Police Programs, Topics of Interest and Current Events

Create a safety alert to provide valuable information to 911 dispatchers and first responders in an emergency. The safety alert is attached to the address and can include information about yourself, a family member or your home.

Examples include:

• Residents with special needs
• Access codes for a residence or business
• Critical medical information

The alert can be used to provide any information you feel is important for an emergency response.

Officers meet monthly with local residents and community members at various sites throughout the city to talk, get acquainted and simply play Bingo. Similar to Coffee with a Cop there are no agendas or topics, just officers sitting with our community members and getting to know each other. This is a step to stand together, promote community partnerships and unity in a time where there is so much divide. BINGO with Bloomington's Finest is a great day to showcase how impactful police-community relationships can be along with citizen involvement. When law enforcement and the community work closely together, some amazing things can happen.

Business Watch is a free program offered by the Bloomington Police Department to all businesses in the city. The program is an excellent way to keep in contact and network on issues specific to doing business in Bloomington. Information sharing is invaluable and membership in this program builds cohesiveness within the Bloomington Business Community.

• More information

BPD General Order 249

Across the nation, the use of body worn and squad car cameras has become a best practice for police departments. Law enforcement agencies are using body worn and squad car cameras in multiple ways, including but not limited to evidence collection, to further document statements and events during the course of an interaction, to enhance the public trust by preserving factual representations of officer-citizen interactions, and to identify training needs. 

The use of the body worn and squad car cameras is governed by General Order 249, Body Worn and Squad Car Cameras.

Since 2020, thefts of catalytic converters have risen significantly across the metro including in Bloomington. The MN Commerce Department, through a state-funded grant program, is rolling out a pilot program to mark catalytic converters to prevent thefts. Bloomington Police is excited about this prevention program and it's partnership with Bobby and Steve's Auto World, 7920 France Ave S., Bloomington. For complete information on this program see this webpage of information. 

The Department has a Chaplain Corps to serve people in emergencies and strengthen the service rendered by the police to the community. The chaplains are available on call to provide a counseling service for human relations situations

The Bloomington Police Citizens Academy is offered each fall.

We have found the academy to be especially effective in enhancing communication between officers and citizens through the sharing of knowledge and information of police practices.

The Citizens Academy will take place annually on Thursday nights for ten weeks. Typically from mid-September through mid-November. There is no cost to attend, but due to high demand for the class, you are expected to commit to all ten weeks. We hope you will consider registering.  

• More information

Coffee with a Cop brings police officers and the community members they serve together - over coffee - to discuss issues and learn more about each other. A cup of coffee is a common bond, and it can help officers build better relationships with the communities they serve.

Community members are invited to have coffee with Bloomington Police Officers. AGENDA FREE. No speeches or specific topics. Just informal conversations about what matters to community residents.

Having a cup of coffee and talking with citizens is nothing new as most of us have mastered that skill. Having an organized and publicized event inviting the community to come talk with the police in an open, non-threatening environment is. We try to eliminate obstacles–such as radios, patrol cars and cell phones–for a short period of time to be more approachable and have relaxed conversations with community members.

The History of Coffee with a Cop

The Hawthorne, CA Police Department hosted the first Coffee with a Cop event in March, 2011 in an effort to better understand the needs and concerns of community residents.

Members of the Hawthorne Police Department were looking for ways to interact more successfully with the citizens they served each day. It was a huge and instant hit not only with the community but with the officers too. In less than five years, Coffee with a Cop events had been hosted in more than 2,000 communities in 49 states and is one of the most successful community oriented policing programs across the country.

Here is an excellent video on the events:  https://vimeo.com/127870317 (link is external)

For Bloomington Police Officers, Coffee with a Cop gives all of us the opportunity, outside of crisis situations, to relax and visit with residents in the community we serve.

For Bloomington community members, Coffee with a Cop events provide access and opportunity for distraction-free conversations with their local Bloomington Police Officers.

Mission

The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to improve trust, break down barriers and strengthen relationships between police officers and the citizens we serve.

Objective

Open lines of communication & understanding between the Bloomington Police Department and the Bloomington community.

To address relevant issues in the community and

To foster a strong and reliable relationship between community members and the officers of Bloomington Police Department.

Program Description

Coffee with a Cop will occur once a month where local businesses/organizations are invited to host the event for an hour and a half. 

Upcoming events are listed on the top of this page under Upcoming Events or call BPD at 952-563-4900 for more information.

