Shakopee Police Department 2024 Annual Report

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