . . . . . . . 5 NewFaces...................... 6 Promotions..................... 7 Recognition.................. 7–8 Crime Statistics.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–11 Patrol.......................... 12 DWIOfficer.................... 13 TribalLiaison................... 14 Proactive Policing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Investigations.................. 15 DrugTaskForce.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SWAT.......................... 17 RecordsUnit................... 18 Code Enforcement.. . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Victim and Community Services....................... 19 Coordinated Response. . . . . . . . . 20 IntheSchools.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21–22 Community Policing . . . . . . . 23–27 PhotoAlbum.............. 28–30 Cover Photo: Officer Philip Sendelbach shows his squad car to a child at Night to Unite.

By Author Name

Integrity. Professionalism. Community Policing. The Shakopee Police Department strives to serve and protect our residents by partnering with our community members, businesses, and local organizations to build a stronger, safer community for all.

CONTACT US

POLICE CHIEF JeffTate........................................ jtate@ShakopeeMN.gov FREQUENT CONTACTS Capt.JamiePearson........................ jpearson@ShakopeeMN.gov Capt.DerekNordtvedt.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dnordtvedt@ShakopeeMN.gov MelissaBoone.............................. mboone@ShakopeeMN.gov StephanieJanke.............................. sjanke@ShakopeeMN.gov POLICE DEPARTMENT 475 Gorman St., Shakopee, MN 55379 Phone............................................... 952-233-9400 Fax.................................................. 952-233-3811 Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . police@ShakopeeMN.gov Website............................ www.ShakopeeMN.gov/police FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

QUICK FACTS: Sworn Officers: 52 Jurisdiction Size: 30.89 sq. miles Jurisdiction Population: 49,400

@ShakopeePD

@ShakopeePD

2 | Shakopee Police Department 2 | Shakopee Police Department

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

Dear Residents, It continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve this community. I am so proud of this department and the people we have working here. Our partnership with the community is something we treasure and strive to enhance every single day. Once again, there is a lot of good news in this annual report, and I appreciate you taking the time to read it. Let’s start with the real good news: 2024 was the lowest crime rate reported in Shakopee over the last 30 years! Our crime rate has been going down over the last several years but 2024 was by far the lowest reported crime rate we’ve ever seen. I realize that’s of little consolation to someone who was a victim of a crime but overall, we live in a very safe community and we should celebrate that. I’ll be honest, I am always troubled when I hear people comment about “all the crime in Shakopee” and speak like we are the epicenter of crime. Those types of sweeping assumptions are one of the downsides of social media. With so many community members looking out for each other and reaching out when something doesn’t seem right, our streets are as safe as they’ve ever been. We are certainly not crime-free and there is always work to do, but it’s important to know we live and work in a safe community! You will notice several new faces in the department this year. We’ve been fortunate to keep up with attrition and attract the very best and brightest out there. Several members of our department received recognition for their efforts in 2024, including Congressional recognition. We really do have wonderful staff who work extremely hard for this community. I could not be more proud of this team, and I hope after reading this report, you are too. Again, thank you for taking the time to read this report. I encourage all of you to get involved in future initiatives and community events. Please don’t be shy about coming up and talking to our officers when you see them out in public or reaching out to us if there is ever anything we can do to assist you.

“It continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve this community. I am so proud of this department and the people we have working here. Our partnership with the community is something we treasure and strive to enhance every single day.”

Jeff Tate Police Chief

Thanks, Jeff Tate Jeff Tate Shakopee Police Chief

2024 Annual Report | 3

POLICE ADMINISTRATION & DIVISIONS

JAMIE PEARSON Captain Services Division

DEREK NORDTVEDT Captain Operations Division

JEFF TATE Police Chief

OPERATIONS DIVISION PATROL: Patrol officers are responsible for the most visible police service provided in the community as officers respond to emergencies such as crimes in progress, traffic crashes, and medical emergencies. They also handle initial investigations of crimes, help resolve disputes and disturbances, and provide various community services.

SERVICES DIVISION RECORDS: Provides support and assistance to administration, patrol, and investigations, as well as serves the public. The records division, among many duties, processes case files, handles data requests, and issues gun permits. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION: Investigates crimes and sends completed reports to appropriate prosecutor for the filing of criminal charges. COMMUNITY SERVICES: Responsible for code compliance, crime prevention, and other public services.