Cops and Cones brings police officers and the community members they serve together - over ice cream . Police officers will also provide bike safety tips for children.

Cops and Cones is a spin off of Coffee with a Cop and will be held various times throughout the summer. Cops and Cones is one of the many ways we work to connect with the community and build relationships with residents in Bloomington.

The mission of Cops and Cones

• Improve trust, break down barriers and strengthen relationships between police officers and the citizens we serve
• Have open lines of communication and understanding between the Bloomington Police Department and the Bloomington community
• Address relevant issues in the community
• Foster a strong and reliable relationship between community members and the officers of the Bloomington Police Department

Crime Stoppers of Minnesota provides a safe place for citizens to provide anonymous information about crime and fugitives.  Bloomington Police partners with Crime Stoppers to investigate anonymous tips they receive.  If the information you provided leads to a felony arrest, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 through Crime Stoppers.  

Your contact with Crime Stoppers is anonymous. Information can be shared with Crime Stoppers via phone, online, or through a mobile app.

Residents rely on the Bloomington Police to respond to every alarm system activation in the city, and the police are proud to serve.

In an effort to address increasing false alarms, the City enacted an ordinance and penalty for repeat false alarm activations, which was last updated in 2000. New updates to both are expected soon.

Most cities throughout the state charge a penalty for false alarm response, which helps cover the cost of the officers’ time. Medical alarms do not count towards penalties for false alarm response.

To minimize false alarms:

• Know your codes so you can end false alarms fast.
• Report faulty equipment to your provider.
• Secure all doors and windows.

For more information, visit blm.mn/code and search Article IV: Business Licenses and Regulations, § 14.138 - § 14.146.

The name of the company is Alarm Program Systems. We will have a dedicated website along with personal support services that will have our ordinance and information available to anyone that contacts them.

• Website: bloomingtonmn.citysupport.org
• Phone: (888) 865-9770 (M-F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Email: bloomingtonmn@citysupport.org

The Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) is a collaborative effort between Hennepin County and the cities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Hopkins, Richfield, and St. Louis Park. Our mission is to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement and the multicultural residents of these cities. By building trust and communication between police departments and community members, we aim to improve the safety and livability of our communities.

• More information about the Joint Community Police Partnership 

Commander Kim Clauson acts as the City’s LGBTQ+ police liaison and serves as an accessible source to the city’s LGBTQ community. The police liaison can elevate LGBTQ+ related concerns to the chief of police and other city officials as needed. Commander Clauson can be reached at 952-563-8623.

Apply to be a MAC member

Bloomington PD partners with suicide prevention nonprofit SAVE to support families after suicide

The Bloomington Police Department and SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, a national suicide prevention nonprofit based in Bloomington, are proud to announce the establishment of LOSS Teams in Minnesota. The LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) program will provide immediate, direct support to people and families in Bloomington who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide.

When activated by Bloomington Police Dispatch, trained volunteers will arrive at the scene to support the newly bereaved. The immediate outreach aims to keep people connected with others and provide ongoing mental health, grief, and other support services as needed. In each responding team, at least one volunteer is a suicide survivor themself.

“For people impacted by suicide, witnessing someone who has gone through loss like this, now able to provide support to others, can be a reminder that there is hope,” said SAVE Director of Education and Training. “Research has shown that it can take over four years for survivors to reach out for support. This partnership is bridging that gap and linking survivors to critical resources. Compassion and connection are really what’s needed most as people start navigating this trauma and loss.”

“The Bloomington Police Department believes this program will ensure those who need help are being served as soon as possible with compassion and respect,” said Katie Zerull, Public Safety Engagement Manager. “This program allows us to provide support and service to our community as survivors navigate traumatic situations, they are likely not prepared for. We want our community to know we are here to walk alongside them as they navigate the loss of a loved one to suicide.”

Additional information can be found here. 

Many 911 calls about people suffering a mental health crisis result in a visit from a police officer and often an emergency room visit, but an innovative pilot program announced today by Bloomington Police Chief Booker T. Hodges will reduce those incidents by providing community members with immediate in-home therapy at no cost.

Mental Health Rapid Response Program Information

The Bloomington Police Department’s Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) is a core component of the Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP), which focuses on building trust and communication between police and communities.

The Bloomington MAC meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 6  to 7:30 p.m. in the police department.

MAC meetings are an opportunity for police and MAC members to discuss new and ongoing community concerns, strategize on how best to engage with the community, and share information on police policies and procedures.

