Lakeville Police Report Shows Staffing Changes, Crime Trends
The Lakeville City Council received its third-quarter police report Monday, highlighting significant staffing transitions and crime statistics for July through September.
Police Chief Brad Pollson reported three major retirements during the quarter: Records Technician Jenny Davis after 25 years, Officer Chad Laughler with 28 years in law enforcement including 21 with Lakeville, and Community Service Officer Randy Smith after eight years. The department filled these positions with new hires including Records Technician Kristen B, who brings 13 years of public health data analysis experience, and Community Service Officer Bill Nelson, a former air traffic controller and reserve officer.
Four new sworn officers joined the department in July and are completing field training. The group includes Bennett Wrand, a former community service officer who graduated from Winona, and Joe Baron, a Bemidji State graduate in his first sworn position. Two officers, Megan Karp and Josh Enavald, were hired through IC Poet grant funding.
Construction progress continues on the First Center, with exterior walls completed and the first layer of asphalt laid before winter. The department is finalizing capital member agreements with four area law enforcement agencies and exploring partnerships with local colleges for skills programs. Crime statistics showed a decrease in overall police reports compared to 2024, with calls for service dropping from 14,200 to 12,400, largely due to the fire department's transition to full-time status reducing police medical responses.
The council also conducted a public hearing for Special Service District #1, approving a zero service charge for 2026 taxes as recommended by the district's advisory board.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Rise in non-alcohol drug-impaired driving cases in Lakeville despite lack of rapid testing tools.
- Transition of medical call load from police to full-time fire department staff impacting total call stats.
- Strategic shift in police hiring from hospitality and other industries using state and local grant funding.
- Impending expiration of the Special Service District charge as the board approaches a full draw down of funds.
- Police Chief highlighting challenges in recruitment and training during a year of high turnover.
Votes (2)
Approve consent agenda
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Approve resolution imposing service charge for Special Service District No. 1
Moved by John Burmel · Seconded by Not specified
Notable Quotes (2)
We have seen an increase. It is still largely alcohol... but we are seeing the trend rise with other drug impairment for sure.
We've received some new striping at the roundabout and I'm curious if we could maybe get a report on potential decreases in fender benders.
People (4)
Brad PollsonPolice ChiefPresented the Q3 Police Department report and discussed operational trends.
Presented the Q3 Police Department report and discussed operational trends.
John BurmelCouncil MemberMoved to approve the resolution for Special Service District No. 1.
Moved to approve the resolution for Special Service District No. 1.
Joshua LeeCouncil MemberRequested reporting on traffic safety at the new roundabout.
1 quote
Requested reporting on traffic safety at the new roundabout.
“We've received some new striping at the roundabout and I'm curious if we could maybe get a report on potential decreases in fender benders.”
Inquiring about traffic safety effectiveness.
Mr. MillerCity StaffHighlighted consent agenda items including donation acceptance and joint agreements.
Highlighted consent agenda items including donation acceptance and joint agreements.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (3)
- November 3rd: City Council Meeting
- November 17th: Next City Council Meeting
- November 24th: Next Work Session
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
Amended and restated joint powers agreement with ISD 194 Lakeville schools.
Resolution of support for 2026-2030 Dakota County Capital Improvement Program.
Resolution imposing service charge for taxes payable in 2026.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Lakeville Police Department Q3 Report
Police staff changes and retirements
First center construction update
Regional law enforcement partnerships
Community engagement and police department events
Police training and professional development
Crime statistics analysis for Q3
Traffic and impaired driving enforcement trends
Consent agenda: Fire Department donations
Consent agenda: ISD 194 Joint Powers Agreement
Public Hearing: Special Service District No. 1 taxes 2026
Dakota County Capital Improvement Program 2026-2030
Also from this meeting
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