Coon Rapids Police Department Divisions
Patrol Division
The Patrol Division is the largest unit in the Police Department with 34 officers and 6 sergeants assigned to this facet of the department. Patrol officers are responsible for the most visible police service as officers who respond to emergencies such as crimes in progress, traffic accidents and medical emergencies. They also handle initial crime investigations, resolve disputes or disturbances and provide community services. Patrol officers handle most arrests and calls for service. Officers patrol the city and respond to calls 24 hours a day.
The Patrol Division usually operates in marked patrol cars. Each vehicle is equipped with a radar unit to monitor traffic speed while the squad car is moving or parked. Squad cars are also equipped with first aid equipment, fire extinguishers, medical oxygen, and crime scene equipment.
All patrol cars are equipped with a notebook computer which enables officers to receive calls, perform checks on persons, property, and car registrations. This computer can send messages car to car, or car to dispatcher which cannot be monitored by the public. A recent addition is TicketWriter software in which citations are printed in the car via a computer program that downloads the ticket information back to police records and directly into the court system.
Several officers are trained to use laser speed detection devices. These devices enable officers to select a fast moving vehicle traveling in a crowd and accurately record its speed. 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.
Detective Division
The Detective Division is responsible for investigating most felony 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.
The Detective Division has an innovative tool, the Automated Pawn System. Coon Rapids participates with the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul and a number of suburbs that share information about pawned property. Information can be rapidly obtained by computer which has proven effective in tracking stolen property.
Detectives work closely with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division and rely on the Sheriff’s Crime Lab for processing evidence and crime scenes. In addition, Coon Rapids detectives participate in regional investigative networks to spot trends and use other department’s information to solve local crimes.
Three detectives are assigned as School Liaison Officers (SLOs) at Coon Rapids High School, Coon Rapids Middle School and Northdale Middle School during the school year. SLOs investigate crimes occurring at school or may involve students as suspects, victims or witnesses. SLOs 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 police department.