About our Agency

Patrol Division

Ford Crown Victoria 2008 Police Interceptor

Ford Crown Victoria 2004 Police Interceptor

The Detroit Lakes Police Department is a community-oriented, progressive Law Enforcement agency currently staffed by 17        full-time employees.

The largest division in our department, and probably the one most people are familiar with, is the uniformed Patrol Division. We have eight Officers dedicated to Patrol duties along with two Sergeants and a K-9 unit.

Detroit Lakes Police Interceptor: 1998 to 2002 Design

The Patrol Division is primarily responsible for patrolling the city and responding to calls for service. A typical day in the life of a Detroit Lakes Patrol Officer is often one of satisfaction and community pride. But just as common is dealing with the unexpected, facing critical situations, and experiencing a wide variety of situations in just one regular shift. 

While most patrol functions are carried out in a marked department squad car, there are certain situations that require special enforcement efforts. DLPD Officers may use bicycles, snowmobiles, ATV's, unmarked squad cars, or foot patrols to assist them. When roads are impassible or otherwise dangerous during winter storms, we have two 4 X 4 rescue vehicles.

Detroit Lakes PD Chevy Diesel Blazer 4 X 4 for Winter and Rescue Operations

Law Enforcement or Rescue efforts that occur on Detroit Lake are handled by the DNR and BCSO Boat & Water Division. The Sheriff's Office also has a Dive Team for underwater search and rescue.

Detroit Lakes Police Interceptor: Prior to 1998 Design

Our agency's squad cars used by the Patrol staff have evolved significantly over the years. The early 90's saw the use of the popular Chevy Caprice Classic until that model was discontinued.

Much of the equipment back then wasn't as advanced as today and squad cars didn't carry nearly as much emergency gear. But today's DLPD vehicles are outfitted with everything from AED's (Automated Emergency Defibrillators) Medical Equipment and Fire Extinguishers to Stop Sticks (road spikes) Bio-Hazard Suits and Lock-out Tools for opening vehicles. 

In 2004, our agency updated the vehicle design graphics and added additional safety measures. Today's new Ford Police Interceptors are often the emergency vehicle of choice for many law enforcement agencies. They come standard with heavy duty suspensions, brakes, and skid plates in addition to a performance steering, anti-lock brakes, transmission upgrades, and a powerful V8 engine with 265 hp and 305 lbs. of torque. All of our Officers attend high-speed pursuit training and advanced emergency vehicle operations every two years.

Our squad cars are equipped with Whelen Strobe light bars. They are very bright, shock absorbent, and durable in all types of weather conditions. Older 'rotator style' lights usually don't handle extreme cold or the frequent bumps of extreme driving as well so it was decided to update our fleet with the newer light bars. 

Heart and Soul of a Squad Car: Under the Hood

A Patrolman's Office: Interior of a DLPD 2004 Squad Car 

The Investigations Division is responsible for handling major case investigations and follows up on serious incidents from the Patrol Officers. They also handle a busy caseload of situations from processing crime scenes to dealing with forged checks and interviewing suspects.

There are currently three Officers assigned to Investigations including a Sergeant and Narcotics Task Force Investigator.

The Investigations division has also come a long way since the earlier years. Today's equipment and resources allow for advanced taking of prints left at a crime scene, ultra-violet lights for detecting blood even after it has been cleaned, fuming agents to detect fingerprints long after the incident took place, and drug or DNA detection through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. 

Our Investigators drive unmarked squad cars that are fully equipped like regular marked units with hidden emergency lights. Both vehicles are civilian models and are in excellent condition. One of them is courtesy of Minnesota's Vehicle Forfeiture Laws and some very stupid criminals.

One Officer is assigned to the Detroit Lakes School District and functions as a School Resource Officer. During the summer months (or whenever there is no school) the School Resource Officer will either work patrol or investigations as needed to help with the extra calls for service and caseloads of the summer.

In 2007, a Federal grant to help combat the growing drug problems across our country was awarded to our agency. One Officer is assigned full-time to the west central Minnesota Drug Task Force. The Task Force has lots of duties from surveillance and informants to assisting with drug-related search warrants throughout the area and investigating new tips or information brought to their attention.

Our civilian staff is made up of a records technician and a secretary. They assist the Police Department with everything from records keeping and processing paperwork to answering phones and entering information into our computer network. They are a essential part of our team and the department could not function without them.

All DLPD sworn Officers are also sworn Deputies of the BCSO and have full authority outside of city limits to assist other agencies as needed. We currently enjoy a excellent working relationship with several other Law Enforcement agencies in our area.