Issuu

20 20 AN N UA L RE PO RT

Keith E. Hiller, Chief of Police OWATONNA POLICE DEPARTMENT 204 East Pearl Street, Owatonna MN 55060 http://www.ci.owatonna.mn.us/170/police

Table of Contents Chief’s Message

Organizational Structure / Mission

3-4

Department Budget

Personnel Changes

Administrative Division General Overview

Professional Standards

Department Training

8-12

Patrol Division

K9 Vegas getting ready for his shift

OWATONNA, MN Mayor:

Thomas A. Kuntz

Administrator: Kris M. Busse City Budget:

$31,428,955

Population:

26,314

Median Age:

38.4

Residential:

7,993 Single Family Homes 2,465 Registered Rental Units

Location:

Crossroads of I35 & U.S. Hwys 14 & 218

Land Area:

15.16 Square Miles

Roadways:

383 Lane Miles

Industry:

500+ Business 40+ Manufacturers

Parks & Rec:

34 Parks, 16 miles of trails

General Overview

COVID-19

Fleet, Chaplains

Detective Bureau

General Overview

Highlights

Statistics

SCDIU, School Resource Officers

Detective Bureau Support Property & Evidence

Crime Scene Unit

Forfeitures

Support Services Community Service Officers

Parking, Animal Control

Community Programs Reserves, Explorers

Miscellaneous

Data Trend

25-27

Chief’s Message Citizens of Owatonna Mayor and City Council Members City Administration and Staff The team at the Owatonna Police Department would like to share our 2020 experiences with our community. Despite the pandemic, we have been open for business. We had a few modifications; however, the staff made the best of things and managed to provide a top-notch service to our neighbors, friends, and visitors. We are thankful for a community that coalesces around its law enforcement professionals. The 2020 budget’s actual expenditures were 2.76% under the proposed amount. Fiscal management is a priority for all of us at the police department. We pride ourselves on reviewing our practices on a regular basis and we focus on service enhancements, efficiencies, internal and external collaborations, and cost savings. At times, our changes impact all areas. The majority of our budget is spent on our most valuable asset, our staff. In 2020, we added a Mobile Field Force Unit to our department. This unit supports anti-riot operations through the use of maneuver tactics aimed at dispersing crowds. The unit was deployed on several occasions and served along side many police agencies. The mission is to protect the constitutional rights of all! Safety and security is vital to our strategic initiatives. Part 1 crimes, or our more serious crimes, increased by 3.2% with murder, rape, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson on the rise. Part 1 crimes were on a decline for years, but we witnessed a small increase; however, any increase in serious crimes is concerning. Part 2 crimes decreased by 9.3% with drug abuse crimes influencing the reduction the most. Overall, the City of Owatonna experienced an overall reduction of 4.2% of reported crimes. Within a population range of 25,000-49,999, our city is the sixth safest out of 22 cities according to the Uniform Crime Report. All crimes impact our community. If you are a victim of a crime, please report it. Our community is a blend of experiences that shape a wonderful place to live, work, and enjoy recreation. As you read through the annual report, you will see how important it is to the police department. We value community engagement that reaches all our community members. I hope we got a chance to visit at one of those events. We can be very successful with everyone’s help and assistance. Safety is paramount to a great community and engaged citizens make it happen! Be proud to be part of Owatonna and contribute in ways that resonate with positivity and kindness. My wish is for a safe and healthy upcoming year. Warmest Regards,

Keith E. Hiller, Chief of Police City of Owatonna, Minnesota

Page 2

Organizational Structure

Chief of Police Keith E. Hiller Administrative Technician (1)

Records Management

Captain (1) Records Clerks (4)

Administrative Technician (1)

Patrol Operations

Chaplains (3)

Sergeants (6)

Reserve Officers (13) Explorer Post

Patrol Officers (20) Includes: K9 Unit (1) Crime Scene Techs (3) SWAT (4) Divisions: Command Staff Sworn Staff Civilian Staff

Field Training (5) DRE (0) EVOC(0) Firearms (6) Use of Force (3)

Shared Staff Volunteers

Page 3

Mission Statement

The Owatonna Police Department is dedicated to providing a safe and secure community through partnerships, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Policing excellence through our people, our work, and our relationships.

