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.

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.

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 locations in Bloomington.

The Catalytic Converter Pilot program provides a CatGuard label that is permanently applied to a vehicle's catalytic with a unique code. This code is then registered in an accredited database connecting your unique code to your vehicle. The sticker is meant to break into pieces if attempted to be removed. Additionally, the label etches the metal with the unique code so that even if a sticker was removed, the code would remain. Once a catalytic is marked with a CatGuard label, the hope is that a thief notices the marking, realizing the catalytic converter is identifiable and chooses not to steal it. It also assists investigators with evidence of theft should a suspect be arrested with possession of a catalytic converter.

Bobby and Steve's Auto World locations in Bloomington are partnering with the city and the MN Commerce Department on this program and will apply labels to vehicles. There is no charge for the label installation, but an appointment is required.

Top 15 most targeted vehicles:

• Chevrolet Express
• Ford Econoline
• Ford F250
• Honda Accord
• Honda CRV
• Honda Element
• Honda Odyssey
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage
• Mitsubishi Eclipse
• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Tundra

Contact Bobby and Steve's Auto World

494/France Location
7920 France Ave
952-831-8833

Normandale/Old Shakopee Rd Location
10740 Normandale Road
952-881-1024

Looking for more information?

• CatGuard labels
• MN Commerce Catalytic Converter Program
• Bloomington Police Department webinar on Catalytic Converter Theft  
• Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention white paper.pdf

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.

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

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.

Interesting in becoming a Bloomington Police Explorer?

Designed for males and females 14 - 20 years of age who have an interest in law enforcement. The Bloomington Police Department has sponsored an Explorer Post since 1972, making it one of the earliest established posts in Minnesota. Law Enforcement Exploring is a division of the Boy Scouts of America.

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

Explorers attend weekly meetings Thursday nights from mid-September through April, 7-9:00 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 Advisors to participate and with parental consent.

Explorers engage in community service projects. Past projects include:

• McGruff appearances at local community events.
• Explorer 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 Explorers

Explorers 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. Explorers is a great college and job resume builder teaching a multitude of applicable skills.  

To apply, complete the application and an Explorer Advisor will follow up with you. 

Explorer Application

For additional questions, please contact us.

Contact information

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

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.

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

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

The Bloomington Police Department and SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, a national suicide prevention nonprofit based here, 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.

SAVE has been working with volunteers and loss survivors to implement the LOSS model in the state at the request of the Minnesota Department of Health. The organization will begin recruiting and training volunteers this month and launch the program in July. The state’s first team comprises Bloomington Police in collaboration with SAVE. The LOSS model, which is active in other states, was created by Dr. Frank Campbell in 1997.

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 Brittani Senser, 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, PD Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. “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.”

SAVE plans to expand LOSS Teams to more Minnesota cities by working with local communities, organizations, and others to help provide resources and training developed by Dr. Frank Campbell and others. Senser said this outreach is especially helpful in rural communities, as survivors can face challenges like geographic isolation, stigma, and limited mental health resources in accessing suicide loss support. 

Email save@save.org if you are interested in volunteering for the LOSS Team or in bringing LOSS to your area.

Contacts

Erich Mische, emische@save.org,
651-600-1188, Chief Executive Officer, SAVE, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. 

Kimberly Clauson, kclauson@bloomingtonmn.gov, 
952-563-8623, Deputy Chief, Public Information Officer, Bloomington PD

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.

Last year, BPD responded to 1,115 calls related to a mental health crisis or suicide attempt/threat. So far this year, there have been 952 calls. In many cases, follow-up therapy sessions are not available for weeks after the initial contact with law enforcement and social workers. Without professional treatment and intervention, the potential for repeat incidents increases.

“Our core value here at the Bloomington Police Department is respect, and respect is demonstrated through our compassionate and honest service. I believe that it’s not very compassionate to allow someone who needs and wants help to go months without getting the help they need,” Chief Hodges said. “Our social workers encounter people who need immediate therapy. Unfortunately, that therapy is rarely available, and even when it is, the price is too much for many families. Our Rapid Response Mental Health pilot program looks to ensure those who need help are being served as soon as possible with compassion and respect.”