Beat One Sergeants

Beat Two Sergeants

Beat Three Sergeants

CLAUDIA CASSMAN Records Supervisor

JOSH DAVIS Investigations Sergeant

ANGELA TRUTNAU Administrative Sergeant

MIKE PENNING Drug Task Force Commander

FRED RADDE

ERRON BALFANZ

NICK BENGTSON

CODY HENDRICKS

CORTNIE MIRANOWSKI

JAKE KERR

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STAFFING, FLEET & BUDGET

The following pages consist of annual statistics, activities, crime reports, and other initiatives from January 1–December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024:

STAFFING

52 Sworn Officers

13 Civilian Staff

1 Police Chief 2 Captains 9 Sergeants 3 Investigators 1 Tribal Liaison

1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Records Supervisor

Records Specialist

Records Technicians

3 School Resource Officers

Administrative Assistant

Receptionist

Crime Prevention Specialist

1 Drug Task Force Agent 2 Proactive Policing Unit Officers

Community Service Officer

Evidence Technician

30 Patrol Officers

Victim & Community Services Coordinator

Investigative Aide

Code Compliance Specialist

FLEET

Marked CSO Unit (1)

Investigation Vehicles (5)

Marked Squad (15)

Admin Vehicles (4)

SWAT Truck/ Trailer (1)

Unmarked Squad (2)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2024 BUDGET $11,477,300 Department’s 2024 budget (excluding revenues)

30.97% Portion of City’s general fund budget dedicated to police services

$23.28 How much an average household pays in taxes per month for police services

2024 Annual Report | 5

NEW FACES IN 2024

EVAN LARSON Community Service Officer June 10, 2024

ORLANDO HERNANDEZ Patrol Officer July 29, 2024

LUCAS WILLIS Patrol Officer February 12, 2024

CHADD SMITH Patrol Officer July 29, 2024

DAVID VIERLING Patrol Officer July 29, 2024

CODY BROTHERTON Patrol Officer September 23, 2024

MELISSA BOONE Victim & Community Services Coordinator December 2, 2024

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PROMOTIONS

DESONTA LANDRY Congratulations to DeSonta Landry for her promotion to patrol officer in October 2024. Officer Landry started with Shakopee Police in 2017 as a Community Service Officer. She left to work as a shelter advocate for YWCA in Fargo, ND, in 2018 before returning to her CSO role with the City of Shakopee in 2020. She earned the MN Sheriff’s Association Scholarship for 2023 during her training to become a sworn officer.

DEREK NORDTVEDT Congratulations to Derek

Nordtvedt for his promotion to captain in January 2024. Captain Nordtvedt is a 19-year veteran of the department. During his tenure at Shakopee Police Department, he has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, EVOC instructor, SWAT team member, team leader of the SWAT sniper group, sergeant, and administrative sergeant.

RECOGNITION

ED STOUT MEMORIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VICTIM ADVOCACY Congratulations to Victim Services Coordinator Barb Hedstrom who was awarded the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy by members of the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus as well as Rep. Angie Craig in Washington, D.C., in April. Rep. Craig nominated Barb for this prestigious award for her insight and ability to think outside the box in establishing Shakopee as a leader in victim services. Congratulations to the following members of the Shakopee Police Department for their outstanding achievements

Victim Services Coordinator, Barb Hedstrom, was awarded the Ed Stout Memorial Award following her nomination by Rep. Angie Craig.

2024 Annual Report | 7

RECOGNITION

Congratulations to the following members of the Shakopee Police Department for their outstanding achievements

MADD AWARD Congratulations to Patrol Officers Adam Predovich, Seth Perrier, and Jonathan Wiseman who were honored by the Minnesota Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at its annual awards ceremony in May. The event recognizes officers that go above and beyond to keep roadways safe and remembers those whose lives have been impacted by impaired drivers. Officer Predovich received a silver pin and Officer Perrier and Officer Wiseman received bronze pins for the number of impaired drivers they took off the road. OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARD Congratulations to Patrol Officers Adam Predovich, Seth Perrier, and Jonathan Wiseman who were recognized by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety for their life-saving police work done through traffic stops and DWI enforcement. Bill Hames presented each of the officers with a challenge coin for going above and beyond in keeping our roadways safer. Officer Predovich received his second “Hat Trick” in recognition of three DWI arrests in one night. POLICE STAFF AND COMMAND GRADUATION Congratulations to Captain Jamie Pearson on her graduation from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. Captain Pearson successfully completed this 10-week intensive management training program for police leaders. She is part of graduating class #594 and is the third officer from the Shakopee Police Department to have completed this program. 2024 OFFICER OF THE YEAR— SHAKOPEE POLICE DEPARTMENT Officer Seth Perrier was presented with the 2024 Officer of the Year award in recognition of what a police officer should be by demonstrating their commitment to the mission and values of the police department and the City of Shakopee. Officers are nominated by their peers. Prior to joining the Shakopee Police Department in April 2022, Officer Perrier served in the U.S. Army for 10 years and was a patrol officer with South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. Officer Perrier has been instrumental in shaping our department as a field training officer and in 2024, he spent over 400 hours mentoring new officers. His consistency in resolving problems, supporting his peers, and caring for the Shakopee community are just a few of the characteristics that make him an incredible asset to this department and the City of Shakopee.

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2024 CRIME STATISTICS

PART I CRIMES The FBI classifies the following crimes as Part I.

2023 2024

500 510 520 530 540 550 560 570 580 590 600 610 620 630 480 490

526

483

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

41

38

34

27

25

23

22

21

4

4

0 0 Arson

0 0

0 0 Murder

Rape

Robbery

Assault

Burglary

Larceny

Auto Theft

Commercial Sex Acts

2024 Annual Report | 9

2024 CRIME STATISTICS

PART II CRIMES The FBI classifies the following crimes as Part II.