Captain (1)

Evidence Technician (1)

Professional Standards

Investigations

Support Services

Community Service Officers (3) Includes Parking Control & Animal Control Drug Investigations

Sergeant (.5) SCDUI Commander (.5)

SCDIU Agents (4)

OPD SCDIU Agent (1)

Investigators(5) ICAC Child Protection SRO Gangs Crime Scene Techs

Page 4

Department Budget

The Owatonna City Council approved the 2020 annual base and capital improvement budgets after a series of presentations by the:

Chief of Police, City Administrator and Finance Director Click on the City of Owatonna’s 2020 Adopted Budget and scroll to page 112

to find program details for the Owatonna Police Department.

OWATONNA POLICE

REVENUES

EXPENDITURES

TOTAL

2020 ACTUAL

$747,846

$5,264,477

$4,516,631

2020 PROPOSED

$864,928

$5,413,800

$4,548,872

2019 ACTUAL

$815,285

$5,173,529

$4,358,244

2019 PROPOSED

$886,537

$5,238,102

$4,351,565

2018 ACTUAL

$820,814

$4,929,899

$4,109,085

2018 PROPOSED

$870,751

$4,960,486

$4,089,735

Page 5

Personnel Changes NEW HIRES Authorized Personnel: 37 Sworn, 9 Civilian

Officer Jeremy Holmes-Katz—04/13/20

CSO Gabrielle Flemming—04/13/20

Officer Brandon Fandel—09/08/20

CSO Julia Hansen—12/08/20

RETIREMENTS / RESIGNATIONS Robbe Kniefel—01/31/20

Sergeant

Shantel Loos—08/05/20

Colin Troeger—02/27/20

CSO

Nathan Heeren—12/18/20 Officer

Page 6

Officer

Administrative Division GENERAL OVERVIEW The Administrative Division is proud to serve the community. The division is comprised of the Chief of Police, Captains, and an Administrative Technician. The division sets the strategic plan for the department. The department’s mission, vision, and values set the tone for all our initiatives. We hire for success because our staff is the most valued asset. The legacy of the police department is defined by the sum of our work groups. The synergy of these work groups is managed with public safety as its priority. The team is focused on providing an advanced level of service to the community. We are responsible for hiring, professional standards, succession planning, budgeting, professional development, community engagement, and everything-inbetween.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Professional Standards is staffed by a commander who reports directly to the Chief of Police. The primary responsibility of Professional Standards is to ensure the integrity of the Owatonna Police Department and monitor the relationship between the community and the department, striving to create mutual trust. Professional Standards serves as a method of internal accountability by receiving, processing, and investigating complaints concerning police conduct. These complaints may allege violations of criminal law, department policy or officer performance, and may originate from outside sources or from within the agency. Although complaint investigations can be assigned to any department supervisor, a captain is regularly assigned as the primary fact-finding investigator for formal allegations of misconduct and incident reviews. In addition to complaint investigation, Professional Standards also conducts critical oversight of our daily operations. The Owatonna Police Department makes every effort to act with professionalism and integrity in everything we do; however, in the event a complaint against an officer is received or misconduct or policy violations are identified by in-house staff, an internal affairs investigation is initiated. This is in an attempt to determine whether the act of misconduct occurred and disciplinary or corrective action is necessary or if the officer acted in a justified, lawful, or proper manner. If criminal wrongdoing is alleged, the Owatonna Police Department will request an outside law enforcement agency complete the investigation. In 2020, there were seven internal investigations conducted involving seven officers. Those investigations were all initiated internally within the department for minor policy violations and resulted in seven oral reprimands, low-level disciplinary actions. Disciplinary action can include oral and written reprimands, suspensions, demotions, or terminations.

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Department Training

FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM Training Coordinator—Sergeant Tracy DuChene Field Training Officers Joel Hunt, Matt Oeltjenbruns, Derrik Quinlan, Todd Schwanke, Luke Selvik, Andrew Van Osdale, Alex Vogel

The field training process of the Owatonna Police Department is a critical component of a successful department. New officers are put through an extensive five-phase field training and evaluation period in which they are critiqued in 18 areas of core competency. The first four phases involve an intense 16-week training period where the new officers are assigned to a field training officer. New officers spend time working at least one training phase during day, evening, and night shifts that involves coaching from several field training officers. During the fourth phase, the field training officer rides along and acts as an observer to the probationary officer. The team of field training officers are committed to the development and success of the probationers and to promoting the department’s mission as a whole. Upon successful completion of the field training program, the new police officers are certified for solo patrol duties. In 2020, newly hired Officers Zachary Plein, John Van Alstine, Jeremy Holmes-Katz, and Brandon Fandel have all successfully completed their field training program and have begun solo patrol.