The first-in-Minnesota program will include two licensed marriage and family counselors who will be embedded within the Bloomington Police Department (BPD). The two therapists will supervise four students who are completing their clinical practice requirements.

These supervisors and students will be able to provide rapid response and individualized mental health services to community members who are referred by police, fire, school partners, or with the Hennepin County-embedded social workers. Students will have capacity for approximately 40 appointments a week. A client can see a provider for up to 10 weeks.

Individuals will receive services at no cost. Appointments will be available in-person at their home or another convenient location. School facilities and workplaces cannot be used as meeting locations.

The pilot program, set to begin in Dec. 2023, will cost $63,000 and be paid for with funds from the state’s opioid settlements and state Public Safety Aid funds.

BPD has found most calls regarding mental health issues also deal with substance use, specifically opioids. BPD has responded to 361 overdose calls since 2019, including 70 this year. There have been 47 fatal overdoses in the city the last five years.

“I am gratified to see hard-won opioid-settlement dollars put to such creative and effective use,” said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. “No amount of money will ever make up for the death and destruction the opioid companies caused in Bloomington and every community in our state, but my office has nonetheless worked hard to hold these companies accountable. I thank and applaud Chief Hodges, Bloomington police, and the City of Bloomington for this ground-breaking initiative. I call on every city, county, and community in Minnesota to act as creatively in putting their opioid-settlement dollars to use in serving people.”

The State of Minnesota, through the Attorney General’s Office, has so far recovered $568 million in settlements with opioid companies for the harms the companies have caused Minnesotans. Per an agreement with local governments that Attorney General Ellison’s office brokered, 75 percent of those dollars will go directly to all 87 Minnesota counties and 32 Minnesota cities with a population of more than 30,000, including Bloomington, which may use them for treatment, abatement, and prevention.

Public Safety Aid funding was approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz earlier this year.

“By investing $300 million in local public safety across the state, we’re giving communities the resources they need to tackle their most important challenges. We know those challenges look different in every community,” said Governor Walz. “Whether it’s funding for additional police officers in Brainerd or supporting an innovative mental health program in Bloomington, I am proud to see these investments come to life across the state.”

Community resources for people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis

In addition to the Mental Health Rapid Response pilot program, the Bloomington Public Health Division is working with stakeholders to address community opioid prevention, rapid response, and treatment needs. A list of community resources is available atblm.mn/opioids.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone in need of mental health crisis services. You can call or text 988 for support.

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.

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 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.

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.

Where is the Safe Swap Spot located?

The swap spot is located in the Civic Plaza parking lot at 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. near the police department entrance (row of parking spots closest to Logan Ave.) and available for exchanges at all time. The area is identified by Safe Spot signage. In addition, during police department lobby hours, exchanges can be made within the police department lobby (Monday - Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.).

Is the Safe Swap Spot monitored 24 hours a day?

• While security monitoring is in place, a staff person is not assigned to viewing the footage or exchanges on a regular basis.
• An officer will NOT monitor each exchange nor facilitate transactions. 
• Safe Swap Spot is not a guarantee of safety, but rather used as an additional option when people want to schedule an exchange or transaction in a public place. 

Safety Tips About In-person Transactions

While many people who conduct business online are honest and sincere in buying and selling items, there are those who use it to facilitate crimes. These tips are suggested as extra safety measures:

• Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you will return.
• If possible, have someone accompany you.
• Conduct exchanges during daylight hours.
• Make sure the product works. Remember once you give the seller cash and leave, there aren't any refunds.
• Bring a cell phone and make sure it is turned on. 
• Only purchase items from sellers who will meet in person and accept cash. If a seller insists on money transfer, itunes gift cards, or online payment, don't do it.
• If you are purchasing or selling a large ticket item (such as a vehicle), consider meeting at a bank.
• Always trust your instincts and take additional safety precautions as necessary. 
• Cancel plans for a transaction if you identify any red flags or have additional concerns for your safety. 
• If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

To see where other meet-up locations are in the area, visit safetradespots.com, the largest national database of police and sheriff's departments that have designated locations for in-person transactions. 

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. 

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.

Waxyaabaha aad sameyn laheyd markii uu Booliiska Bloomington ku istaajiyo.