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Detective Bureau
The role of the Detective Bureau is the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of suspected offenders. The Detective Bureau is mainly a reactive function of law enforcement, though it will take proactive approaches when the need arises, such as surveillance and installing portable alarms. The major components of investigations are case screening, follow-up investigations, and gathering criminal intelligence.
The Owatonna Police Department, with the assistance of underage operatives, conducts alcohol and tobacco compliance checks with retailers. Compliance checks provide a proactive effort to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of our youngest community members. These checks are done at least two times per year and operatives are trained, photographed, and equipped with electronic listening devices so officers can monitor the conversations.
Registering Predators
The Owatonna Police Department recognizes that predatory offenders pose a significant risk to a community. Keeping the public safe is our priority and it is our belief that a collaborative approach, including taking precautionary measures and encouraging community reporting practices, will ensure that predatory offender registration continues to be largely successful.
It has been well documented that roughly 80% of predatory offenders are known by their victims; therefore, it is imperative that law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and human services work together in keeping our community informed and educated. Registering as a predatory offender is a collateral consequence of criminal behavior and it acts as one of the many deterrent factors as to whether someone will re-offend.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Registry
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains a registry of predatory offenders residing within the state. Those registered have been convicted of a violent felony or sexually related crime and classified in the registry based on their likelihood to re-offend.
A risk assessment is conducted on each person registered prior to release from confinement. An offender’s risk assessment dictates the level of community notification that is required of law enforcement.
The Evidence Technician is tasked with maintaining the chain of custody for all evidentiary items submitted to the Property Room. The Technician is responsible for documenting the intake, storage, release and disposal of all submitted items. Release of property and evidence is by appointment only.
Property or Evidence Return
In order for property and/or evidence to be returned to you, the investigator or officer responsible for your case must authorize its release. You will need your case number and a valid ID card or driver's license for items to be released to you.
A representative may also be designated to pick up your property but must present a notarized letter verifying representation. For further details concerning the options available in reclaiming your property, call the Evidence Technician at 507-774-7205.
Two School Resource Officers are assigned to work within local schools in Owatonna. School Resource Officers maintain a safe, secure, and uninterrupted learning environment for the students, staff, administration and parents of the Owatonna School District. In addition, they serve as a resource to improve school safety and prevent crime and violence.
School Resource Officers collaborate with school administration and staff to investigate crime on school property and improve reporting of criminal activity. Currently, one resource officer is assigned to the Owatonna High School and one is assigned to the Owatonna Middle School; however, together they also serve the elementary schools and the Alternative Learning Center.
Service Area
The South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU) serves the four counties of Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, and Faribault encompassing approximately 2287 square miles and 103,000 residents. The major cities in these counties are Owatonna, Albert Lea, Waseca, and Blue Earth.
Operations
SCDIU agents focus on violent crime investigations within the four county area. The SCDIU Board, consisting of chief law enforcement officers from each of the represented agencies oversees the operations of the unit.