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Department Training

FIREARMS Firearms Training Coordinator Sergeant Jason Matejcek

Instructors: Sergeants Andrew Drenth, Joshua Sorensen, and Jason Petterson Detective Benjamin Johnson, Officers Andrew Van Osdale and Alan Callahan

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone and the Owatonna Police Department’s Firearms Unit was no exception. Fortunately, while planning the training schedule in late 2019, the Firearms Unit decided to combine all of the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board mandatory firearms courses into one day. That training was completed in February 2020 and included annual and low-light/adverse weather qualifications with all three weapon systems (duty handgun, patrol rifle, and shotgun); however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, no other firearms training was done for the remainder of 2020.

(appointed 2019, yet to certified)

DEFENSIVE TACTICS The use of force instructors here with the Owatonna Police Department have received specialized instructor training in Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response (SPEAR), Law Officers Combat kinetics Unarmed Panoply (LOCKUP), TASER, Less Lethal, and Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) curriculums. Our agency has outfitted each sworn officer with an X2 Taser. Officers Travis Ardolf and Matt Oeltjenbruns instructed our Taser program. They also take care of the maintenance and downloading of data when these units were deployed in the field. In 2020, the instructors dedicated two full days of training to all sworn police officers; however, due to COVID-19, any hands on training was foregone. In addition to sworn officers, our community service and reserve officers also received annual training from the Use of Force Unit. Along with the mandated training, the Use of Force Unit worked with each newly appointed employee for a minimum of ten hours to review department policies, state statutes, and our current training curriculum.

Use of Force Training Coordinator Sergeant Josh Sorensen

Certified Instructors Officers Matt Oeltjenbruns, Travis Ardolf and Alan Callahan

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Department Training

CONTINUING EDUCATION Every officer must complete a minimum of 48 credits of continuing education within a three-year licensing period in order to maintain and renew their peace officer license with the Minnesota Board of Peace Officers Standards and Training. Active officers are mandated to train annually in use of force and once every five years in emergency vehicle operations/pursuit driving. Crisis intervention and mental illness crisis, conflict management and mediation, recognizing and valuing community diversity, and cultural differences to include implicit bias must consist of a combination of 16 of these continuing education credits within an officer’s threeyear licensing cycle. Reference can be found in Minn. Stat § 626.8469. It is at the agency’s discretion which law enforcement related courses that officers complete to satisfy the remainder of the required 48 hours. At the Owatonna Police Department, licensed peace officers are able to attend courses provided by many entities that are POST Board approved. However, in 2020, most in-person classes were cancelled due to social distancing requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our officers were able to complete several of the courses offered through a cost savings online program called Peace Officer Accredited Training Online.

MOBILE FIELD FORCE The Mobile Field Force Unit is the newest addition to our department in 2020. This unit is made up of ten officers specifically trained to support anti-riot operations through the use of maneuver tactics that are aimed at dispersing crowds. The Owatonna Police Department’s Mobile Field Force Unit is proud to train along side multiple southeast Minnesota police departments and sheriff’s offices. Our agency has outfitted each mobile field force officer with a ballistic helmet, full riot suit, shield, baton, and gas mask for their safety and protection during call-outs.

Page 10

Department Training

SCDIU TACTICAL TEAM In 2020, the South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU) Tactical Team had a total of 28 members from the four counties of Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, and Faribault. The members of the team consisted of a commander, assistant commander, four team leaders (immediate action, deliberate action, logistics, and sniper), four assistant team leaders, three snipers, nine operators, four negotiators, four medics, and two drone pilots. The safety and preservation of all human life is the team’s primary goal. The SCDIU Tactical Team accomplished this goal by acting as a law enforcement support unit specifically trained and equipped to resolve critical, high-risk situations. During 2020, the team was utilized on 23 call-outs with OWATONNA MEMBERS the majority to the areas of Albert Lea Sergeant Zack Schumaker—Asst Team Leader / Coordinator and Owatonna. Officer Joel Hunt—Team Lead / Drone Operator Officer Matt Oeltjenbruns—Asst Team Leader / Sniper Officer Alan Callahan—Operator / Medic

Training

All members attended monthly 10-hour training days. The purpose was to maintain a high-level of proficiency so their expertise could be utilized on a moment’s notice. 2020 training topics were as follows: - Tactical First Aid