2023 2024

100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340

271

261

257

251

197

197

190

167

149

147

120

111

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

44

40

29

29

26

25

21

18

17

17

16

15

12

7

7

7

2

1 Family O ense

0

0

Disorderly Conduct

Liquor Law

DUI

Gambling Narcotics

Sex O enses

Prostitution Weapons Vandalism Stolen Property

Embezzlement Fraud Forgery Assaults (Other)

Other

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2024 CRIME STATISTICS

Shakopee Crime Rate (per 100,000 people)

14%

13%

12%

11%

9.82%

10%

9%

8.82%

8%

7.47%

7%

6.51%

6%

5%

4.07%

4%

3%

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

TOP 3 CRIMES COMPARISON

2024 TOP 10 CALLS FOR SERVICE 1. Highway 169 Bypass (2,976) 2. Shakopee Police Department (880) 3. Walmart (389) 4. Avana Addison Apartments (271) 5. Canterbury Park (267) 6. Lewis Street Bridge (228) 7. Valleyfair (211) 8. St. Francis Regional Medical Center (203) 9. Core Crossings (182) 10. Holiday—3901 Eagle Creek Blvd. (162)

2023 2024

Larceny

529

483

Vandalism

261

271

DUI

257

251

2023 vs. 2024 COMPARISON

2023 2024

Calls for Service

22,358 22,661

Non-Warrant Arrests

1,122 1,046

Warrant Arrests (not included above)

336

376

2024 Annual Report | 11

PATROL

By Sergeant Angela Trutnau

Patrol officers are the most visible members of the Shakopee Police Department, easily recognized by their standard dark blue uniforms. They handle a wide range of duties, including responding to 911 calls, managing traffic crashes and crime scenes, interviewing victims and witnesses, taking reports, making arrests, and responding to emergencies. Beyond enforcement, patrol officers also focus on education, providing traffic law awareness through stops, interdiction, and classroom presentations. They actively engage with the community by visiting schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and attending events. For many, these officers represent the primary and often only point of interaction community members have with the department. The Patrol Division of the Shakopee Police Department is staffed with 30 patrol officers, six sergeants and one captain. They work in teams providing services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each team works together to ensure the appropriate number of officers is always working to provide the services necessary. During the summer months, our three School Resource Officers are assigned to work patrol and bring their knowledge regarding juveniles to the streets. Patrol officers respond to all types of calls including incidents that are in progress and others that are reported after the fact. Some calls are criminal, while many are civil complaints that require officer mediation. In 2024, Shakopee patrol officers responded to 22,661 calls for service.

Our patrol unit is filled with young, vibrant, and very active officers. They are proactive with traffic enforcement and safety. They are on the move and making sure they are covering all areas of the city. Many of them bring experience from other careers, life experiences, and other police departments, which helps to make a well-rounded department. In 2024, two patrol officers retired, and we welcomed seven new patrol officers to our team. Our patrol officers receive training in DWI detection and enforcement, fraud investigation, mental health crisis response, first aid, and CPR. Several officers have additional specialized training in areas such as crime scene processing, latent prints, hostage negotiations, and critical incident response. Many of our patrol officers are also trainers and provide training to partners.

CITATIONS

2023

2024

Total Citations Issued

2,846 6,555

2,715 6,708

Verbal Warnings Issued

Written Warnings Issued

126

147

Child Safety Restraint Citations

14 16

8

Seatbelt Citations

18

Snowbird Citations

245

181

TOTAL DWI ARRESTS (ADULT AND JUVENILE)

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Arrests

172

171

195

146

151

171

148

201

144

257

251

GUN PERMIT AND ORDINANCE CALLS

2023 2024

Gun Permits 322 Ordinance Calls 2,031 2,081 341

Several patrol officers enjoying the 2024 Kids and Cops event.