MAC members commit to the following expectations:

• Attending and participating fully in monthly meetings with an open mind and a willingness to have challenging conversations
• Participating in and/or assisting with MAC and police department events and programs throughout the year
• Sharing and disseminating information to fellow community members about events, opportunities and resources offered through the police department
• A willingness to serve as a bridge-builder between the police department and the community
• A commitment to maintaining a safe space for all who participate in MAC meetings

MAC members must live, work or worship in Bloomington, and be willing to represent a particular community or strategic community partner. We currently have representation from the African American, West African, Somali, Latino, and LGBT communities. We also have strategic partners represented on our MAC, including Bloomington School District, houses of worship, and organizations that work on human trafficking and domestic violence advocacy and prevention.

Contact info

Danielle Al Khouja, Community Liaison
(952) 563-8858, dalkhouja@bloomingtonmn.gov 

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Each year, Neighborhood Watch Block Captains throughout Bloomington organize block parties to celebrate National Night Out. The event takes place on the first Tuesday in August with police and fire visiting parties from 6-8 p.m.

• More information on National Night Out

Concerned residents are the best asset any police department has in fighting crime. The Neighborhood Watch program was developed to train and educate residents in ways to be involved, stay informed and work together with their neighbors to address mutual concerns and find solutions. A watch program is neighbors helping neighbors.

• More information on Neighborhood Watch

The Bloomington Police Department has always been committed to finding innovative ways to engage with our community and respond to community needs and concerns.

If you have questions about the Bloomington Police Department or anything else related to our work, we want to hear them. Please email your questions to police@BloomingtonMN.gov

The Bloomington Police Reserves are a dedicated team of volunteers who assist the Bloomington Police Department by donating their time and effort to the city and the community.  Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds.  Some individuals are interested in a law enforcement career while others wish to provide worthwhile community service that contributes to the safety and security of Bloomington.

Mission and structure of Reserve Unit

The primary purpose of the Police Reserve Unit is to assist the department whenever needed.  Police Reserve Officers assist licensed, sworn officers by performing community service tasks and non-criminal police functions.  Reserve Officers work a regularly scheduled patrol shift on Thursday, Friday or Saturday night and are on call for call-outs.  They can expect to be scheduled for one or two shifts each month. Reserve Officers also assist with several events throughout the year in which we will provide traffic control and crowd control.

During the course of a Reserve Officer’s shift they conduct checks of businesses, parks and schools; assist motorists; assist with crime prevention and other public safety programs; provide traffic direction at special events, accidents and fires; assist in crime scene protection; prisoner transports; assist with the search for lost persons or evidence; respond to medicals and assist neighboring law enforcement agencies with various community events.  Reserve Officers also assist with natural disasters and other emergencies that require additional personnel.

Callouts can be for any number of reasons, day or night, including severe weather conditions, serious car accidents, fire scene protection, missing person searches, crime scene protection, power outages or special details as needed by the Police Department.

There are approximately 20 Reserve Officers in the Bloomington Police Reserve unit. The unit is supervised by a Sergeant and three licensed officers who act as liaisons. Within the Reserve unit, there is a chief and three sergeants.

The Reserve Officer position is a volunteer position and the Bloomington Police Department does not offer any financial compensation to its Reserve Officers.

Training

New Reserve Officers attend an in-house training academy which includes an overview of the responsibility of a Reserve Officer, department policies, introduction to the other units within the Police department (Bomb Squad, K-9, SWAT, etc.), an introduction to other city departments (Fire, Legal), radio system training, patrol tactics and squad car equipment, defensive tactics and impact weapons, traffic direction, First Responder certification and more. Reserve Officers do not carry firearms, but firearms familiarization is included in the training.

Upon completion of the Reserve Academy, each candidate is provided with uniforms and all the required equipment free of charge by the department.

The Reserve Unit also holds monthly meetings at which current law enforcement and department issues are discussed.  Additionally, each meeting features a training topic.  These meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month and last approximately 3 hours.  Reserve officers may also receive training at other scheduled training sessions.

Qualifications

Requirement to be a Reserve Officer are:

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must have a valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Must have no felony convictions.
• Must pass a background investigation.
• Successfully pass an oral interview.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Be of sound physical and mental health.
• Have a history of good personal conduct.
• Be able to commit a minimum of 10 hours per month.
• Be able to patrol a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening once or twice a month.
• Be able to attend monthly meetings.
• Reserve officers do not need to live or work in Bloomington.

