CPD Programs

Night to Unite

On Tuesday, August 2, many residents in Chaska will lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police for Night to Unite. 

Many neighborhoods throughout Chaska host a variety of special events: 

• Block parties
• Cookouts
• Flashlight walks
• Youth activities

Members of the Chaska Police Department and Fire Department try to make it to as many neighborhood parties as they can that night. If you would like to have them visit your party, make sure to register your party. You can even ask for McGruff the Crime Dog to stop by!

Night to Unite is designed to: 

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
• Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are watching out for each other

Jonathan Association

If you live in the Jonathan Association, please check with the association’s office at 952-448-4700 for more information regarding reimbursement for hosting a Night to Unite party in your neighborhood.

Safety Camp

Registration for 2022 Safety Camp is full. If you are registered, scroll down to view the camper checklist.

This two-day program provides youth entering 2nd thru 4th grade an opportunity to learn about safety in a camp setting.

• Dates: July 6 to 7, 2022
• Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Where: Chaska Community Center, 1661 Park Ridge Dr., Chaska, MN 55318 Get Directions
• Ages: Youth entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade in fall
• Cost: $40

Topics include:

• Fire safety
• Bike safety
• Personal safety
• Basic First Aid
• And more!

Presenters include:

• Chaska Police Department
• Chaska Fire Department
• Chaska Electric Department
• Ridgeview Ambulance 
• Chaska Community Center lifeguards
• Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Canine demonstration
• And more!

Fee includes:

• Lunch & Snacks
• Games & Activities
• Safety Camp T-shirt

Camper Checklist

• Check-in is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Please plan on being there between that time so we can get your child into their group. Drop off your child at the theater door at the Chaska Community Center. Our staff will take your child to their area. Please be patient. There may be a line for drop-off since we have 120 youth participating. Please carpool if possible.
• Be sure to wear tennis shoes. We will play safety games, run around a little bit, and spend some time sitting on the ground. Your child will receive a special Safety Camp t-shirt that they will need to wear both days. Parents, please have everything labeled and in a backpack or tote with your child's name. Girls should plan to wear tank tops, so that you can put your camp t-shirt over it without needing to change.
• We will provide the children with lunch on both days. We'll have pizza one day and hot dogs the next. Lunches will include chips, fruit, a cookie, and beverage. We will also provide a snack in the morning. If your child has special dietary needs, plan on bringing a bag lunch. 
• We will have plenty of water available. Since we have drinking fountains, you can pack a water bottle LABELED WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME. If your child has any special needs or will be taking medication during their time at camp, please contact Officer Janke at 952-448-4200 before camp day.
• Pick-up will be from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. We will be curbside with youth outside the Community Center theatre doors. On Thursday, you have the option to attend graduation at 3:30 p.m.
• Questions before the event: Contact Officer Janke at 952-448-4200
• Safety Camp Emergency Contact: Officer Janke at 612-217-3517. If your child is unable to attend one or both days, please call.

Do you have a security camera at your home or business? 

Consider joining the Chaska Police Department's S.M.I.L.E. program! S.M.I.L.E. stands for Surveillance Monitoring Initiative for Law Enforcement.

Chaska PD created S.M.I.L.E. to partner with residents and businesses to help keep our city safe. If you are interested in participating, please complete the form below to let Chaska PD know more about the security camera(s) you have on your property. This information will assist the Police Department in solving crimes more quickly in our community.

By signing up, you will not be giving the police department access to your cameras. You are simply letting us know the cameras exist so that we can reach out to you if a crime happens in your Chaska neighborhood.

Sign up for SMILE

Paw Patrol

The Paw Patrol program encourages our dog walkers citywide to serve as extra "eyes and ears" for the Chaska Police Department in ongoing crime prevention efforts. When you sign up, you get a fancy "Paw Patrol" bandanna and dog tag for your dog! 

For more information please email Officer Janke or call 952-448-4200.