12 | Shakopee Police Department

DWI OFFICER

By Sergeant Nick Bengtson

The Shakopee Police Department was awarded an annual grant in 2022 through the State of Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety to fund a full-time DWI Traffic Safety Officer position. Since then, we have successfully renewed and maintained this grant partnership and are excited to announce the continuation through 2025. We are proud to present the 2024 annual report for the DWI Traffic Safety Officer program. Our commitment to ensuring safe roadways remains unwavering, and this annual report highlights the continued efforts and achievements accomplished by our dedicated traffic safety officers throughout the year. The 2024 grant award totaled approximately $126,806 as reimbursable funds toward this position’s benefits and hours worked. This grant continues to provide significant value to the City of Shakopee and its residents by allowing the financial cost of this position to continue to be reimbursed through the State of Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety rather than by Shakopee taxpayers. For the 2024 fiscal cycle, Officer Adam Predovich and Officer Jonathan Wiseman fulfilled the duties of this position. Each officer served in this position for roughly half of the year’s grant cycle. Officer Predovich began his Law Enforcement career with the Shakopee Police Department in February 2014. Prior to becoming a police officer, Officer Predovich worked in the private sector. Some additional duties Officer Predovich has performed during his tenure include patrol officer, Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) grant coordinator, emergency vehicle operations instructor, and alcohol and tobacco compliance check officer. Officer Predovich has been a valuable and integral member of our department, and his dedication has been instrumental in ensuring the traffic safety program’s continued success. Officer Wiseman began his Law Enforcement career with the Shakopee Police Department in June 2022. Officer Wiseman has served as a patrol officer, DMT operator, and soon-to-be Field Training Officer. Officer Wiseman is known for his drive and ability to maintain high standards, which he shows on a daily basis through his work with the department. Both officers actively engaged in community education by teaching Driver’s Education and the Point of Impact program to youth through the school system. Additionally, Officer Predovich managed the TZD grant for all Scott County participating agencies, while Officer Wiseman attended the 2024 TZD conference to stay informed on training topics and current trends. While serving in the DWI traffic safety officer position, Officers Predovich and Wiseman utilized an unmarked patrol squad car, which has proven to be an effective tool in interdicting criminal and aggressive driving behaviors. Both officers maintained flexible schedules to work most nights and weekends. The change and flexibility allowed officers to align their educational and enforcement efforts with statistically

higher impaired driving times. Their efforts in 2024 resulted in some of the following accomplishments: ■ 1,125 traffic stops resulting in approximately two stops per hour during open log hours ■ 68 arrests, 53 of which were for DWI ■ 98 citations issued ■ Over 1,100 traffic violation warnings issued ■ 57 citations issues for driving on a revoked, suspended, or cancelled license Despite temporary staffing challenges in 2024 due to attrition and retirement, the Shakopee Police Department remained committed to roadway safety. While reduced personnel impacted the ability to focus on this project full-time, the overall performance remained comparable to 2023 levels. This reflects the dedication of our officers to maintaining high standards of enforcement and education. The legalization of cannabis in Minnesota has created continued educational opportunities for community members. It is legal to possess cannabis; however, it cannot be present in the driver or passenger compartment of a vehicle unless in its original sealed dispensary container. It can be stored in the trunk if it is not in its sealed container. Specific laws regarding cannabis use are available through Minnesota State Statutes online or the Office of Traffic Safety website. The Shakopee Police Department wants to remind the community that you could be arrested for driving under the influence of cannabis. In 2023, the Shakopee Police Department arrested or charged 257 suspects with Driving While Impaired (DWI). In 2024, the Shakopee Police Department arrested or charged 251 suspects with DWI, resulting in a 2.33% decrease in the amount of Driving While Intoxicated arrests from 2023. Officer Predovich and Officer Wisemans’ unwavering dedication to keeping our roads safe and performing focused DWI enforcement have certainly contributed to the ongoing success of this program. This position is

overseen by Sergeant Nick Bengtson, who ensures compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures. Additional oversight is provided by a grant coordinator with the Office of Traffic Safety and finance personnel from both the City of Shakopee and the State of Minnesota.

A Driver’s Education student helps Officer Wiseman with his presentation.

2024 Annual Report | 13

TRIBAL LIAISON

By Detective Jeff Wyckoff

The Shakopee Police Department and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) have built a strong partnership through the tribal liaison program established in 2013. This program has fostered trust, enhanced communication, and strengthened the working relationship between the two organizations. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to mutual respect and open communication to address community needs. In addition to the close working relationship with the SMSC, the department’s tribal liaison has working relationships with the tribal liaison from the Prior Lake Police Department and the SMSC Conservation Officers. In 2024, the Shakopee Police Department responded to 236 calls for service to assist the SMSC. SMSC hosted its annual Wacipi (Pow Wow) August 16–18 at the SMSC Pow Wow grounds. The event had great weather for all three days, and thousands of people locally and from across the country attended. SMSC also hosted a winter Wacipi (Pow Wow) at the Hocokata Ti Cultural Center on February 3 and 4.

The tribal liaison program has been well received by both the Shakopee Police Department and SMSC members and staff. Detective Jeff Wyckoff has been the department’s tribal liaison since August 2020.

PROACTIVE POLICING

By Sergeant Josh Davis

The Proactive Policing Unit (PPU) is a specialized plain-clothes unit focused on addressing priority criminal activity in the community. Comprised of officers trained to tackle street-level crimes, PPU plays a vital role in apprehending wanted criminals, assisting in identifying suspects, and addressing the most urgent criminal threats such as retail theft, violent crimes, mail theft, and burglaries. The team’s proactive approach allows them to stay ahead of emerging criminal trends, providing effective responses to evolving public safety challenges. In 2024, one of the PPU’s most notable cases involved a known burglar operating in the Shakopee area. After months of investigation, the unit obtained a search warrant and placed a tracking device on the suspect’s vehicle. This led to the successful apprehension of the primary suspect in a residential

neighborhood, in coordination with patrol officers. The suspect was later convicted of two counts of first-degree burglary. Throughout the year, PPU made significant contributions to public safety, issuing 116 citations, 68 arrests, and 25 search warrants. They also provided crucial support in nearly a dozen cases from neighboring jurisdictions, helping solve crimes by identifying suspects and sharing intelligence. In addition to their investigative work, PPU recovered a variety of illegal substances including methamphetamine, MDMA, fentanyl, cocaine, illicit mushrooms, and illegal prescription pills.