- Distraction Devices

- Personal Protection Detail (dignitary protection) - Less Lethal

- Warrant Service (CQB)

Lenco Bearcat Left: Rounds that hit Bearcat in Albert Lea shooting

- Barricaded Operations (CQB) - Vehicle Assaults - Open Field Searches

- Drone Operations

- Chemical Agents

- Hostage Rescue

2020 Highlights •

Team leads leadership development—monthly meetings

•

Loss of operator—Officer Arik Matson shot while on duty in Waseca

•

Mutual aid relationships forged—Cannon River Valley SWAT, Austin/Mower County SWAT

•

CQB—worked toward entire team @ Close Quarter Battle Instructor

•

Bearcat—approved to take steps forward to gain funds to purchase

•

Officer Kody Needham shot while on duty in Albert Lea

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Department Training

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE TEAM The DJI Matrice 210 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) commonly known as a “drone”. It is flown and operated by a ground-based controller who has capabilities to run dual cameras which include high definition, zoom, and forward looking infrared. The UAV utilizes real-time kinetics to ensure accurate global positioning down to the centimeter and enables high precision data collection for surveying, photogrammetry, mapmaking, and so much more. Since March of 2018, the Owatonna Police Department has operated a UAV, authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) via part 107 and waiver approvals. In 2020, the UAV Operations Policy was updated to coincide with the state of Minnesota’s newly implemented Minn. Stat § 626.19 subdivision 12: Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Our department’s policy and state statute require that a yearly report of deployments be submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). In 2020, our UAV team consisted of one sergeant and program coordinator—Jason Petterson, and three officers—Joel Hunt, Casey Martin, and Andrew Van Osdale. All the operators have completed the necessary training and testing to receive their remote operator certificates from the FAA. The team hopes to expand to include one additional operator from the police department and operators from the Owatonna Fire Department in the upcoming year.

Deployments reported to the Minnesota BCA by the Owatonna Police Department Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team in 2020 included flights for search warrants, fleeing suspects on foot, and assistance to other city departments for aerial surveying and photography (above).

Page 12

Patrol Division GENERAL OVERVIEW Police Districts

The Patrol Division is the backbone and face of the Owatonna Police Department. The group of conscientious dedicated staff provide 24/7 service in a uniformed patrol capacity. They respond to a multitude of incidents such as emergency and priority 911 calls, fender benders, noise complaints, disputes and disturbances, traffic and code enforcement, criminal patrol, and criminal apprehension. Other ways our officers are visible in the community are conducting business checks, foot patrols, bar checks, park patrols, hotel visits, 24-hour business checks, public presentations, safety talks, and many other community and private events.

A new trend in 2020 for the Owatonna Police and Fire Departments along with many other agencies across the country was “Birthday Parades”. To battle the hardships of having to social distance from one another due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communities had to get creative and came up with drive-by celebrations. In these instances, the police were invited to escort a parade of cars to a designated place to send our well wishes.

Also in 2020, our officers and volunteer reserves / explorers were proud to partner with Community Pathways at their “Truck to Trunk” events where we managed traffic and helped load boxes of food that served 1,200 families! These were successful drive-up events that took place at the Steele County Fairgrounds.

Our officers work hard to connect with the youth of our community on their level. We value fun and respectful relationships and feel that the first encounters with law enforcement are vital in forming those relationships. Below is Officer Matt Oeltjenbruns enjoying some outdoor fun at our local skatepark. While he may have learned a thing or two, we are sure thankful no one was injured!

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Patrol Division COVID-19 RESPONSE Beginning March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused some abrupt operational changes to protect our first line workers and to reduce the exposure and transmission of the Coronavirus into our workforce yet maintain emergency police services to our community. Some changes implemented, modified and amended over the course of the year were that we:

CHAPLAINS

•

Followed Governor’s Executive Order(s) and adhered to the CDC and MN Department of Health safety practices and recommendations

•

Permitted remote work to those who could continue their job duties

•

Split patrol division into two teams of 7 on 7 off, 12-hour shifts. Reduced cross-over amongst employees, with a built in 7-day quarantine period

•

Reduced response to medical emergencies unless the nature of the emergency was life-threatening that required CPR, or involved airway obstructions, bleeding, or unresponsiveness (Mayo Ambulance Service continued all medical calls for service)

