Winter 2022-23 Hometown Messenger

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With community policing, officers are expected to treat everyone they encounter with respect and kindness—no matter the circumstances

process, which can be overwhelming for anyone—particularly someone who is or has recently experienced trauma This position also works to connect victims to local non-profits in order to find resources and support for victims as they continue on the road to recovery ■ The Recovery Assistance Program (RAP) provides resources for those that need assistance but are unable to obtain the funding or connections needed to help themselves Officers will assist in fundraising efforts to aid in recovery or treatment programs, and local businesses participate by allowing officers to offer vouchers to local mechanic shops for broken vehicles or equipment rather than issuing citation Other businesses provide funding or vouchers so that officers can reward children wearing bike helmets while riding around town with an ice cream cone or other treat In addition to the efforts of the police department, the City was also commended for its work in accessibility From offering pop-up public feedback meetings in the areas that are directly impacted by poten tial development to increasing translation services and bringing rec reation events and programming into traditionally under-served areas of the community, all staff are working to increase the City’s vis ibility and overall accessibility

Police Chief Jeff Tate makes sure his officers know that treating people with respect is the Shakopee Police Department’s own Golden Rule “We host a swearing in ceremony when a new officer starts working with us,” Tate said “I say the same thing at every ceremony: We show respect to all Whether you're meeting commu nity members at a fun event or arrest ing an uncooperative suspect, it's vital to our work that we treat each other with human decency” There are many examples of how Sha kopee officers demonstrate this philos

“We show respect to all. Whether you’re meeting community members at a fun event or arresting an uncooperative suspect, it’s vital to our work that we treat each other with human decency.” Jeff Tate Shakopee Police Chief

ophy on the job: big events such as Night toUnite and Picnicwith Police, smaller events such as Shopwith a Cop and Special Olympics Torch Run, or even simple, daily interactions that may seem insignificant to most people but can leave a profound impact on community members Several areas of the department were highlighted to illustrate Shako pee’s unique community policing model: ■ The Proactive Policing Unit (PPU) is a small group of officers dedicated to working closely with community members and businesses Its goal is to not only prevent crimes, but to address quality of life concerns such as theft and robbery, narcotic issues, gun violence, fraud concerns, and much more These officers are not subject to patrol-style call loads, so they are able to focus their attention on building relationships within the community, which in turn helps them directly combat these issues ■ Shakopee’s Victim Services Coordinator works extensively with victims of crimes throughout the entire legal and recovery WHAT ARE SOME FACTS SHAKOPEE RESIDENTS SHOULD BE AWARE OF AS WE HEAD INTO THE COLDER MONTHS? ■ Most home fires occur in the winter and peak in January ■ Last year in Minnesota, 39% of fire deaths occurred in October, November and December ■ Two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles ■ The three leading causes of Minnesota fires are all holiday staples: cooking, heating and open flames ■ Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source WHAT CAN RESIDENTS DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES? ■ Use flameless candles when decorating for the holidays ■ Make sure exit paths and exits are clear of holiday decorations and clutter ■ Keep all doors and windows that could be used for an escape route clear of snow and ice ■ Keep all vents—fireplace, dryer, furnace and oven—clear of snow, ice and debris ■ Never use a blow torch to thaw frozen pipes ■ Keep anything flammable at least three feet from heat sources ■ Do not use your oven to heat your home #AsktheCity

All of these efforts combined help city staff to connect with and understand our community so that we can bet ter serve residents It’s important for us to provide opportunities for community members to meet staff in what are typically low-stress, friendly situations That connection can go a long way to foster trust and respect from both sides in a high-stress situation

WINTER FIRE SAFETY TIPS

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