14 | Shakopee Police Department

INVESTIGATIONS

By Sergeant Josh Davis

The Investigations Unit consists of the following staff: ■ One sergeant ■ Three detectives

The Investigations Unit not only handles cases independently but also collaborates with investigative units from other jurisdictions to share insights and develop strategies for solving crimes and identifying suspects. Furthermore, the unit works closely with Scott County Human Services to investigate cases of maltreatment, abuse, and neglect. In 2024, the Investigations Unit entered more than 630 pieces of evidence into the department’s system. Digital forensics continues to be a critical component of modern investigations. In 2024, the Shakopee Police Department enhanced its capabilities by acquiring additional forensic software to assist in digital data analysis. One of the most significant cases in 2024 involved a thorough investigation into an online predator targeting underage girls. The investigation resulted in the arrest of an adult male and the filing of multiple felony charges by the Scott County Attorney’s Office. Ongoing inquiries have uncovered similar cases across the county, and Shakopee detectives are now collaborating with law enforcement agencies from neighboring jurisdictions, as well as the FBI, to further investigate these incidents.

■ One tribal liaison detective ■ Two plain clothes detectives ■ One investigations assistant ■ One victim services coordinator ■ One crime prevention specialist

■ One drug task force agent ■ One evidence technician The Shakopee Police Department also works in collaboration with Scott County to have an in-house mental health professional who specifically helps people in crisis. This coordinated responder program works with people who have mental illness or are in crisis and provides resources to the person and their families. In 2024, the Investigations Unit was tasked with handling more than 730 cases, encompassing a wide range of offenses including fraud, assault, theft, burglary, homicides, and other criminal matters. Detective duties also include drafting and executing search warrants, processing crime scenes and preparing detailed reports. Once completed, these reports and supporting documents are submitted to the Scott County Attorney’s Office for review and potential prosecution.

Members of the Shakopee Police Department Investigations Unit.

2024 Annual Report | 15

DRUG TASK FORCE

By Agent Andrew Erickson, SWMDTF

SW METRO DRUG TASK FORCE The mission of the Southwest Metro Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) is to provide a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional effort to reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences and to provide effective drug awareness education through the coordination and resource sharing of participating agencies. The SWMDTF includes agents from the Scott, Carver, and McLeod County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Shakopee, Belle Plaine, Prior Lake, and Hutchinson police departments. The Minnesota National Guard provides the SWMDTF an in-house analyst who offers invaluable assistance to the task force.

The task force had another successful year in 2024: Among 238 investigations, officers seized a total of $253,268 worth of illegal drugs, more than $18,000 in cash forfeitures, 18 firearms, and two vehicles. The legalization of marijuana greatly reduced the monetary value of illegal drugs seized. Fentanyl powder continued to grow in popularity and accessibility with 453 grams recorded in 2023 increasing to 509 grams recorded in 2024. Fentanyl continues to remain a major issue across the state, with an increase in the distribution and use of Fentanyl in a powder form, which is what the task force encountered. Fentanyl in pill form, however, is down in 2024 when compared to 2023. In 2024, agents executed 126 search warrants, including electronic search warrants, residential search warrants, and others. This was an increase over 109 search warrants in 2023. The SWMDTF recorded 48 drug arrests in 2024 and 17 non-drug arrests. The SWMDTF will continue its commitment to improving the quality of life in local communities by deterring and preventing the use, distribution, and manufacturing of narcotics.

SWMDTF NARCOTICS SEIZED (IN GRAMS) 2023

2024

Heroin

26

0

Methamphetamines

5,722

2,822

Fentanyl Cocaine

433 533

509

67

Pictured above are a variety of the illegal drugs seized by SWMDTF during 2024.

SWMDTF seized the above firearms in 2024.

16 | Shakopee Police Department

SWAT

By Sergeant Mike Penning

The Tri-City Tactical Team (TCTT) is a multi-jurisdictional special weapons and tactics (SWAT) unit that responds to critical incidents in Scott and Carver Counties. This specialized team includes members from the Scott and Carver Sheriff’s Offices, the police departments of Prior Lake, Savage, Chaska, New Prague, and Shakopee, as well as tactical paramedics from the Mdewakanton Fire Department. The team is comprised of 47 members, including seven officers in command roles, three snipers, five tactical medics, eight crisis negotiators, one crime analyst, and 23 operators. In 2024, the Shakopee Police Department contributed six tactical operators—Sgt. Mike Penning, Officer Jake Kerr, Officer Dustin Filan, Officer Alexander Godfrey, Officer Andrew Erickson, and Officer Phil Englin—and one Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) officer, Officer McKenzie Lampman. TCTT members undergo extensive training to specialize in areas such as ballistic bunkers, gas and less-lethal munitions, precision long rifle, breaching, and reconnaissance. Training topics include hostage rescue tactics, high-risk warrant service, slow and deliberate searches, chemical munitions deployment, firearms proficiency, open-field search techniques, and VIP/dignitary protection.