•

Added additional personal protective equipment to include cleaning and disinfectant supplies, surgical air purifiers, N95’s, safety goggles, and surgical gowns

•

Routine workspace/police vehicle cleaning and daily health safety checks

•

Restricted off-duty employment

•

Offered the COVID-19 vaccine on a voluntary basis

•

Established a decontamination procedure to include the purchase of a washer and dryer

•

Postponed ride-alongs and programs such as Chaplains, Reserves & Explorers, Shop with a Cop, Night to Unite and Citizen’s Academy, swearing-in and commendation ceremonies

•

Conducted continuing education and virtual training programs online

Reverend Loren Olson Parish Nurse Nancy Deetz Reverend Brent Carlson

DEPARTMENT FLEET

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Detective Bureau GENERAL OVERVIEW The Detective Bureau is primarily responsible for investigating serious and high-profile cases, multi-jurisdictional investigations and background investigations. Some reports generated in the Patrol Division require more extensive follow-up or require special knowledge, skills, or training. Detectives receive specialized training in many advanced police subjects including homicide and death scene investigation, interview and interrogation, financial crimes, and sexual assault investigations. Investigators also work closely with partnering law enforcement agencies including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Federal Bureau of Investigations, regional Violent Crime Enforcement Teams, and neighboring local law enforcement and social service agencies. The bureau is responsible for several secondary functions including pre-employment background investigations for police applicants, alcohol and tobacco compliance checks, public education and presentations, and predatory offender compliance/violation investigations.

In 2020, the Owatonna Police Department Detective Bureau was staffed by Captain Eric Rethemeier, Detective Sergeant Andy Drenth, Detectives Matt Oeltjenbruns, Brady Vaith, Christian Berg, Ben Johnson, Steven Bowman, Valerie Satre, Travis Ardolf, and Evidence Technician Kimberly Dub. The detective staff primary assignments include general investigations, child protection investigations, and school resource officers. One detective is also assigned as a member of the Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force where they conduct coordinated sexual exploitation investigations and undercover child exploitation cases. During 2020, the Owatonna Police Department assisted another local law enforcement agency with an investigation determined to be a conflict of interest involving a public official. Upon completion, the case was referred to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and another public official oversight organization.

Page 15

Detective Bureau 2020 HIGHLIGHTS On July 12, at approximately 5:26 PM, Owatonna officers were called to Dartts Park off of Cherry Street for a stabbing. Arriving officers found a victim lying in the parking lot suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Life saving measures were taken on scene and an air ambulance was dispatched; however, the 32-year old victim died from his injuries on-scene. A suspect was identified but had fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Owatonna detectives, MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) homicide agents and the BCA Crime Scene team were summoned where they remained on-scene investigating until approximately 2:00 AM the following morning. An autopsy determined the victim’s cause of death was a single stab wound to the chest and a homicide. The following night, shortly before midnight, the suspect in this case, Hassan Nur Hassan, was apprehended by the Minneapolis Police Department and transported to the Hennepin County Detention Center. Hassan, age 28 of Owatonna, has been charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Murder, 2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Motor Vehicle Theft. (OW20-001342).

On December 14, 2020, an Owatonna detective working in an undercover capacity initiated an investigation of an adult male operating on the KIK social media platform and seemingly soliciting pedophilic activity. As the investigation progressed, the online suspect indicated he was sexually active with a child relative and sent the detective two sexually suggestive photographs. Through further chats, the online suspect offered to purchase a child from the detective for the purposes of prostitution. The detective learned the online suspect was in California and with the assistance of a California sheriff’s office was able to identify the suspect; working collaboratively, California authorities took this predator into custody on December 16th.

