Patrol

The Patrol Division has 83 full-time licensed deputies and includes one Captain and six platoons, each led by a Sergeant with five deputies. The platoons work twelve-hour shifts that rotate from days to nights every two months. The Patrol Division is supplemented by COPS deputies in Stewartville, Byron, Eyota, and the Townships of Rochester, Cascade, and Haverhill. Additionally, two deputies are assigned as School Resource Deputies in Byron and Dover-Eyota Schools. Four more deputies work two power shifts that rotate to cover the evening shift change periods.

The Patrol Division also has two Fleet Maintenance personnel who install equipment and perform routine maintenance on the squad cars to keep them in excellent condition.

Numerous deputies in the Patrol Division are trained in various aspects of service, including joint teams with the Rochester Police Department on:

Emergency Response Unit
Forensic Mapping Unit
Project Lifesaver (Autism Search Team) and
The Crisis Intervention Team.

Other capacities of expertise in training include firearm instructors, use of force instructors, less lethal instructors, D.A.R.E. instructors, field training officers, Intoxilyzer Operators, drug recognition experts, and the honor guard

The Patrol Division is very active in traffic safety programs such as Safe and Sober, Nightcap and HEAT. These grant-funded programs enable the division to provide extra squad cars on the highways to enforce DUI and traffic laws. Olmsted County is continually recognized by the MN Office of Traffic Safety for its diligent efforts in these programs

With a population of nearly 150,000 citizens, Olmsted County ranks eighth in population size among Minnesota counties with the third-largest city in the State; Rochester. Olmsted County consists of 18 townships and seven cities, for a total area of 653 square miles.

The members of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division take pride in providing effective, efficient, and fair law enforcement when people living and traveling throughout Olmsted County need assistance. Ever present, day or night, regardless of conditions or circumstances, and using leading law enforcement technology, all deputies are prepared to assist in any way possible to ensure that all Olmsted County residents and visitors are safe and secure.

Ride-Alongs

The Patrol Division does periodically allow ride-alongs. Those applying for a ride-along will be subject to a background check, must meet specific criteria, and must obtain approval from the Patrol Captain. Usually, these requests come from interns majoring in law enforcement; however, we also welcome interested citizens who want to experience a ride-along.

Applying for a ride-along

Complete the ride-along request form below:

First

Last

Date of Birth

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Phone

Parent's or Spouse's Name

Parent's or Spouse's Phone number

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Driver's License or ID Number

What is the reason you are requesting a ride along?

Snowmobile Patrol

The Snowmobile Patrol is coordinated under the direction of the Training Division. Even though exempt, Deputies working Snowmobile Patrol duties have completed the Snowmobile Certification Course.

To provide better coverage and in an effort to reinforce safety on the trails, our Snowmobile Patrol works closely with the Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers. The Patrol enforces state laws and local ordinances within Olmsted County.

Questions concerning snowmobile safety or certification can be found through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Funding

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Snowmobile Patrol receives grant funding through the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Grant Program Information

Grant Name: Snowmobile Safety Enforcement Grants
Project Manager: County Sheriff

Grants To Olmsted County

https://www.rpu.org/education-environment/lake-zumbro-water-level.php

Grant Period: July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020
MN DNR Grant Allocation for 2019-2020: $3,902
Amount Expended and Invoiced: TBD

Water Patrol

The Water Patrol is coordinated under the direction of the Training Division and is staffed by Reserve Deputies.

The goal of the Water Patrol is to educate and enforce safe boating practices on all waterways in Olmsted County. The Water Patrol is responsible for inspections of rental watercraft in the County. The Water Patrol trains with the dive team and assists in emergency situations.

Lake Zumbro is unique because it spans Olmsted and Wabasha Counties. The Wabasha County Sheriff's Office has authorized the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office to patrol and maintain safety on Lake Zumbro.

Lake Zumbro Status

Olmsted County Resolution #94-109 regulates the surface use of Lake Zumbro and allows Olmsted County to regulate watercraft speeds during times when the water level is at a level that is hazardous to property and public safety.

The "Slow, No Wake" status is enacted when the water level reaches 915.6.
The "Slow, No Wake" status is terminated when the water level drops to 915.3.

Real-time lake level information is available on the Rochester Public Utilities website.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office strongly encourages all Lake Zumbro users to familiarize themselves with the lake's water depths and structure. Slowing down and knowing the layout of the lake will allow everyone who enjoys the water to be safe.

For more information on Lake Zumbro, visit the Lake Zumbro Improvement Association.

Water Patrol Funding

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol receives grant funding from the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to aid in our water patrol enforcement and safety activities. In addition, Olmsted County contributes funding to help maintain the Water Patrol operation.

Grant Program Information

Grant Name: State Boat & Water Safety Grant to MN Counties
Project Manager: County Sheriff
Type: Legislatively-directed appropriation

Purpose: Preventing or reducing boating accidents & drownings and making Minnesota’s waters safe & enjoyable. This includes boating law enforcement, aids to navigation, response to & investigation of boating accidents/drownings, search, rescue & recovery operations, permitting of events & temporary structures, and rental boat inspections.

Recent Grants to Olmsted County

2019 Grant:

MN DNR Allocated: $8,030
Grant Period: January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020
Federal Grant Allocated: $5,125
Grant Period: June 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
County levy for 2019: $10,500
Amount Expended and Invoiced as of December 30, 2019: TBD
Amount Expended and Invoiced to date: TBD

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