Crisis Negotiations Team members train monthly to enhance communication skills. These officers play a critical role by conducting background research on individuals involved in incidents and working to resolve situations peacefully, often preventing the need for tactical intervention. The skills developed by CNT members also help officers de-escalate stressful situations on patrol. The TCTT collaborates regularly with South Metro Tactical Teams—Richfield, Bloomington, MSP Airport, Burnsville, and Eagan police departments—and participates in a four-day annual training conference at Camp Ripley. In 2024, the TCTT and CNT responded to four full team activations; operators assisted with multiple warrant executions, conducted site security for three high-profile events, and assisted in providing critical support to agencies in Scott and Carver counties; and CNT also deployed independently in situations requiring negotiation expertise. Officer Kerr was promoted in 2024 to a Team Leader Position, and Sgt. Penning was promoted to Assistant Commander. Officer Englin retired from the team.

SWAT operators, medics, and snipers attended a 2024 training event. (The Crisis Negotiations Team not pictured.)

2024 Annual Report | 17

RECORDS UNIT

By Claudia Cassman, Records Supervisor

Foremost, the Records Unit is a vital part of the Police Department and though these staff members are not seen out on the streets, they play an integral part to the department’s daily operations. The passing of the Cannabis Expungement law in 2023 left our Records staff with more than 900 cases to be expunged. Cases dating back as far as the late 1990s were reviewed and sealed, which entailed pulling old case files from archives, locating court records, and marking these cases accordingly. Additionally, ongoing maintenance of suspense records continued to be a time-consuming project. However, Records staff has been consistently working on this task and closed out approximately 150 records in the past year. This ensures accurate nationwide criminal records and provides officers with precise information. Besides the daily stream of data requests, the Records Unit received several large and extensive data requests including

one in which Records staff spent several weeks redacting data. Another request required weeks of reviewing and copying videos from a sensitive case before releasing the data. These are only a few of the duties this team performs among countless other daily tasks. The dedication and hard work they demonstrate is remarkable and greatly appreciated.

Members of the Shakopee Police Records Unit.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

By Joe Alessi, Code Enforcement Specialist

■ Proactive Ordinance Activities: Increased efforts to address ordinance-related issues ■ Graffiti Response: Managed property damage calls involving graffiti on City property ■ Patrol Assistance: Supported patrol with civil standby calls and road hazard responses Community Service Officer (CSO) Contributions: The Community Service Officer works closely with patrol units and handles ordinance violations, parking enforcement, and other non-sworn duties, including: ■ Responding to parking-related calls ■ Assisting with traffic control ■ Managing non-emergency service calls ■ Retrieving evidence and handling lost/found property reports In 2024, the City promoted a CSO to a licensed officer position and hired a new CSO, who is also working toward becoming a licensed officer. This collaborative approach enhances community safety and compliance while supporting the patrol division’s overall effectiveness.

The Shakopee Police Department prioritizes code enforcement to encourage compliance from property owners in both residential and commercial areas. The department emphasizes voluntary compliance through collaboration with complainants and property owners, rather than pursuing citations or court referrals. Most complaints are reported directly to the department. 2024 Accomplishment: ■ Speed Trailer Program: – Deployed at 34 locations based on speeding complaints and historical data

– Operated February through October (weather-dependent) – Collected data to support traffic and speed enforcement ■ City Website Portal Requests: Addressed service requests submitted through the online portal ■ Temporary Signs: Removed over 500 temporary signs from across the city ■ Complaint Management: Responded to email complaints sent to the department’s general inbox

Shakopee Police speed trailer that can serve as a message board.

18 | Shakopee Police Department

VICTIM AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

By Barb Hedstrom, Victim and Community Services Coordinator

In addition to directly supporting victims of crime, the Shakopee Police Department’s Crime Victim Coordinator (CVC) serves the department in a variety of ways to ensure our services remain victim centered and community oriented. The Shakopee Police Department is fortunate to be one of just a few law enforcement agencies in Minnesota to have a full-time victim support staff person. Our CVC supports officers by following up with victims to educate them about their rights, resources, and the legal system, as well as provide them emotional support that many crime victims need after experiencing the trauma of a crime. The CVC trains each new Shakopee police officer on how they can assist crime victims in the immediate aftermath of a crime, such as: ■ Informing crime victims of the criminal court hearing process and what to expect ■ Giving an overview of the civil court processes the victim may become involved in ■ How to communicate with someone who is experiencing trauma ■ Providing community resources that may be helpful after someone has been the victim of a crime The CVC is also quite active in the Shakopee community. In 2024, the CVC engaged the community and participated in the following public outreach efforts: ■ Fraud and scam education at the Senior Expo, a local bank, and several senior housing campuses ■ Community celebrations and events including Night to Unite, Shakopee Community Assistance Carnival, Loaves and Fishes dinners, and the Special Olympic Polar Plunge and Torch Run ■ Coordinated community prevention and response teams such as the Scott County Sexual Assault Response Team, Scott County Prevention Coalition, and Scott County Community Health Improvement Plan ■ National Crime Victim Rights Week displays, presentations, and resource sharing

