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7 Key Strategies: How The City Of Edina Police Department Is Transforming Public Safety In 2025

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The City of Edina Police Department (EPD) is currently undergoing a significant operational shift, focusing on cutting-edge technology and enhanced community engagement to address the dynamic challenges of a modern first-ring suburb. As of December 2025, the department, led by Chief Todd Milburn, has rolled out several new tactics and programs designed to stem the recent uptick in crime, ensuring Edina remains one of the safest communities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

This comprehensive overview details the department's structure, its key personnel, and the innovative strategies—from new public safety technology to specialized mental health response teams—that are defining the future of law enforcement in Edina, Minnesota. Residents and stakeholders are keenly watching these developments as the EPD works to maintain a high quality of life for its citizens.

Edina Police Department: Leadership and Organizational Profile

The Edina Police Department operates out of its main facility at 4801 W. 50th St., maintaining a robust structure necessary to serve a community characterized by a significant retail area, residential neighborhoods, and the complexities introduced by three major commuter freeways. This unique geographic and commercial profile presents a variety of law enforcement challenges, from property crime to traffic enforcement. The department’s command staff and key personnel are integral to its operational success:

  • Chief of Police: Todd Milburn
  • Deputy Chief: Aaron White
  • Commander (Investigations): Jake Heckert
  • Commander (Patrol): Ryan Schultz
  • Commander (Support Services): Dave Venne
  • Community Engagement Officer: Nick Donahue

The EPD is organized into several critical divisions that ensure comprehensive public safety coverage 24/7. These include the essential 911 Center, the highly visible Patrol Division, the specialized Investigations Division, and the proactive K-9 Unit. Furthermore, the department actively collaborates with the City's new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager, Thomas Brooks, to ensure fair and equitable policing practices throughout the city.

New Tactics and Technology: Chief Milburn’s Strategy Against Rising Crime

In response to concerns over a recent rise in certain crime categories, especially property crime and vehicle theft, Chief Todd Milburn has been proactive in implementing new, data-driven strategies. These new tactics move beyond traditional policing methods, focusing on advanced technology and specialized response teams to enhance both efficiency and community trust.

1. Deployment of License Plate Readers (LPRs)

One of the most significant technological upgrades in the department's arsenal is the strategic deployment of License Plate Readers (LPRs). These high-speed cameras are used to automatically capture license plate information, which is then cross-referenced with hot lists of stolen vehicles or vehicles associated with known criminal activity.

The implementation of LPRs is a key component of the EPD's crime prevention strategies, particularly for incidents like jobsite theft and neighborhood burglaries, which have been a point of discussion in public forums like the "Straight Talk with Edina's Police Chief" series. The technology allows officers to identify and track suspects more quickly, serving as a powerful deterrent to transient criminals who use the city's major freeways for quick entry and exit.

2. The Alternative Response Team (ART) for Mental Health Calls

Acknowledging that not all calls for service require a traditional armed police response, Chief Milburn helped spearhead the creation of the County's first Alternative Response Team (ART). This team is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address mental health calls in a new, more compassionate, and effective way.

The ART model pairs law enforcement with mental health professionals or social workers. This ensures that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis receive appropriate care and de-escalation rather than being immediately processed through the criminal justice system. This specialized team is an important step in modern policing, recognizing the growing need for a nuanced approach to public well-being.

3. Proactive Holiday Crime Prevention

As the holiday season approaches, the EPD intensifies its efforts to protect residents and the retail sector. In late November 2025, the department issued a critical press release on how to Prevent Holiday Season Home Burglaries. This proactive communication strategy is essential, providing residents with timely tips on securing their homes and being vigilant during peak shopping and travel times.

Furthermore, the EPD has been actively involved in discussions regarding the State's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the issuance of new licenses in 2025. This forward-looking approach ensures the department is prepared for the public safety implications of new state laws, a key part of its commitment to comprehensive public safety initiatives.

Community Engagement and Partnership Initiatives

The Edina Police Department places a high value on community policing, fostering strong relationships that are crucial for effective law enforcement. These programs are often coordinated by Community Engagement Officer Nick Donahue and involve close partnerships with the Edina Fire Department and local non-profits.

4. Annual Community-Focused Competitions and Drives

The EPD regularly partners with the Edina Fire Department for friendly, yet competitive, charitable events. In 2025, this included the annual Toys for Tots Collections at both the Police and Fire Stations, a tradition that helps ensure local children have gifts during the holidays. They also hold a competition between the departments for Food Donations, leveraging a spirit of fun rivalry to support local food shelves.

5. "Cops on the Court" and Town Talks

Building trust with younger residents is a priority, exemplified by the "Cops on the Court" event. This program brings officers and community members together in a relaxed, non-enforcement setting, such as the Southdale YMCA, allowing for positive interactions that break down barriers between youth and the police.

For adult residents, Chief Milburn continues the City of Edina’s "Town Talks" series. These sessions are a direct line of communication where the Chief discusses crime trends, crime prevention strategies, and answers citizen questions, fostering a transparent and collaborative public safety environment.

6. Recognizing Citizen Partnership

The department actively recognizes the vital role citizens play in public safety. In a notable event in December 2025, the EPD announced it would present a Citizens Award at the City Council meeting to honor a couple for their actions. Such awards highlight the successful partnership between the police and the community, reinforcing the idea that public safety is a shared responsibility.

7. Expanding Public Health Resources

In a move that links public safety with public health, Fire Station 2 was designated as a New Naloxone Access Point in December 2025. This initiative, supported by the EPD, provides life-saving resources to the community, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and other public health emergencies that often intersect with police work.

The Edina Police Department's current focus is clearly on a future-forward model of law enforcement. By integrating technology like LPRs, adopting specialized response methods like the ART, and maintaining a robust schedule of community engagement, the EPD is setting a high standard for public safety in the region. The leadership of Chief Milburn, coupled with the dedication of the entire team, ensures that the department is well-equipped to protect and serve the Edina community in 2026 and beyond.

Topical Authority Entities: Todd Milburn, Aaron White, Nick Donahue, Jake Heckert, Ryan Schultz, Dave Venne, Thomas Brooks, Edina Fire Department, 911 Center, Patrol Division, Investigations Division, K-9 Unit, License Plate Readers (LPRs), Alternative Response Team (ART), Toys for Tots, Town Talks, Citizens Award, Naloxone Access Point, Southdale YMCA, Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Hennepin County, Edina City Council, first-ring suburb, commuter freeways, crime prevention strategies.

7 Key Strategies: How The City of Edina Police Department Is Transforming Public Safety in 2025
city of edina police department
city of edina police department

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