About the Police Department

In 2010, the Shakopee Police Department responded to more than 17,827 calls for service. The department currently has 47 sworn budgeted positions in the following capacities: 2 Captains, 7 Sergeants, 30 Patrol Officers, 3 Investigators, 3 School Resource Officers, and 1 Crime Prevention/Multi-Housing Officer. The department also includes 3 Community Service Officers, 11 Police Explorers, and 6 support staff. The Department is led by Police Chief Jeff Tate.

The Police Department is located at 475 Gorman Street.

The Patrol Division operates most of the time in marked patrol cars. Each is equipped with a radar unit that is capable of monitoring traffic speeds while the squad car is moving or parked. They are also equipped with first aid equipment, fire extinguishers, medical oxygen, external defibrillators and assorted crime scene equipment.  There is also a protective screen that separates the front and rear passenger.

Each squad car has a laptop computer, which enables the officers to receive calls, perform checks on persons, property, car registrations, and many other items. The computers can also be used to send messages car-to-car, or car-to-dispatcher that cannot be monitored by the public.  The computers have the capability to access department files and type reports. 

Several officers are trained to use Laser Speed Detection devices. These high-tech devices enable officers to select a single, fast-moving vehicle that is moving in a crowd of other traffic and accurately determine its speed. The laser speed device uses a narrow (and safe) beam of laser light to measure the distance the car is from the device and subsequently determine the speed at which it is approaching. Laser Speed Detection devices do not activate radar detectors because they use a beam of light instead of a radio wave to measure speed and distance.

The Detective Division is responsible for investigating most felony, some gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor crimes within the city. This includes assaults, robberies, and other personal crimes. They also investigate property crimes such as thefts, burglary, fraud, and worthless check cases.

An innovative new tool of the Investigative Division is the Automated Pawn System.  Shakopee participates with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and a number of suburbs that share information about all pawned property. Information can be obtained by computer almost instantly, which has proven to be effective in tracking stolen property.

The detectives process evidence and crime scenes. In addition, Shakopee detectives participate in several regional investigative networks to try to spot trends and use other department’s information to help solve local crimes.

Three officers are assigned as School Resource Officers (SROs) during the school year – one at Shakopee Middle School, one at Shakopee Jr. High and one at Shakopee Sr. High.  SROs investigate crimes that occur at the school or may involve students as suspects, victims or witnesses. SROs work with school staff and other community resources to help solve problems involving students. As a partner in the school community, they provide a valuable resource to students, staff and the police department.

School Resource Officers also assist school administrators in writing policies about truancy or items that are banned from school grounds. The SROs may also assist the administrators in keeping up to date on local, state, and federal laws as they pertain to the school. The SROs play a role in assisting students with certain topics they may be learning about in school, such as civil rights, gun control, and career choices.

Over the years the Shakopee Police Department has tried several different approaches to reduce crime in the city. In June 2002 the department implemented a new position with the title Multi-Housing/Crime Prevention Officer. The duties range from working as the liaison between the police department and apartment managers, implementing and sustaining prevention programs within our community, and reducing crime.

This division of the police department provides the following crime prevention services and programs: Neighborhood Crime Watch, National Night Out, Crime Free Multi-Housing, MN Crime Alert Network, Safety Camp, residential and business premise surveys, and various community education presentations.

The Shakopee Police Department’s Community Service Officer position is designed to assist individuals who are considering pursuing a law enforcement career. CSOs are assigned to help with the Property/Evidence Room, assist with data entry, respond to calls involving concerns with the city’s ordinances, and provide a resource for community relations.