As of 2022, the Plymouth Police Department consists of 81 sworn officers in a number of varied assignments, including:
- Patrol
- Investigations
- K9 Unit
- SWAT Team
- Traffic Unit
- Special Investigations Unit
- Schools & Community
Patrol
The Patrol Division provides law enforcement services to the community 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
General Patrol: The largest division within the Plymouth Police Department, the Patrol Division is comprised of approximately 55 of the total 81 sworn police officers. As the most visible division, uniformed officers in fully marked vehicles patrol the city. Duties vary greatly from day to day. However, the primary function of patrol officers is 911 response. While not responding to 911 calls for service, Plymouth officers may conduct traffic enforcement and education, perform foot patrols within area businesses or parks, or simply remain visible to the motoring and non-motoring public.
K9 Unit: The Plymouth Police Department’s K9 Unit currently consists of three teams. The K9 teams complete a 16-week academy and must pass practical tests in obedience, evidence recovery, suspect searches and apprehensions. After the initial test, K9 teams must re-certify annually.
Plymouth Police utilize canines for their ability to locate. Due to canines having an extremely enhanced sense of smell, they are able to find evidence, narcotics and people that officers otherwise may not. Although the dogs are trained to apprehend suspects of violent crimes when necessary, and for safety reasons, this occurs very rarely in the City of Plymouth. The teams are often deployed to locate lost and missing persons, including children and the elderly, and are often called to assist neighboring cities.
Plymouth’s K9 teams have earned a strong reputation amongst other police departments in the area. Plymouth K9 teams have also earned many trophies and awards throughout the years. The K9 handlers train extensively with their partners and spend a great deal of time together. The dogs inevitably become part of the handler’s family.
S.W.A.T. & Negotiations: Formed in 1980, the Plymouth S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons And Tactics) team consists of team leaders, 11 team members, eight negotiators as well as a mental health advisor. SWAT is called upon to assist with armed individuals, barricaded persons and in situations involving hostages. The team is also used when executing high-risk warrants.
The team trains monthly and attends annual certifications of proficiency. Training includes but is not limited to advanced firearms use, tactical scene management and hostage rescue. All team members are fully outfitted with appropriate gear and must attend a basic tactical officer training academy. The team maintains a negotiations specific vehicle outfitted with state-of-the-art technologies to assist them with resolving complex situations.
Traffic & DWI Unit: Plymouth's Traffic Unit was formed in 1995. The unit’s primary responsibility is to address traffic concerns in the city's residential areas. Additional responsibilities include providing high-visibility traffic enforcement throughout the city, responding to and investigating major traffic accidents, enforcing commercial motor vehicle regulations, and conducting follow-up investigations of traffic-related complaints. Plymouth also has a grant-funded, dedicated traffic officer for impaired driving enforcement.
Investigations
Investigations: The role of this unit is the investigation of crimes and apprehension of suspected offenders. The unit is primarily reactive, with major job tasks of case screening, follow-up investigations, criminal intelligence and background checks. One Sergeant supervises the unit with seven investigators. Five of the investigator positions are long-term assignments and two are rotating assignments lasting two or three years. Crimes handled by the unit are based on two distinct categories: Crimes Against Persons and Property Crimes.
Violent Offenders Task Force (VOTF): one Plymouth officer is selected to work with specialized multi-agency team focused on reducing violent crime in the community. They work to identify, investigate, and apprehend individuals involved in serious offenses such as gun violence, gang activity, and other dangerous criminal behavior. By partnering with local law enforcement agencies, they help ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice, creating a safer environment for all residents of Hennepin County.
Special Investigations Unit (SIU): A team of officers are selected on a rotating assignment to this proactive policing unit. This unit primarily works under-cover on sensitive or complex cases using advanced investigative techniques to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and ensure thorough investigations. Their work helps support the overall safety and integrity of the community by proactively investigating newly identified criminal activity.
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC): We have a dedicated Internet Crimes Against Children investigator. This investigator receives specialized training and equipment for internet-based crimes against minors. These are often lengthy and challenging cases to prosecute, but our department is committed to protecting our community, particularly our youth. This investigator also assists other investigations related to persons and property crimes as needed.
Schools & Community
Schools: Currently, Plymouth has seven officers working in schools in each major school district, Wayzata and Robbinsdale. These officers work closely with school administration and are primarily responsible for the safety and security of the schools. Officers also act as a resource for students and staff, participate in classroom presentations, identify and advise on school security vulnerabilities, respond to emergencies, and investigate criminal activity on school grounds.
Community: The department has non-sworn community engagement and outreach employees who work closely with sworn personnel to identify opportunities to connect with the community. Officers interested in assisting with educational presentations and community engagement are encouraged.
Plymouth also has several non-sworn positions including community service officers, desk officers, office support representatives, crime and data analysts, and a community engagement team. Openings for these positions are posted as they become available through the city’s general Human Resources department employment opportunities.
