Shakopee Police Department 2024 Annual Report

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