Winter 2019-20 Hometown Messenger

CHIEF’S NOTES

Upcoming Crime Prevention Events For more information, contact the Crime Prevention Office at 952-233-9441 or visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/crimeprevention

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE Our department is going through some significant changes as we head into 2020. We are saying goodbye to Capt. Craig Robson, who has served this city for 28 years. Craig has been a part of every major decision this department has made over the last two decades. He’s seen unprecedented growth in the city while also navigating the department through the most transformative period in law enforcement history. We will miss him other staff. Sgt. Jason Arras will be promoted to captain effective Dec. 1. Several sergeants are about to change roles and responsibilities as we welcome a new sergeant to the ranks. We have seven patrol officers who have applied for the vacant sergeant’s position. Every one of those officers is trained and ready to assume the role. This will undoubtably be a very difficult decision. It’s refreshing to see the interest in our promotional opportunities. Not all metro agencies are able to fill supervisory positions from within their department. It’s great to see our folks wanting to advance their careers. Professional development has always been a top priority for us — not just required training, but training beyond the minimum and the very best training available. Currently, we have a sergeant attending the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute For Police and another headed to the FBI National Academy this summer. These are world-class training experiences that prepare our staff and department for the future and give us the confidence to weather turnover and industry changes. While we hate to see people leave, it’s also a time of excitement and opportunity within the department. Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate and his institutional knowledge terribly. While it’s always tough to see people who have served so long leave, it also provides opportunities for

NOVEMBER

JANUARY

DIAPER DRIVE The Shakopee Police Department is hosting its fourth annual Diaper Drive. The drive collects diapers for Shakopee Community Assistance’s Diaper Bank, which provides diapers to families in need. Please drop off any amount, size or type of diapers and/or wipes to the Shakopee Police Department, 475 Gorman St., or in the entryway after hours. The drive is held in memory of former Crime Prevention Specialist Janna Wood, who died Feb. 5, 2017, along with her unborn baby due to a brain aneurysm. When: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 27-Feb. 10 Where: Police Department, 475 Gorman St. POLAR PLUNGE Shakopee Police jump into the ice cold waters of Prior Lake to raise money for the Special Olympics. Cheer on officers or register your own plunging team at PolarPlungeMN.org. When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 Where: Sand Point Beach, 14349 Crest Ave. NE., Prior Lake Cost: FREE Shakopee Crime Prevention Inc. and local taxi companies to offer free rides from local bars during some of the most popular drinking nights of the year. Vouchers will be available on the police department’s website and Facebook/ Twitter. When: 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Monday, March 17 Where: Coupons available at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/crimeprevention Cost: FREE FEBRUARY MARCH SAFE AND SOBER Shakopee Police teams up with

WINTER COAT DRIVE Bring your gently used or new coat to the Police Department between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Coats will be donated to families in need during our Shop with a Cop event in December. The donation box is located in the department lobby and accessible Monday through Friday. When: Nov. 4-Dec. 6 Where: Police Department, 475 Gorman St. SAFE AND SOBER Shakopee Police teams up with Shakopee Crime Prevention Inc. and local taxi companies to offer free rides from local bars during some of the most popular drinking nights of the year. Vouchers will be available on the police department’s website and Facebook/ Twitter. When: 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 Where: Coupons available at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/crimeprevention Cost: FREE SHOP WITH A COP Officers partner with 15 children for an afternoon of shopping followed by a pizza party at the Police Department. This is a great outreach program that showcases the warmth and joy of giving during the holiday season. When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 SAFE AND SOBER Shakopee Police teams up with Shakopee Crime Prevention Inc. and local taxi companies to offer free rides from local bars during some of the most popular drinking nights of the year. Vouchers will be available on the police department’s website and Facebook/Twitter. When: 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 Where: Coupons available at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/crimeprevention Cost: FREE DECEMBER

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