Current Events

Police Department launches ‘I Got Caught’ campaign
Edina, Minn., March 6, 2012 – When was the last time a smiling traffic cop gave you an ice cream treat?

In March and April, Edina Police Officers working in conjunction with Edina High School will look for teen drivers who are wearing seat belts. Buckled-up drivers will receive coupons for free music downloads and free Frostys from Wendy’s. Drivers will be approached as they arrive or leave Edina High School or a special event.

Sgt. Tim Olson coordinates the program in Edina. “Our department is committed to traffic safety and doing all we can to promote safe driving practices, especially with newer drivers,” he said. “We hope this makes an impact and reinforces the message that seat belts are an integral part of responsible driving.”

This “I Got Caught” campaign is sponsored by AAA in partnership with the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association. The campaign is designed to encourage and reward seat belt use by teen drivers. For more information, contact Olson at 952-826-0490.

Edina Police Department to Hold Coyote Hazing Presentations
Edina, Minn., Jan. 26, 2012 – The Edina Police Department encourages residents to attend one of its 12 community presentations on the proper ways to haze coyotes.

The presentations will be held 7 to 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., on the following dates:

• Thursday, Feb. 9
• Thursday, Feb. 16
• Thursday, Feb. 23
• Thursday, March 1
• Monday, March 5
• Thursday, March 15
• Monday, March 19
• Thursday, March 22
• Monday, March 26
• Thursday, March 29

The presentations are part of a larger plan the City has implemented to help decrease the presence of coyotes in Edina. Hazing is a training method used to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity.

“We want to empower residents so they don’t feel like they have no control over the coyotes, but to show residents how they can have control,” said Animal Control Officer Tim Hunter, who will give each presentation.

The hour-long presentations will not only demonstrate proper ways to haze a coyote, but explain what you can expect from the coyote following the hazing. Hunter will also go into detail on typical coyote behavior, how it changes throughout the seasons and preventive measures residents can take to keep coyotes away.

Hunter said hazing has been proven successful in lowering coyote presence in other metropolitan areas and he hopes by educating residents here, Edina can succeed as well.

“It’s really a community effort to keep the coyotes away,” he said.

The presentations are free, but registration is recommended. To register, visit www.CityofEdina.com or call the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.

For more information about the presentations, contact Hunter at 952-826-0494.

Blood and Marrow Drive to be held Dec. 14
Dec. 13, 2011 – To show support for cancer survivor Police Sgt. Steve Stroh and help others in need, Edina community members are encouraged to donate to the Memorial Blood Center and Be the Match blood and marrow drive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St.

For more than three years, Stroh, a longtime member of the Edina Police Dept., has battled multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects blood cells – specifically, plasma cells that collect in the bone marrow. After diagnosis, he received a stem cell transplant, but has relapsed twice. In September, Stroh had an allogeneic bone marrow transplant with cells donated from his brother, John.

“Donating to the drive honors Steve, who has spent such long periods in medical clinics and isolation. It shows him the community supports him and others with similar conditions,” said Edina Police Officer Kevin Rofidal, who is coordinating the drive. “So many patients needing transplants die because they weren’t able to get them, and most don’t have family members who are good transplant matches. By giving blood and signing up for the Memorial Blood Center’s marrow registry, you can give them a life-saving gift. John sees the effect of his donation every time he visits his brother.”

Rofidal explains that the bone marrow donation procedure is minimally invasive, with a several-day recovery period.

You can sign up online by visiting mbc.org/searchdrives and entering “0111.” You may also sign up by calling Jessica Olson at 651-332-7172.

On the date of the drive, you must:
• Bring a valid ID.
• Eat a meal in the six hours before donating.
• Weigh at least 110 pounds.
• Have waited at least 56 days since your last donation.
• Not have displayed any cold or flu symptoms for three days prior to donating.
• Not have taken any antibiotics for 24 hours prior (unless taken for a skin condition).

For more information about this event or Memorial Blood Center, visit http://www.mbc.org.

New Wave of Click It or Ticket
Oct. 16, 2011 –
Sgt. Tim Olson of the Edina Police Department wants everyone to know that a new "Click It or Ticket" campaign has begun and will continue through Oct. 27, concentrating on increasing seat belt use and saving lives.

More than 400 unbelted motorists were killed in crashes in Minnesota in the last three years. The seat belt law requires all passengers in a vehicle to be buckled up or seated in the correct child restraint. Children must use a booster seat – after they have outgrown a forward-facing harnessed restraint (typically at 40-60 lbs. – until they are 8-years-old or 4' 9" tall, whichever comes first.

