Programs
West Central S.W.A.T
West Central SWAT is comprised of five county sheriff’s offices and eight police departments including Stevens, Pope, Swift, Traverse, and Lac Qui Parle counties along with the Glenwood, Starbuck, Morris, University of MN Morris, Benson, Appleton, Montevideo, and Wheaton Police Departments. The team is divided into four sections: entry teams, snipers, negotiators, and medical support. The team also includes one physician/surgeon experienced who serves as medical adviser. The team trains on a monthly basis and is fluent in chemical munitions, less lethal, entry tactics, negotiations, firearms, along with many other high-risk tactics.
Pope County TRIAD
TRIAD is a partnership of three organizations - Law enforcement, Senior Citizens, and Community
The sole purpose of Triad is to promote senior safety and to reduce the fear of crime that seniors often experience.
TRIAD has benefits for both seniors and law enforcement. Law Enforcement assists seniors by letting them get to know their local law enforcement and bringing them information to protect them and that they can share with others in their communities. Seniors assist law enforcement by being “the eyes and ears” out in the communities.
MN TRIAD can assist you in organizing your Triad program at the grass-roots level, provide ideas and programs to implement in your community, and training materials for your law enforcement, senior volunteers, and community groups.
Bicycle Safety Rodeo
Every year we host an annual bicycle safety rode that is intended to review bicycle safety as well as riding skills. The Bicycle Rodeo is open to all kids grades Pre-School to 6th grade. This event is sponsored by the Starbuck Police Department and several local businesses, who send donations towards several prizes, which are awarded to all participants after the Bicycle Rodeo.
House Checks/Business Checks
Through this program, at the request of the owner, we will check to make sure a home or business is secure while the owner is away.
School Resource Officer
The Starbuck Police Department and the Minnewaska West School (Day Treatment) work together in a variety of areas, including an officer that works closely with the school district.
Crime-Free Multi Housing
The Starbuck Police Department partners with several different organizations in the community to provide training to owners and managers of housing rental units. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity at that property, thus making it safer for the residents and their neighbors.
Neighborhood Crime Watch
Through the years citizens have delegated more and more of their individual responsibility for self-protection to law enforcement specialists. As a result, fewer citizens now recognize their responsibility to take an active role in crime prevention and the apprehension of criminals. The information in this manual is provided to citizens of Starbuck in an effort to help them take the measures necessary to reduce the possibility that they may become the victims of criminal activity. Police officers make more arrests each year, but criminal activities continue to rise. As Starbuck continues to grow, we will continue to see more crime. The time has come when citizens can no longer leave their responsibility for the reduction of crime to others.The police need the eyes and ears of citizens like you, to help the police protect your property from criminals, you must get involved. To help you, your community, and the Starbuck Police Department, the Neighborhood Watch program was established. No home can be protected like Fort Knox. All of the locks, bars, lights, and alarms cannot guarantee total protection. You cannot make your home, property, and self-crime proof, but you can make them crime resistant. By starting or joining a Neighborhood Watch, you learn what you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a crime victim. A Neighborhood Watch is easy to start, and effective when implemented. By starting a Neighborhood Watch in your area, you are taking the first step towards making your home, your neighborhood and your community a safer place to live.
KIDS Safety Camp - FREE EVENT!
August 20 & 21, 2025 8am-3pm
*Bullying and Social Media Safety *Fire Safety
Starbuck Night to Unite
Starbuck Night to Unite is a yearly event sponsored by the Starbuck Police Department and the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program and celebrated throughout Minnesota, where neighbors lock their doors, turn on their outside lights, and spend the evening getting to know each other. There is a party being hosted in your neighborhood!
Join Us August 5, 2025, from 3:30 to 6pm
Place: The Starbuck Depot & Museum
Contact: Chief Mitch Johnsrud
Phone #: 320-239-8477
Plans for our Party: Food, music, games, vendors
Pharmaceutical Drop Box
Located at Starbuck City Hall in the main hallway.
DRUG DISPOSAL CENTER DISPOSE YOUR UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS HERE!
(BRING MEDICINES IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGE OR CONTAINER - NO ID REQUIRED - FREE)
ACCEPTED
MEDICINE FROM HOUSEHOLDS THAT INCLUDE:
- OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES
- VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS
- PET MEDICINES
- PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES INCLUDING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
NOT ACCEPTED
MEDICINE FROM BUSINESSES THAT INCLUDE:
-
PHARMACIES OR DOCTOR OFFICES
-
PHARMACEUTICAL REPRESENTATIVES
-
VETERINARY CLINICS
- HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
-
NO NEEDLES, SHARPS OR SYRINGES