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Detective Bureau

2020 STATISTICS

INVESTIGATION TYPE

Crimes against persons 24%

Child & Adult Protection Cases 36%

Property Crimes 37%

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Detective Bureau

SOUTH CENTRAL DRUG INVESTIGATIVE UNIT The South Central Drug Investigation Unit’s (SCDIU) mission is to investigate and apprehend mid to upper level drug dealers and violent offenders in our communities. SCDIU agents build successful cases against dealers including drug sales and possession crimes. Agents also investigate violent crimes in our communities such as robberies, burglaries, homicides, gun crimes, and drug overdose cases. Frequently, search warrants are executed to recover illegal drugs. The agents work closely with other agencies to identify drug dealers who are selling across several jurisdictions or states. Agents receive crime tips and follow up with any criminal leads. SCDIU agents are a small mobile unit that travels to wherever they are needed to make the most impact. The Owatonna Police Department is the fiscal agent of a four county multi-jurisdictional Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET) including Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, and Faribault counties. The team serves 2500 square miles and approximately 100,000 people and in 2020, consisted of a commander, administrative assistant, and 5 fulltime agents. There are 13 law enforcement agencies that contribute funds to the unit, and is also funded by state and federal grants. Recent trends in the past year have been an increase of opioid abuse including prescription meds, heroin, and the potent synthetic opioid called fentanyl. Due to unknown potency, overdoses can quickly occur and likely to become fatal. Narcan is an opioid antidote that is used to reverse the fatal effects of opioids and can be administered by first responders.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS Each year, the Owatonna Police Department assigns School Resource Officers to work in a partnership with the Owatonna Public School District #761. The officers bring their specialized training, knowledge, and genuine concern for the safety and wellbeing of the students and staff each and every school day. In 2020, two resource officers were assigned—Detective Brady Vaith to the Owatonna High School and the Alternative Learning Center, and Detective Steve Bowman—assigned to the Owatonna Middle School and all elementary schools. To the right is SRO Steve Bowman thoroughly enjoying the time he worked with the kids at the Owatonna Middle School...clearly on official business! Can you guess which Care Bear is Steve?

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Detective Bureau Support PROPERTY & EVIDENCE The Property and Evidence Technician maintains the chain of custody for all evidentiary items submitted to the property room. Documenting the intake, storage, security, release, and disposal of all items is the primary focus of property room personnel. The Owatonna Police Department handles evidence for both the Owatonna Police Department and the South Central Drug Investigation Unit.

6026 total items in the property room as of 12/31/2020 Of the 6026, 1288 items were added in 2020

In 2020, the department transitioned to Shared Archive For Evidence (SAFE), the newest edition of evidence management software for Tracker Products.

409 items released or destroyed in 2020

CRIME SCENE UNIT The Crime Scene Unit assists the Patrol and Investigative Divisions for the purpose of evidence identification, collection and preservation. Crime Scene Technicians are trained in areas of crime scene photography, latent print development and recovery, biological and trace evidence recovery, and tool mark and footwear impression recovery. Members strive to obtain the most up to date training and equipment in crime scene processing. In January 2020, before the onset of COVID-19, Detective Bureau staff was out instructing the Owatonna Middle School and St. Mary’s Forensic Science classes. Using a city -owned building downtown, the classes were instructed on crime scene processing and then moved to a garage at the law enforcement center to learn about vehicle processing. Investigators involved in this partnership were Detective Sergeant Andy Drenth and Detectives Matt Oeltjenbruns, Brady Vaith, Christian Berg, Zack Schumaker, and Steve Bowman.

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Detective Bureau Support FORFEITURES Forfeiture is the proceeding that a state agency uses to seize property from an owner after they are arrested, charged, or convicted of a specific crime. A forfeiture proceeding typically occurs when someone is arrested by law enforcement for driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of controlled substances (drugs) or alcohol or after fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. Property, including cash, may also be seized during a drug arrest/raid or other designated forfeiture offense outlined by Minnesota statute. Property forfeiture is a civil proceeding that is separate from any criminal charges that may have been filed against someone. When a law enforcement agency seizes property associated with certain crimes, the procedure is known as “civil forfeiture”. There are two forms of civil forfeitures—judicial and administrative. Judicial forfeitures require a court order before an agency can take ownership of a person’s property. Administrative forfeiture allows an agency to take possession before any court review, but requires the law enforcement agency to serve the owner with a notice of the forfeiture process and proceedings. What property can be seized? •

If the offense is related to alcohol, a motor vehicle may be subject to seizure.

•

If the offense is related to fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle can be seized. If the offense is related to drugs, Minn. Stat § 609.5314 allows for the following property to be seized by law enforcement and forfeited:  Drugs

•

 Drug manufacturing, or distribution equipment or devices  All money, precious metals, or precious stones found near the drugs  All vehicles with a value of $100+ if charged with a felony under Minn. Stat § 152  All firearms, ammunition or firearms found in a vehicle being used to commit a felony drug

violation under Minn. Stat § 152 at the time of arrest or on the premises where drugs were seized In 2020, the Owatonna Police Department initiated 14 vehicle forfeiture proceedings (12—still in process, 2—released to the registered owners). Vehicles obtained by OPD that are serviceable are placed on a state auction site operated by the Department of Administration Surplus Services and can be accessed by going to minnbid.org.