"Please buckle up before you start your car. Even in less violent crashes, unbelted motorists often crack their teeth or get their nose broken as they're tossed around in the vehicle. And it's important to set a good example for young people, too. Our officers, and all law enforcement throughout Minnesota,will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers," said Olson.

Click It or Ticket is part of Minnesota's core traffic safety program, Toward Zero Deaths. For more information, visit www.minnesotatzd.org for more information.

Call for Nominations: Officer of the Year
Aug. 16, 2011 – The Edina Crime Prevention Fund is pleased to announce a call for nominations for its first Officer of the Year award.

The Officer of the Year award will recognize an Edina Police Officer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. The award seeks to honor those who have shown exemplary service and leadership through innovation and public relations.

Individuals eligible for nomination must be a police officer for the Edina Police Department.

To nominate a candidate, email the name of the officer and a few sentences describing the nominee’s achievements, to Kmartin@ci.edina.mn.us. Nominations can also be mailed to:

Edina Police Department
Att: Kaylin Martin
4801 W. 50th St.
Edina, MN 55424

Nominations must be received no later than Saturday, Oct. 1 and will be reviewed by the Crime Fund and Chief Long. The recipient will be announced at the Fund’s meeting in January 2012.

For more information, contact Kaylin Martin at 952-833-9523 or visit www.EdinaCrimePreventionFund.org.

Police Department seeks Reserve Officers
July 25, 2011 – The City of Edina is currently accepting applications for the position of Reserve Officer.

The Edina Police Reserves are a team of volunteer officers who donate their time and effort to the City and the community in a variety of roles to assist the Edina Police Department.

Volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are interested in a law enforcement career and others wish to provide worthwhile community service by contributing to the safety and security of Edina.

For more information, contact Officer Kevin Rofidal, 952-826-0489, or visit the Police Reserves page for more information.

Police Department to Hire Police Officer
July 21, 2011 – The City of Edina is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer.

Applicants must be licensed or eligible to be licensed by the MN POST Board by date of appointment, no later than April 1, 2012. Salary Range $51,567 - $77,472 (2011 contract). Patrol Officers work 12-hour shifts.

Application deadline is 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011. A COMPLETED CITY OF EDINA APPLICATION FORM, LETTER OF INTEREST AND RESUME ARE REQUIRED.

Applicants who successfully pass a review of their application, resume, and letter of interest will be invited, by mail, to take a written test on Aug. 23, 2011 at 6 p.m.

Questions should be directed to Deputy Chief Dave Nelson at 952-826-0487.

Visit the Police recruiting page for more information.

Edina Neighborhoods to Celebrate Night to Unite
June 14, 2011 – As the first Tuesday of August rolls around, so does Edina’s Night to Unite. The annual event will take place in neighborhoods and parks around the City on Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The Edina Police Department encourages neighborhoods to join forces with communities statewide for Night to Unite, a national crime prevention event. Neighbors are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outdoors with neighbors.

Officers are available to attend parties. However, resources are limited so register early to request an officer. The deadline to register is Tuesday, July 26.

Night to Unite was created to promote neighborhood spirit, increase awareness in crime prevention and build a stronger police-community partnership.

To register your block party or for more information, contact Martin at 952-833-9523 or Kmartin@ci.edina.mn.us. To apply for a block party permit, visit www.ci.edina.mn.us/PermitsApplications/L2-09_PermitsApplications.htm

A special thank you to this years sponsors:
Edina Crime Prevention Fund, Dairy Queen Corporation, Lunds Grocery, the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, Noodles & Company and Super Target Edina.

Polar Plunge
March 16, 2011 – The Spider Pigs from Edina Police Department took the Polar Plunge for Minnesota Special Olympics in Eden Prairie on Saturday, March 12, 2011. The Department was the top law enforcement fundraiser this year, and sends a big thank you to all of the generous donors!

Donate blood for 'Battle of the Badges'
Jan. 12, 2011 – From Jan. 10 through Jan. 31 the Memorial Blood Centers are holding a competition among police and fire departments to help fill the constant need for donated blood in our area.

Each donor can vote for their favorite Police or Fire Department, and the department with the largest percentage of participation wins!

Give the gift of life – one out of every three people will need blood at some time in his or her life. Our own Edina Officer Mike Blood needed 15 gallons of donated blood to recover after being shot in the line of duty.

Show your support and give blood today! Call 651-332-7150 for an appointment or visit www.mbc.org to find a donor center near you. You may save someone’s life!