To apply

Applications for the Reserve Officer position are accepted on an ongoing basis. To apply, download the volunteer application, print a paper copy and fill it out. You may return it three different ways:

• Sign your application and email it to BPDReserves@BloomingtonMN.gov.
• Drop it off during business hours with the Police Department receptionist at 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431.
• Mail it to the Bloomington Police Department, Attn: Police Reserve Supervisor, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington MN 55431-3027.

Questions or comments can be emailed to BPDReserves@BloomingtonMN.gov.

• 41_001volunteer_fi.pdf

Permit to Purchase applications must be submitted with a copy of a valid state ID, driver’s license, military ID or passport.

Submit an application via email to PoliceRecords@bloomingtonmn.gov or mail to:

Police Department
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN  55431

Officers will not be dispatched to respond to permit to purchase requests. 

Bloomington Police Department partners with Project ChildSafe and Be SMART. This partnership helps make the community safer with free gun locks and education materials to help prevent firearm accidents, theft and misuse, including suicide. 

FREE gun locks are available in the police department during open lobby hours. The cable lock can be used on most firearms, allows for quick access in an emergency and offers security from theft. The cable runs through the barrel or action of a firearm to prevent it from being accidentally fired, requiring either a key to unlock it.

• A guide to responsible gun ownership, safe handling and secure storage:  

  Project ChildSafe Education Material

• Hunting Safety Checklist for Families:  

  Hunting Safety Checklist

• Firearms Safety in Vehicles:  

  Firearms Safety in Vehicles
• Be SMARTis a framework that parents, caretakers, and community leaders can follow to help keep their communities safe. Ultimately, you can help prevent kids from accessing firearms by storing them securely, and encouraging others to do the same. Because children deserve to feel safe, no matter where they are.

Designed for males and females 14 - 20 years of age who have an interest in law enforcement. The Bloomington Police Department has sponsored programs since 1972, making it one of the earliest established programs in Minnesota. 

The Bloomington Police Department partners with the Public Safety Cadets, which sponsors a unit. The Public Safet Cadets are a nonprofit organization that helps prepare youth for future career and leadership in public safety. More information can be found at publicsafetycadets.org.

Ambassadors learn by doing. They work hand-in-hand with police officers.

Ambassadors attend weekly meetings Thursday nights from mid-September through April, 7-9 p.m., where they receive:

• Hands-on training from police officers in arrest tactics, traffic stops, burglary response, accident reconstruction, crime scene investigations, interview techniques, and emergency medical response.
• Lectures and demonstrations from specialty units including ERU team members, Bomb Technicians, Crime Prevention and Hostage Negotiators.
• Receive one-on-one training at the police department's firing range (age 16 and older) if selected by mentors to participate and with parental consent.

Ambassadors engage in community service projects. Past projects include:

• McGruff appearances at local community events.
• Escort programs during the holidays at the Mall of America.
• Conduct tours of the Police Department.
• Assist with traffic control at Summer Fete.
• Assist at the Mall of America for community service.
• Volunteer at other fundraising events to benefit the Ambassadors 

Ambassadors also compete in annual mini-state, state and semi-annual national competitions. They have received numerous awards at each of these levels. Past national competitions have been in Washington, D.C., Flagstaff, Arizona, and Fort Collins, Colorado.

We usually recruit and add new positions in the fall of each year and build on skills as the year progresses. PSA is a great college and job resume builder and teaches a multitude of applicable skills.  

To apply, complete the application and a police mentor will follow up with you. PSA Application

For additional questions, please contact us.

Contact information

psa@bloomingtonmn.gov
Attn: Officer Davern
1800 W Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN  55431-3027
952-563-4900

How can I get a background check done on myself?

Bloomington Police can do a local record check (Bloomington Police records only) and provide you with a written document containing the results of the search. To request a local record check on yourself, click on "How can I obtain a copy of a Police report, or request access to other Police data" below.

If you need a FULL criminal background check, you will need to contact the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), 1430 Maryland Ave East, St. Paul, MN  55106. Phone: 651-793-2400.

How can I look up an accident record?

Visit the accident reports section of the BPD Data Dashboard.

This report lists traffic accidents that occurred in Bloomington where a report was written, and includes case numbers, the registered owners/drivers of the vehicle, and the date, time and location of the accident.

The BPD Dashboard also contains a "Crash Report" list - This report lists traffic accidents where police responded, whether or not a report was written, and includes the location, date and time of the accident, as well as the call for service/master incident number and report number if one was issued. Make note of the Master incident number, or the Case number (if one is listed). Include these numbers when requesting your report.

