The Maple Grove Police Department (MGPD) is consistently recognized as a leader in public safety, serving one of Minnesota's top-rated cities for quality of life. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the department is not resting on its laurels but is instead rolling out a series of targeted initiatives focused on proactive enforcement, traffic safety, and deep community engagement.
This article dives into the most current operations, key staff, and programs that define the MGPD's modern approach to law enforcement, ensuring the community of Maple Grove remains one of the safest places to live in the state. The department's focus on transparency and community partnership is central to its mission of striving for excellence and professionalism.
Maple Grove Police Department Leadership and Staff Profile
The Maple Grove Police Department is structured into specialized divisions, each led by experienced commanders who report to the Chief of Police. This organizational structure ensures comprehensive coverage across patrol, professional standards, and community services.
- Chief of Police: Eric Werner
- Role: Responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Police Department, setting the strategic direction to promote safety and public trust.
- Contact: Serves as the primary point of contact for non-emergency inquiries and department leadership.
- Commander - Services Division: Jonathan Wetternach
- Role: Oversees the Services Division, which typically includes functions like records, training, and support services critical to daily operations.
- Commander - Professional Standards Division: Adam Lindquist
- Role: Manages the Professional Standards Division, focusing on internal affairs, policy development, and ensuring the highest level of conduct and professionalism among officers.
- Community Outreach Officer: Todd Strege
- Role: Dedicated to strengthening the relationship between the department and Maple Grove residents through community programs and direct engagement.
- Recent Promotions: In a sign of internal growth and recognition, the department recently celebrated the promotion of Sgt. Goggins and Officer Bailey to new roles.
The MGPD’s Newest and Most Impactful Initiatives for 2025
The Maple Grove Police Department continuously updates its strategies to address evolving crime trends and community needs. Several key initiatives are defining the department’s focus from late 2024 and into 2025, showcasing a proactive law enforcement approach.
1. Launch of the New Traffic Officer Role (2025 Focus)
Traffic safety is a major priority for the MGPD, and the department is actively reinforcing its dedication to rigorous traffic law enforcement to curb dangerous driving. A significant update for 2025 is the anticipation of work from a newly assigned traffic officer. This new specialized role is part of a broader effort to concentrate resources on high-traffic areas and specific violations that pose the greatest risk to the community, such as speeding, distracted driving, and DWI enforcement.
2. The "Safe Streets" Initiative to Combat Property Crime
For the second consecutive year, the MGPD has been actively running its "Safe Streets" initiative, a critical component of its strategy to protect the city’s robust retail and commercial areas. The primary goal of the Safe Streets unit is to reduce crime and improve quality of life issues by employing proactive law enforcement and problem-solving tactics. This initiative specifically targets sophisticated property crimes, including organized retail crime, shoplifting, and various types of fraud. By deploying dedicated resources to these areas, the department aims to deter criminal activity and ensure a safe environment for shoppers and businesses alike.
3. Focused Holiday Crime Initiatives
Recognizing the increase in both traffic and commercial activity during the holiday season, the Maple Grove Police Department launches specific Holiday Crime Initiatives. These efforts involve deploying officers and resources to specific retail and residential areas to help deter crime, including package theft and vehicle break-ins. This proactive visibility is a cornerstone of the department's strategy to maintain low crime rates during peak times.
4. The Purple Patch Initiative (Domestic Violence Awareness)
As part of its commitment to addressing all forms of crime, the MGPD supports the Purple Patch Initiative, which focuses on domestic violence awareness. This program, typically highlighted during the month of October, is a crucial community resource that provides support and raises awareness about domestic abuse. The availability of resources and patches at the Public Safety Facility demonstrates the department’s dedication to victims and prevention.
Maple Grove’s Low Crime Rate and Public Safety Services
The effectiveness of the Maple Grove Police Department’s proactive strategies is reflected in the city’s crime statistics. Maple Grove is consistently ranked among the top 10 safest cities in Minnesota. While all 2024 crime data remains preliminary and subject to change, the city maintains a reputation for low violent and property crime rates, a testament to the partnership between the MGPD and its community.
Essential Community Engagement and Volunteer Programs
A core pillar of the MGPD’s success is its strong relationship with Maple Grove residents, fostered through several key community programs:
- Police Reserve Program: This volunteer program allows citizens to assist the department with various non-enforcement duties, giving back to the community and supporting sworn officers during major events or incidents.
- Police Explorers Program: Aimed at young adults, the Explorers program starts as early as age fourteen, offering life-changing experiences and exposure to the field of law enforcement. It serves as a vital recruitment pipeline and a way to mentor future public safety leaders.
- National Night Out (NNO): The department is a major participant in National Night Out, hosting events that feature police squad cars, fire truck tours, and family-friendly activities, further strengthening police-community bonds.
- Annual Coat Drive: The MGPD demonstrates its commitment to community welfare by organizing events like the annual coat drive, often in partnership with local figures, to help spread warmth during the winter months.
Accessing Maple Grove Police Department Services
Knowing how to contact the department for non-emergency situations is essential for residents and visitors. The MGPD maintains clear lines of communication for various needs, which helps officers focus on emergency calls.
Emergency and Non-Emergency Contact Information:
- Emergency Services: Call 911 (For immediate police or fire response).
- Non-Emergency Dispatch: Call 952-258-5321 (For non-emergency inquiries, including animal concerns and general assistance).
- Chief of Police Phone: 763-494-6101 (For administrative inquiries).
- Physical Address (Public Safety Facility): 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
How to Request Accident Reports and Data:
The MGPD provides a formal process for citizens and insurance companies to request accident reports and other public data. This service is managed through the department's records division, ensuring transparency and accessibility for official documentation. Information on how to request these reports is available on the city's official website.
The Maple Grove Police Department’s commitment to community policing, coupled with its forward-thinking initiatives like the Safe Streets program and the new traffic safety focus for 2025, solidifies its role as a premier public safety agency in Minnesota. The department's proactive stance is the driving force behind Maple Grove’s continued status as a safe and thriving community.
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