Support Services

Support Services
The Support Services Division is comprised of a lieutenant, two sergeants, one agent and 11 police officers in various special assignments. The police officers are assigned to geographical areas of the city in an effort to develop relationships with business owners and citizens and better analyze trends in crime and disorder occurring in neighborhoods. The sergeants and patrol officers are on a 3-year rotation.

A Support Services Lieutenant or Sergeant reviews all police reports and assigns those warranting further investigation to an officer. The officers are responsible for following up on assigned cases and for collecting evidence relating to each case. They are also responsible for taking statements from victims, suspects and witnesses. This information is compiled into a case file which is then presented to the City or County Attorney for review and possible prosecution.

The Support Services Division is also responsible for managing the department property and evidence room, monitoring pawn shops, predatory offender registration compliance, monitoring compliance with the alcohol and tobacco laws, doing liquor license investigations and providing training for licensed liquor establishments in the City.

Drug Task Force
The department participates in the Northwest Metro Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the cities of Golden Valley, Crystal, Robbinsdale, New Hope, Hopkins and Plymouth. The task force members work together to conduct undercover operations and drug enforcement. One St. Louis Park patrol officer is assigned full time to the task force; however, other officers may assist with task force activities during their off-duty time or as assigned.

Gun Permits
Individuals seeking a permit to purchase a handgun may pick up an application at the Police Department.  Applicants must live in St. Louis Park and provide a photo ID verifying residency.  The review/approval takes approximately 7-10 days and permits are valid for one year.  Application forms are also available at:  http://www.bca.state.mn.us/Forms/Documents/MNUniformFirearmApp.pdf

Permits to carry a handgun are issued by all county sheriffs in Minnesota.  If you have a valid permit to carry, you do not need to apply for a separate permit to purchase.  Hennepin County residents interested in applying for a permit to carry a handgun may contact the Hennepin County Sheriff's Detective Divison at: 

Hennepin County Sheriff

City Hall

350 S. 5^th St., Room 26

Minneapolis, MN 55415

(612) 348-3755

Police Explorers
Teens learn about a law enforcement career from St. Louis Park police officers by participating in Police Explorers. Participants see police work first-hand through monthly ride-alongs with patrol officers. They also receive training in first aid, gun safety and personal defense, and learn about police investigations, traffic stops and other aspects of police work. Participants also take field trips to other Criminal Justice Agencies, for example: State Patrol headquarters including the helicopter unit, Hennepin County Correctional Facility and Hennepin County morgue.
Requirements

• Be between the ages of 14 to 20
• Maintain at least a "C" grade average in school
• Attend weekly sessions during the school year
• Be willing to staff crime prevention displays, deliver literature and help out at public events
• Pass a criminal history background check.

For more information or an application -
Call (952) 924-2600 and ask for Mary Tomasko or John Herman. You can also e-mail mtomasko@stlouispark.org or jherman@stlouispark.org.

School Liaison Officers
Three police officers are assigned as School Liaison Officers during the school year. If you have a concern or question about a student during the school year, please call one of the school liaison officers as follows:

• Concerns about suspicious persons near bus stops, parks or schools (Call 911 if person is currently near children!)
• Questions about laws regarding truancy, curfew, smoking, driving privileges, etc.
• Concerns about a child who may be a victim of abuse or neglect
• Advice on managing a child who's gravitating toward "the wrong crowd"
• Help on handling harassment or threats
• Information on identifying early signs of juvenile alcohol or drug use
• Referrals to agencies that provide counseling, mediation or other assistance.