Shakopee Police Department 2024 Annual Report

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.

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