To request a copy of your accident record, follow the link in the "How to obtain a copy of a Police Report" section below. 

How can I obtain a copy of a Police report, or request access to other Police data?

To obtain a copy of a police report or other police data, fill out a Request for Police Data from the JustFOIA data request page.

Click on “New Request.”  Beneath Police Data Request Form, click on “Make a request”.  Complete the data request form as thoroughly as possible and click “Submit”.  After submitting your request, you will see a request number and security key. Keep these numbers for your records, you will need them to retrieve your records online once your request has been processed.

Once the request form is received, it will be fulfilled within 10 business days if you are a subject of the data request. If you are not a subject of the data request it may take longer. The report must be releasable under Minnesota Data Practices Laws. 

How can I obtain my Minnesota driving record?

The State of Minnesota can provide a copy of your driving record. Contact the main Division of Vehicle Services in St. Paul at 651-296-6911 for more information.

The Records Unit is responsible for providing essential services to Investigations, Patrol and Administration, other governmental agencies and to the general public. 

The goal of the BPD SafeCam program is to deter crime and promote public safety through collaboration between the Bloomington Police Department and the community. This voluntary program will help the police department utilize the abundance of video camera systems that are installed at homes and businesses in the City of Bloomington.

How it works

A homeowner or business owner can register their camera with the Bloomington Police Department.  The information is available to Bloomington Police Detectives and if a crime occurs the detective will be able to search the database for camera systems in that area and send an email to the that camera owner asking them to check for video footage of a particular incident.  This program broadens possible leads to help solve crimes.  Registering your camera does not give the police department any ability to “tap in” or control your camera system, it only informs the department that a camera system is there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bloomington Police Department SafeCam Program?

The SafeCam program is a voluntary, opt-in program, that allows residents and businesses to register the location of their video camera systems with the department. Should a crime occur in or near an area that has a camera installed, Bloomington Detectives would be able to contact the camera owner and ask for them to check for possible video footage. Signing up for this program does not give the Bloomington Police Department access to the camera system. 

Why does the police department need to know if I have camera system?

When a crime occurs, video footage is one of the most valuable tools available to detectives. Knowing which homes or businesses have camera systems will allow detectives to quickly reach out those camera owners when a crime occurs in that area and ask owners to check for possible video footage that could be used to help solve the crime. 

Do other police departments have a program like this?

Yes, several departments in the area and across the country have similar programs.

What type of camera system should be registered?

There are many different types of video recording devices currently be used,  video doorbells, homes security systems, and other camera systems. Any of these camera systems could record important evidence for a case. 

Will the police department have direct access to my camera system or video footage?

No, the Bloomington Police Department will not have access to your camera system or video footage. The SafeCam Registry only notifies the department of the existence of a camera and will map the location of this camera for detectives. If a crime occurs and video footage is needed someone from the police department may reach out the camera owner to request video footage.

How can a share video footage to the department?

Most commonly the detective will send out a video request link via a text message or email and you are able to share your video footage directly through that link. If that is not possible the detective will work with you to obtain the video by other means.

Can I opt out of this program?

Yes, after you are registered you can opt out of the program at any time by contacting the Police Department at 952-563-4900.

Safe Swap Spot is a designated location for residents to conduct transactions in a public location. Transactions may include online purchases, child custody exchanges or transactions where meeting in a public location will help improve personal safety.

• More information

We are actively seeking volunteer assistance greeting customers at the front counter, answering the non-emergency phone, and other clerical-type responsibilities. 

We welcome any help during the business hours of 8 am – 6 pm Monday through Friday, with the most pressing need for volunteers between 11 am – 3 pm. You set your hours and we will work with your availability.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Police Department, please complete this application.

In this video, the Bloomington Police Department shares some advice for what to do if you get pulled over by an officer. 

Qué hacer si es parado por una infracción de transito por el Departamento de Policía de Bloomington

En este video, el Departamento de Policía de Bloomington comparte algunos consejos sobre qué hacer si un oficial lo para por una posible infracción de tránsito.

Waxyaabaha aad sameyn laheyd markii uu Booliiska Bloomington ku istaajiyo.

Saraakiisha Booliiska Bloomington waxay kula wadaagayaan muqaal ku saabsan waxa aad sameyn laheyd markii uu ku istaajiyo sargaal ka mid ah saraakiisha  Booliiska Bloomington.