Pet Safety
Jan. 3, 2011 – With the significant amount of snow we currently have on the ground, dog owners need to be aware of the possible diminished effectiveness of electric fences. Snow cover can inhibit the signals electric fences transmit and make them less effective. Please check to make sure your electric fences are working well. If you find your fence is not as effective as it should be, contact the manufacturer or installer to correct it.

Also check the fence perimeter to make sure no snow build up has created either an escape route by which your dog can get over the fence or an easy entry for a critter from outside your fence. Your pet relies on you to keep him safe!

Edina Safe Driving Initiative
Oct. 18, 2010 – Throughout the 2010-11 school year the Edina Police Department and Edina High School will be emphasizing a Safe Driving Initiative. After conversations with and input from youth, civic groups and others in the community, the “Hang Up and Drive!” program started on Thursday, Oct. 7 at Edina High School (EHS). Dr. Bruce Locklear, EHS Principal, and Police Chief Jeff Long opened the Kickoff with t-shirt and bumper sticker handouts, and outlined the program activities, which will include a parent forum in November, an interactive distracted driving event next spring and other activities throughout the year.

This community-wide effort has special appeal at EHS where young drivers have been talking about the dangers of distracted driving, peer pressure and the social importance of staying connected. Students designed neon green t-shirts as a visible reminder to all drivers to turn off the phone and focus on the road when they get behind the wheel. With the strong involvement and support of the administration and staff at the High School, this Initiative aims to encourage safe driving habits among our younger drivers and throughout the community.

Show your support by putting a “Hang Up and Drive!” bumper sticker on your bumper- they’re free at the Police Department until supplies last!

Edina's Night to Unite
Edina, Minn., June 1, 2010 – Edina neighborhoods will join forces with communities statewide for the “Night to Unite” crime prevention event. Neighbors are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors.

Night to Unite is designed to:
• Get to know one another in your neighborhood.
• Build neighborhood involvement by bringing police and communities together.
• Bring awareness to crime prevention and local law enforcement efforts.
Click here to register your party. Fill out the Block Party Application, write “Night to Unite” under name of organization.

Officers will be available to attend parties but unfortunately we cannot guarantee an officer at every party – Register early!

All registrations must be received by Thursday July 23rd, 2010.

A special thank you to this years sponsors:
Target, Jerry’s’ Foods, Lund’s & Byerly’s, Spartan Promotional Group, Blockbuster, and the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association

Edina Police Department commemorates National Law Enforcement Memorial Week, May 9-15
Edina, Minn., May 9-15, 2010 -- In honor of National Law Enforcement Memorial Week, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA) is sponsoring several activities to honor all fallen officers. These events will be especially meaningful, coming so soon after the tragic shooting of a Maplewood police officer. This year, for the first time, the Edina Police Department is pleased to be holding a brief ceremony.

Edina Officer Jim Rygg and Sgt. Vik Konters are members of the LEMA Honor Guard and will be taking part in all the activities listed below:

Flag Raising Ceremony - Monday May 10, 9 a.m.
On the front steps of Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., City Manager Gordon Hughes will raise the American flag for the start of National Law Enforcement Memorial Week in honor of the men and women of law enforcement who have given their lives in the line of duty. Officer Rygg and Sgt. Konters will form the Honor Guard.

Standing of the Memorial Guard - Friday, May 14, 8 p.m. to Saturday May 15, 7:30 p.m.
LEMA will be walking the “Thin Blue Line” at the Law Enforcement Memorial. The Memorial is located at the intersection of Wabasha and 12th Street, on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.
Wreath Laying Ceremonies - Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15
Individual wreaths will be posted at the Memorial at various times throughout the "Standing of the Guard."

Candlelight Vigil - Saturday, May 15, 7:30 p.m.
A brief program at the Law Enforcement Memorial. There will be a social gathering afterward at the nearby National Guard Armory.

LEMA challenge coins ($10) and pens ($1) are available at the Edina Police Department,
4801 W. 50th St. All proceeds go to LEMA.

Please contact Officer Rygg or Sgt. Konters at 952-826-1610 for further information, or visit www.mnlema.org.

Edina K-9 cop set to retire
Edina, Minn., Feb. 26, 2010 -- After a long and very successful career that included 841 narcotics searches, 197 missing person searches and multiple other services (including once tracking down a window peeper) K-9 Kodiak is set to retire. Kodiak is the last K-9 of his training class to do so. Join the Edina Police Department in saying good-bye and thanks to Kodiak for eight years of dedicated service to the community on Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Edina City Hall's Main Lobby.