Patrol
The Patrol Division has 37 full-time licensed deputies and is made up of one Captain and six platoons directed 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 that 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 the K9 Team
- Emergency Response Unit
- Forensic Mapping Unit
- Project Lifesaver (Autism Search Team) and
- The Crisis Intervention Team.
Other capacities of expertise in training include Handgun, Rifle and Shotgun Instructors, Use of Force instructors, Less Lethal force, 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 their 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 the persons who live and travel throughout Olmsted County need assistance. Ever present, day or night, regardless of the conditions or circumstances, using leading law enforcement technology, all deputies are prepared to assist in any way possible to maintain all Olmsted County residents and all 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 and be required to meet specific criteria and approval from the Patrol Captain. Usually, these requests are made by interns majoring in law enforcement, however, we also welcome interested citizens who wish to experience a ride-along.
Applying for a ride-along
Complete the ride-along request form below:
Contact Information
Captain Chris Wallace
Office: 507-328-6765
Email: wallace.chris@co.olmsted.mn.us
Sergeant Chad Miller – A Platoon
Office: 507-328-6747
Email: miller.chad@co.olmsted.mn.us
Sergeant Malinda Hanson – B Platoon
Office: 507-328-6748
Email: hanson.malinda@co.olmsted.mn.us
Sergeant Brady Wolhart – C Platoon
Office: 507-328-6747
Email: wolhart.brady@co.olmsted.mn.us
Sergeant Nick Jacobson – D Platoon
Office: 507-328-6748
Email: jacobson.nicholas@co.olmsted.mn.us
Sergeant Kirby Long - E Power Shift
Office: 507 328-6904
e-mail: long.kirby@co.olmsted.mn.us
Sergeant Jens Dammen - F Power Shift
Office: 507 328-6748
e-mail: dammen.jens@co.olmsted.mn.us
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
- Amounted 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 would assist in an emergency situation.
Lake Zumbro provides a unique situation as the lake is in Olmsted and Wabasha Counties. The Wabasha County Sheriff's Office has authorized the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office the jurisdiction to patrol and maintain the 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 web site.
The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office highly encourages all users of Lake Zumbro to familiarize themselves with the lake's water depths and structure. Slowing down and knowing the layout of the lake will allow everyone that 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 assist in maintaining 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 navigations, 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
- Amounted Expended and Invoiced as of December 30, 2019: TBD
- Amount Expended and Invoiced to date: TBD