Shakopee Police Department 2025 Annual Report

SWAT

By Sergeant Mike Penning

The Tri-City Tactical Team (TCTT) is a multi-jurisdictional Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit responsible for responding to critical and high-risk incidents within Scott and Carver Counties. The team is composed of sworn personnel from the Scott and Carver County Sheriff’s Offices; the police departments of Prior Lake, Savage, Chaska, New Prague, Belle Plaine, and Shakopee; and tactical paramedics from the Mdewakanton Fire Department. The TCTT consists of 51 members, including four command staff, four snipers, six tactical medics, eight crisis negotiators, two crime analysts, and 27 operators. Seven officers from the Shakopee Police Department are assigned to the TCTT: Sgt. Mike Penning (Team Commander), Sgt. Jake Kerr (Team Leader), Officer Dustin Filan (Assistant Team Leader), Officer Alexander Godfrey (Sniper), Officer McKenzie Lampman (Assistant Negotiations Team Leader), Officer Andrew Erickson (Operator), and Officer Alexander Johnson (Operator). Operators participate in extensive and ongoing training to maintain proficiency in specialized operational disciplines, including ballistic shield operations, chemical and less-lethal munitions deployment, precision rifle operations, breaching techniques, reconnaissance, hostage rescue operations, high risk warrant service, slow and deliberate clearing techniques, firearms proficiency, open-area search methods, and VIP/ dignitary protection.

Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) members receive monthly training focused on advanced communication, behavioral analysis, and de-escalation strategies. Negotiators conduct background research on involved individuals and work to achieve peaceful resolutions, frequently mitigating the need for tactical intervention. These skills also enhance officers’ ability to de-escalate high-risk situations encountered during routine patrol operations. The TCTT maintains strong interagency partnerships and routinely collaborates with South Metro Tactical Teams, including the Richfield, Bloomington, MSP Airport, Burnsville, and Eagan Police Departments, during both training exercises and operational deployments. In 2025, the TCTT and CNT responded to four full team activations. Most notably the TCTT was deployed to and assisted in apprehending Vance Boelter. Team operators assisted with multiple high-risk warrant executions and provided critical operational support to law enforcement agencies throughout Scott and Carver Counties. The Crisis Negotiations Team also deployed independently in incidents

requiring specialized negotiation capabilities. During 2025, Sgt. Penning was promoted to Team

Commander, Officer Filan was promoted to Assistant Team Leader, and Officer Alexander Johnson was appointed as an operator with the TCTT.

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