Shakopee Snapshot: Winter 2023-24

SHAKOPEE SNAPSHOT A LENS ON SHAKOPEE LIVING

WINTER 2023-24

CITY NEWSLETTER Nurturing Connections.. . . . . . . . . 3 CityCalendar................... 4 InLehman’sTerms.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Shakopee Snapshot.. . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News&Notes................... 5 2024 Budget & Tax Levy.. . . . . . . . 6 Parks & Recreation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 AsktheCity..................... 7 Development News.. . . . . . . . . 8–9 PublicWorks............... 10-11 PublicSafety............... 12–13 Chief'sNotes................... 13

Cover Photo: Winter is a beautiful time to catch a serene sunset at Thole Lake

Coordinated Responder Jamison Ottum, left, is an embedded social worker with the Shakopee Police Department Nurturing connections New program bridges mental health gaps When it comes to policing, the Shakopee Police Department prides itself on its community- centered approach that historically has involved relationship and trust building, crime prevention education and events, and broad public outreach efforts This year, the department took its community policing to the next level with the addition of Coor dinated Responder Jamison Ottum, a Scott County social worker who is embedded with the Sha kopee Police Department “He’s doing exceptional work,” Police Chief Jeff Tate said “He’s working with people that not only struggle with mental health issues, but also substance abuse issues, and he’s getting them resources they’ve never had before” Ottum is one of a handful of county social workers embedded with a police department as part of the newly created Coordinated Response Program (CRP) Social workers are also embedded with the Savage Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and the Scott County Jail The goal of the CRP is to connect community members with the resources they need to thrive, engage people who are historically resistant to treatment, and reduce 911 calls due to non-criminal matters

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