Bike Registration 

Register your bicycle to assist in its return if it is lost or stolen. We will document your serial number, make and model and give you an operation identification sticker for your bicycle. Email Officer Janke if you have any questions. 

Download the Bike Registration Form (PDF)

Bike Helmets

The Chaska Police Department will again be selling high quality bike helmets for $10 that retail for $22.95.We have a limited quantity so pick yours up today. They are available in silver, red and blue in sizes small, medium and large. Email Officer Janke for a fitting appointment.

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is a group of neighbors looking out for neighbors. It’s a chance to get to know each other and becoming familiar with the routines of the neighborhood. Knowing this helps neighbors identify things that are out of the ordinary like strange vehicles or suspicious persons. 

We encourage everyone to look out for each other. Two of 10 people feel like they don’t want to bother the police. Believe me, it is not a bother. We want the call.

If you would like to start a neighborhood watch in your neighborhood, email Officer Julie or call 952-448-4200 and ask to speak to Officer Julie.

Citizen Academy

Citizen Academy is a seven-session program that teaches people about police work in Chaska. Lectures and hands-on experiences are combined for a unique insight into the Chaska Police Department. 

• Dates: January to March (specific start and end date are to be determined)
• Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Chaska Fire Station
• Cost: It’s free!
• Download Registration Form (PDF)

The police department puts on this academy to engage with our community and create avenues for participant feedback on our services. Citizen’s Academy provides residents and officers a chance to share experiences and ideas.

Activities from previous Academies:

• Tour the Police Station, Court house, 911 center, and County Jail
• Traffic Stops
• DWI and Drugs
• School Resource Officers
• Use of Force
• Chaska Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), put on your detective hat!

Junior Explorers

The Chaska Police Junior Explorers (CPJE) is a program that uses public safety education to motivate young people to be outstanding citizens. A key component to community policing, CPJE transforms the role of the police officer into one of mentor and friend, while encouraging our young citizens to be partners in building safer schools and community. The more young people understand the components of police safety, the more they become an active participant in identifying solutions.

In the Junior Explorers, young people will be given the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a police officer, which should foster a better understanding of law enforcement’s role in the community. Many young people do not understand what police officers do and why they do it. We take the mystery out of law enforcement procedures and policies. Young people’s attitudes toward the police and their role in society are transformed.

Weekly discussion topics will touch on police issues and youth-focused issues, like bullying, internet use, cell phone safety, peer pressure, and making good choices a habit.  

Junior Explorer Objectives

• Teach techniques to deal with school and life pressure(s) in a positive way
• Create dialogue and build relationships between youth and police officers
• Set expectations for participants to be role models in the community as they continue into adulthood
• Answer the "WHY" behind law enforcement policies and responses in certain situations

The start date for the next session is to be determined. 

Grab a cup of coffee with some of our Chaska police officers at Coffee with a Cop! 

These take place once a month at a variety of coffee shops in Chaska. It is a great way to get to know our police department and learn more about what's happening in our city. Plus, you get free coffee!  

Upcoming dates:

• Thursday, March 23, 9:00 a.m. at Red Bench Bakery (500 North Chestnut St)
• Thursday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. at Dunn Brothers (100 East 2nd St)
• Thursday, May 18, 9:00 a.m. at Caribou in Chaska Commons (142 Pioneer Trail)
• Thursday, June 15, 9:00 a.m. at Dunkin' (710 North Chestnut St)
• Thursday, July 20, 9:00 a.m. at Caribou off Audubon Rd (1004 Gateway Dr.)
• Thursday, August 17, 9:00 a.m. at Red Bench Bakery (500 North Chestnut St)
• Thursday, September 21, 9:00 a.m. at Dunn Brothers (100 East 2nd St)
• Thursday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. at Caribou in Chaska Commons (142 Pioneer Trail)
• Thursday, November 16, 9:00 a.m. at Dunkin' (710 North Chestnut St)
• Thursday, December 21, 9:00 a.m. at Caribou off Audubon Rd (1004 Gateway Dr.)