Patriot News MN

The following information was obtained from the Becker Police Department this past week.

Police Department/City Hall project

Phase one of the project is very close to being complete. That includes a new entrance off Sherburne Avenue that has a new city hall reception and police reception area available at the same entrance. Phase one also includes the remodeled police department space, along with the new police department spaces – including squad room, evidence storage, soft and normal interview rooms, safe room at the front entrance, garage space, and a training room.

“We hope that the police will move into their new space by next week,” said Becker City AdministratorGreg Lerud.

Phase two is scheduled to begin on Monday and is much smaller in scope. It includes remodeling the police department’s current space for the relocated food shelf space, main conference room, remodeling the current bathrooms (public and staff) and some minor office renovations on the city hall side. The east and west parking lots are going to be redone with this year’s street improvement project.

Police Chief Search

Mike Meehan was hired at the first of the year as the interim chief. Applications for the chief’s position were received in March, and three candidates were interviewed on April 18. A discussion about the next step was on this week’s council agenda. It is anticipated that at Tuesdya’s meeting the council will direct staff to extend an offer.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Becker Police Department, in partnership with the Becker community, is to protect and preserve life, protect property, to understand and serve the needs to of citizens, and to improve the quality of life in a manner consistent with the law and reflective of community values.

Core Values

Pride, Professionalism, Respect, Participation, Solidarity, Innovation.

Personnel

Chris Lindbloom, Lieutenant 11 years of service; Paul Hickerson 9 years of service; David Rydberg 8 years of service; Caleb Hansen 5 years of service; Preston Voigt 3 years of service; Mike Gordon 3 years of service; Tristan Mello 2 years of service; Grant Jansons, 4 years of service; Kristen Heins, Admin. Asst. 5 years of service.

Community Engagement

Donut Drive Thru — Held during Kindness Week in November. Officers handed out free donuts, coffee and juice to over 250 people on their way to school and work! Thanks to Bill’s Superette and Bill’s Family Foods for their support!

Department Training

Each year the officers/staff of the Becker Police Department participate in various trainings in an effort to stay updated on the latest information and technology within law enforcement. The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requires officers to complete 48 hours of continuing education credits/hours every three years in order to maintain and renew their peace officer license.

Reserve Officer Program

The Becker Police Reserve Officer Program is made up of men and women who volunteer their time without pay to assist the Becker PD with various needs and projects throughout the year. Without the help of our reserve officers, the Becker PD would likely incur additional overtime and be less responsive to the needs of our citizens and our community.

In 2023, 344.0 hours were volunteered to the Becker Police Department by the reserve unit which equates to nearly $20,000 in overtime wages saved.

Activities participated in (hours):

• Ride alongs with

officers 94;

• City wide patrol 49;

• Training 108;

City Events:

• Freedom Days 48.5;

• Concert at the Creek 19.5;

• MSHL State Golf Meet 13;

• Barktoberfest 6;

• Touch-A-Truck 4;