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Support Services

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS Community Service Officers (CSOs) are a critical, non-licensed support unit with the Owatonna Police Department responsible for responding to citizen complaints and assisting licensed police officers upon request. CSOs primary responsibilities include animal control, parking control, ordinance education and enforcement, traffic control, motorist assists, private property crashes, and house and park checks. These responsibilities are service calls which may not require a licensed officer; however, are an essential part of department duties to meet the needs of the community.

Our CSOs can also be found at local daycares giving a squad tour, leading a parade or funeral procession, or other various community engagement events. Historically, CSO positions were usually held by those going into the law enforcement field and the practical experience gained helped build a foundation for licensed peace officer duties. A CSO position may also lead to an opportunity as a licensed officer with the department. In 2020, we had 10 previous CSOs who served as licensed officers with the Owatonna Police Department.

The department Community Service Officers were Brian Shaw, Gabrielle Flemming and Julia Hansen who responded to 5347 calls in 2020.

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Support Services PARKING CONTROL Downtown parking control and city-wide parking enforcement in the city of Owatonna is a function of Owatonna Police Department community service and police officers. It is done with a community mission in mind to accommodate the varying needs of different customers. From downtown visitors to employees and residents, parking control measures contribute to a vital downtown environment. The Owatonna Community Development Department and the Owatonna City Council develop parking policies to support economic development and residential living. The strategy in mind is to maximize the use of all existing parking spaces for downtown customers, businesses and residents. To accomplish this strategy, parking restrictions are enforced to encourage employees, business owners, and residents to use long-term parking spaces located on the fringe of the downtown area. This frees up short-term parking spaces located in the center of downtown for shoppers and customers. City-wide parking violations range from parking in prohibited areas, recreational/oversized vehicles, traffic hazards, limited parking, and violations of the winter parking restrictions commonly referred to as odd/even parking. In 2020, the Owatonna Police Department created a Winter Parking Map WebApp to show where parking is allowed and those areas that are exempt from the winter parking restriction during the restricted period of November 15 – March 31. You can access the Winter Parking Map WebApp through the City of Owatonna or Police Department website by clicking the following link: Owatonna Winter Parking

ANIMAL CONTROL Dogs Impounded – 109 Cats Impounded – 101 Adoptions

– 80

Escaped

–0

Claimed

– 113

Euthanized Deceased

– 16 –1

Animal Control helps maintain the health and safety of pets and protects city residents from problem domesticated and undomesticated animals. The Owatonna Police Department CSOs and police officers respond to animal complaints within the city including barking dogs, animals at large, and dog bites. They also enforce city ordinances regarding animals and educate the public on important issues concerning animals. The CSOs oversee daily operations of the Animal Control Shelter where they provide custody and care for lost, abandoned, and stray animals. They regularly work in cooperation with animal advocating partners to provide safe homes for abandoned or lost pets that cannot be re-united with their owners. They strive to find homes for every single adoptable animal taken into the shelter.

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2020 Community Programs

RESERVES

2020 marked our 8th year for the reserve unit. There are nine active members including one sergeant.

The Police Reserve Program is a volunteer program that was overseen in 2020 by Owatonna Patrol Sergeant Andy DeVinny. The dedication from Andy and all reserve members helped sustain the strong partnership between the Owatonna Police Department and the Reserve Unit. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member, applications are always being accepted and are available upon request during regular business hours. You do not need to be pursuing a career in law enforcement to apply and no prior law enforcement experience is required. The focus is to serve the community and develop, train, and recruit prospering law enforcement students to join the law enforcement profession here or elsewhere as well as qualified adults who wish to serve their community. Assignments include:

• • •

Provide security at street dances and city park events Respond to emergency call-ins to assist officers where needed Assist with prisoner and transport details for officers

•

Monthly meetings and training to review policies and procedures, CPR and AED, first responder, defensive tactics, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, squad car orientation/usage, and ATV training

•

Events such as Shop with a Cop, From the Heart Run/Walk, Steele County Safety Camp, Night to Unite, parades and house checks, and aid with traffic control

EXPLORERS In 2020, the Owatonna Police Department had 10 volunteer explorer members. Even though COVID-19 shut most things down and they were unable to go to any state competitions, our explorers still kept up-to-date on training and helped out with various community events when allowed. The explorers collaborated with Papa Murphy’s Pizza for a fundraising event where they sold punch cards at a discounted price. Papa Murphy’s donated a portion of the profits to our group to which they are very grateful! The proceeds went toward equipment and competition fees. During the 2020 COVID-19 shut down, and in their personal time, the explorers did a great job keeping in touch with each other to make sure everyone was coping with new school arrangements that included distance learning. We are so proud of our explorer’s group as many have gone on to become community service officers and reserve officers for the Owatonna PD.