■ Promoting the Recovery Assistance Program that provides support for Shakopee residents seeking substance abuse treatment or supporting them in Shakopee sober living environments Being part of a public service organization that responds to all types of crimes, the CVC is instrumental in helping the police department learn about new resources to help crime victims. For example, several newer resources include: ■ The “Take It Down” service from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who can assist in the removal of online juvenile nude photographs ■ Family law resources around paternity, custody, divorce, etc. from LawHelpMN.org , Scott County law library, and MNCourts.gov ■ Information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on how to respond if your email or social media account gets hacked, including a list of recovery instructions for many social media providers The role of the Crime Victim Coordinator is ever evolving to help meet the needs of the Shakopee community. During 2024, the CVC had more than 419 contacts with crime victims; 92 contacts with criminal justice or victim service professionals; 206 community contacts or meetings; and 51 court hearings with or on behalf of crime victims.

CVC Barb Hedstrom talks with a community member following an online safety presentation.

In 2024, the CVC had:

victim contacts 419

contacts with other criminal justice or victim services professionals 92

community contacts or meetings 206

court hearings attended with or on behalf of crime victims 51

2024 Annual Report | 19

COORDINATED RESPONSE

By Amber Barnes, Scott County Health & Human Services Supervisor

The Shakopee Police Department’s Coordinated Response Program was launched in 2023 to help bridge the mental health service gap and create a streamlined partnership between Scott County Social Services and law enforcement. As we entered our second year of programming, our partnerships remain ongoing among Scott County Social Services, the Sheriff’s Office, Savage Police Department, and Shakopee Police Department. This program utilizes social workers who are trained in engagement, de-escalation, and resource connection. Following a referral from law enforcement, the social worker provides outreach and engagement to those who are residing in the Scott County Jail or who have been involved in a police

call in the designated partner areas. The goal of this work is to resolve crises in the community, connect residents with available services and resources, and to build meaningful relationships between law enforcement and underserved communities. In 2024, Coordinated Response received 973 referrals from our three law enforcement partners, and we were able to connect and serve 720 individuals, affording us a 74% engagement rate. The Scott County Jail Coordinated Responder engaged with an additional 320 inmates. As the mental health crisis continues to affect our communities, we look forward to another year of Coordinated Response being able to provide advocacy, education, and improved outcomes for individuals in crisis in Scott County.

Coordinated Responder Jamison Ottum (left) and Sergeant Josh Davis discuss a case.

individuals we connected with and served 720 engagement rate 74% In 2024, the Coordinated Response Program had:

referrals from our three law enforcement partners 973

inmates were engaged by the Scott County Jail Coordinated Responder 320

20 | Shakopee Police Department

IN THE SCHOOLS

By Officer Michael Santos

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS In 2024, the collaboration between the Shakopee Police Department and the Shakopee School District continued to thrive through our School Resource Program. By fostering open communication, building trust with students and staff, and addressing safety concerns proactively, the School Resource Program plays a vital role in creating a secure and welcoming environment for learning. This ongoing collaboration reflects our shared commitment to the well being and success of the Shakopee school community. In the summer of 2024, we celebrated School Resource Officer (SRO) Canon Christianson’s well-deserved retirement. His dedication and service to the Shakopee community, especially his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and families, have left a lasting impact. At the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, we were pleased to announce that Officer Mike Santos would resume Officer Christianson’s duties at Shakopee East Middle School. Officer Santos brings vast experience and a strong commitment to continuing the tradition of excellence in school safety and community engagement. During the school year, the following officers were stationed at their respective schools, with rotations into patrol duties over the summer months: ■ Officer Gary Kern was assigned to Shakopee High School ■ Officer Santos was assigned to East Middle School, Sun Path Elementary, Eagle Creek Elementary, Red Oak Elementary, and assistance to the High School as needed

■ Officer Adam Krichbaum was assigned to West Middle School, Jackson Elementary, Sweeney Elementary, Pearson Early Learning Center, SACS, and the Tokata Learning Center While SROs have a wide variety of responsibilities throughout the school day, their primary focus is on preventing criminal activities and responding to critical incidents while fostering a sense of safety and preparedness. SROs achieve this through education, proactive planning, and collaboration with key partners, including school administrators, teachers, counselors, therapists, students, and their families. By building strong, positive relationships, they help create a supportive learning atmosphere while ensuring the safety and well-being of the entire school community. Part of the SRO’s role involves engaging with students through classroom visits, where they cover a range of topics tailored to different age groups, such as drug and alcohol awareness, first aid, internet safety, bullying, local and federal laws, domestic assault, theft, and personal safety for children. Presentations are customized for various audiences, spanning from Pre-K to 12th grade, as well as parent groups like those at the Pearson Early Learning Center and PTO groups. Crucially, for an SRO to be effective, they must establish strong positive connections with students, ensuring that they and their families recognize the SRO as a trusted resource both during their time as students and beyond. In the upcoming year, Shakopee SROs are committed to continuing their support for students, staff, and families, nurturing these relationships to further strengthen our community.

