Shakopee Police Department 2025 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 DARE program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe and responsible choices. During the school year, a dedicated DARE officer works closely with school administrators, teachers, families, and students to enhance the educational experience, promote responsible behavior, and strengthen decision-making skills. This partnership helps students view police officers not only as enforcers of the law, but as supportive mentors committed to helping them make positive life choices. Through ongoing engagement, the program helps to build familiarity and trust between students and law enforcement. In 2025, SACS welcomed Officer Taylor Stockmann back 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 it means to be an upstanding member of the community. The students are also given the DARE decision-making and resistance strategies as The Community Outreach by Police for Students (C.O.P.S.) program is taught by a School Resource Officer (SRO) at both middle schools and seven elementary schools at the fifth and sixth grade levels. The program is designed to support students as they navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges of adolescence. The curriculum emphasizes healthy decision-making, resiliency, and personal responsibility. Classroom engagement has proven to be one of the most effective ways to build meaningful relationships with students. Through consistent interaction, students come to recognize School Resource Officers as trusted resources who are available to support them. C.O.P.S.

tools to strengthen their critical thinking skills and navigate challenges with confidence. In March 2025, 52 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 SACS line up for graduation.

By Officer Jeff Wyckoff

The C.O.P.S. program not only delivers valuable educational instruction but also strengthens positive connections between students and SROs. By engaging students in the classroom, officers can establish trust making them available and approachable resources within the school setting and the broader community.

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