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2020 Community Programs

To the left is OPD Captain Jeff Mundale who met with the local Webelos Pack 354 at the Law Enforcement Center to teach about public service, safety, local ordinances, leadership, character skills, and how to be an engaged community steward. The fun visit ended with a station and a police car tour.

Officer Matt Oeltjenbruns and McGruff the Crime Dog visited the Good Shephard Lutheran Church preschool classes. Officer Oeltjenbruns spoke to the kids about what duties make up his day as an Owatonna Police Officer. If you’re looking to set up a visit with an officer or McGruff the Crime Dog, please contact Pamela Roberts at 507-774-7200.

Samantha Hiller and the Sunshine Club partnered with Owatonna Police Chief Hiller (her dad!) and Andi Arnold at the Steele County Safe and Drug Free Coalition. The goal—fill kids with joy and happiness! Over 100 gifts were dropped off at Trinity Lutheran Church for Toys for Tots. The event helped support many families during the holiday season.

The following community programs were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19: Shop with a Cop, Night to Unite and Citizen’s Academy

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OPD Part I & II Crimes

Offenses

Cleared

% Cleared

Murder

100

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

136

Burglary

179

Larceny

306

106

1190

Motor Vehicle Theft

179

Arson

100

Human Trafficking

1,735

2018

2017

Murder

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Burglary

Larceny

339

344

372

Arson

Human Trafficking

432

464

496

Motor Vehicle Theft

Total Part I

Crime Rate

# of

2019

2020 Part I Crimes

Total Part I

2020 Part II Crimes

446

160

# of

Offenses

Cleared

per 100,000

Crime Rate % Cleared per 100,000

114

Other Assaults

100

389

Forgery/Counterfeiting

Fraud

229

Embezzlement

Stolen Property

Vandalism

346

Weapons

Prostitution

Other Sex Offenses

Drug Abuse

299

Gambling

Family/Children

100

DUI

315

Liquor Laws

100

Disorderly Conduct

Vagrancy

100

Other Offenses

103

107

Other Offenses

319

Total Part II

635

567

495

Total Part II

576

335

2,240

Grand Total

1,067

1,031

991

GRAND TOTAL

1,022

495

3,975

Other Assaults

Prostitution

DUI Liquor Laws Disorderly Conduct Vagrancy

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2020 Crime Rate 25,000—49,999 POPULATION REGIONAL

OFFENSES CLEARED

A crime rate describes the number of crimes reported to law enforcement per 100,000 total population. A city’s individual crime rate is derived by dividing the total number of reported crimes occurring within the jurisdiction by the city’s population; the result is then multiplied by 100,000. In Owatonna, our general crime rate is 4,016 per 100,000 general population.

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2020 Drug Abuse CASES CLEARED

NARCOTICS

Drug Task Force Regions South Central Drug Task Force Steele, Waseca, Faribault, Freeborn Population = 98,601 Total Narcotic Arrests = 279 Narcotic Arrests per Capita = .0028

MN River Valley Drug Task Force Martin, Watonwan, Nicollet, Blue Earth Population = 132,449 Total Narcotic Arrests = 512 Narcotic Arrests per Capita = .0039 SE MN Narcotics & Gang Task Force Olmsted, Winona, Goodhue, Dodge, Mower, Fillmore, Houston, Wabasha Population = 377,693 Total Narcotic Arrests = 870 Narcotic Arrests per Capita = .0023 Cannon River Valley Task Force Rice, Le Sueur Population = 93,722 Total Narcotic Arrests = 339 Narcotic Arrests per Capita=.0036

POPULATION

NARCOTICS ARRESTS

ARRESTS PER CAPITA

870

377,693

.0023 .0039

279 98,601

132,449

512

93,722

So Central

MN River Valley

339

.0028 .0036

SE Minnesota

Cannon River

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