From left, Officers Adam Krichbaum, Officer Mike Santos, and Officer Gary Kern are the current School Resource Officers.

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IN THE SCHOOLS

By Officer Taylor Stockmann, DARE Officer

DARE The Shakopee Police Department proudly partners with Shakopee Area Catholic Schools (SACS) to offer the DARE program. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe and responsible choices. Throughout the school year, a dedicated DARE officer works closely with school officials, teachers, parents, and students to enhance the learning experience, promote responsible behavior, and strengthen decision-making skills. This partnership helps students see police officers not only as enforcers of the law, but as supportive mentors who are invested in their success. By building trust and familiarity, the program fosters a positive connection between students and law enforcement. In 2024, Shakopee Area Catholic Schools welcomed Officer Taylor Stockmann to each fifth-grade classroom to present the DARE “Keepin’ It Real” curriculum. This program addresses important topics such as bullying, peer pressure, drug abuse, risky behaviors, and stress management. Students are taught and practice effective listening skills, how to communicate confidently, the importance of reporting bullying, and what C.O.P.S. For the 2024-25 school year, School Resource Officers (SROs) continued to deliver the C.O.P.S. (Community Outreach by Police for Students) curriculum across Shakopee Public Schools. This program connects SROs directly with students, reaching approximately 2,000 students annually in seven schools. The curriculum is designed to address the pressures and challenges of adolescence while teaching students how to navigate these issues in a mature and healthy way. Throughout the year, SROs collaborated with elementary and middle school teachers to present on a variety of topics tailored to each grade level. These topics included stress management, courage, kid vs. adult problems, building a support network, online safety, bullying, and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. ■ Fifth Grade Focus: Officer Adam Krichbaum and Officer Mike Santos taught students about recognizing and managing stress, finding courage in difficult situations, understanding the differences between kid and adult problems, and creating support networks.

it means to be an upstanding member of the community. The students are also given the DARE decision-making and resistance strategies as tools to strengthen their critical thinking skills and navigate challenges with confidence. In May 2024, 57 students graduated from the 10-week program. SACS held a special graduation ceremony where each graduate received a certificate that symbolized their commitment to making safe and responsible choices as they move forward in life. The DARE program continues to have a lasting impact, empowering students to face life’s challenges with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

DARE students at Shakopee Area Catholic Schools line up for graduation.

By Officer Mike Santos

■ Sixth Grade Focus: Presentations centered on online safety, with discussions about making smart and responsible choices regarding social media. ■ Seventh Grade Focus: Officers discussed drugs, alcohol, and how to resist the pressures of substance use while making responsible life decisions. To ensure every middle school student had access to the program despite rotating schedules, the sixth and seventh grade presentations were delivered on a quarterly basis. The C.O.P.S. program not only educates but also fosters positive interactions between students and SROs. By engaging with students in a classroom setting, SROs help build trust and familiarity, encouraging students to view them as approachable and supportive resources both inside and outside the classroom.

22 | Shakopee Police Department

COMMUNITY POLICING

By Stephanie Janke, Crime Prevention Specialist

Community policing lies at the heart of what defines an exceptional police department. Our mission is to deliver services with integrity and professionalism, safeguard residents through law enforcement, and collaborate with our community to improve the quality of life in Shakopee. The Shakopee Police Department recognizes that effective community engagement is most successful when it is consistent, genuine, and purposeful. Our initiatives in community engagement aim to foster trust, enhance communication, and support our objective of being a community-focused police department. We take immense pride in how our team engaged with residents in 2024 and look forward to more opportunities to connect with our community members in 2025!

JANUARY January 29–February 9 | Diaper Drive In honor of the late Janna Wood— the department’s former Crime Prevention Specialist—Shakopee Police hosted its 8th Annual Diaper Drive. All diapers were given to Shakopee Community Assistance to help families in need.

FEBRUARY

February 17 | Polar Plunge Shakopee PD raised $4,663 and several officers and support staff jumped into the icy waters of Prior Lake to show support for the Special Olympics.

MARCH

March 16 | Al’s Irish Charity Run The 5th annual charity run hosted by CurbSide Landscape & Irrigation raised over $26,000 for our Recovery Assistance Program. This was such a fun event that will allow us to help so many more in their recovery path through drug/alcohol treatment. March 23 | Egg Hunt & Candy Grab Officers helped at the Annual Egg Hunt & Candy Grab hosted by the Shakopee Parks and Recreation Department.

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