The Annandale Police Department participates in a number of Crime Prevention Programs including Operation Identification, Drug Education, Driver Education, National Night Out, and many more.
We also participate in assisting homeowners and businesses in evaluating their residential or business security and their potential exposure to crime. If you are interested in having an officer conduct a security audit at your home or place of business, contact our office to set up an appointment at (320)-274-3278.
Alcohol Compliance
As public concern about drinking & driving and underage consumption of alcohol has increased over the years, so has the focus on how to combat this issue. More emphasis has been, and is being, placed on ensuring that those individuals who are purchasing alcohol are of legal drinking age.
As a result, Cities across the State of Minnesota are conducting random checks in bars and liquor stores to make sure that clerks are asking for identification when it is appropriate to do so. In fact, this issue has become so important, many feel that the legislature will soon require that these random checks be done on an annual basis.
To ensure that we are doing our part at the Annandale Police Department conduct alcohol compliance checks at our local establishments. We are hopeful that these checks will lead to a reduction in underage consumption of alcohol and of underage drinking & driving.
National Night Out
National Night Out was designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, to generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and to send a message to criminals to let them know that neighborhoods are organized and they are fighting back. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of National Night Out, Police and community partnerships.
In 2008 an estimated 35 million people across the country celebrated National Night Out. The Annandale Police Department and the residents of Annandale participated in the National Night Out campaign along with over 10,000 other communities.
National Night Out 2008 was a huge success! National Night Out is a great opportunity to meet neighbors and share experiences; get information ate area and the City of Annandale, and meet city staff and elected officials. Many neighborhoods plan social events to encourage neighbors to come out and get to know one another.
We encourage you to not just make National Night Out the only time you get out and mingle with your neighbors. Take time to say "hello" and visit with people around you, this helps each resident feel comfortable reporting things that may have a negative impact on the neighborhood.
Contact Tara Smith, 320-274-3278 or by email at taras@annandale.mn.us if you would like an officer to attend neighborhood meetings.
Tobacco Compliance
As public concern about teenage use of tobacco has increased over the years, so has the focus on how to combat this issue. More emphasis has been, and is being placed on ensuring that those individuals who are purchasing and consuming tobacco are of legal age.
As a result, the State of Minnesota passed legislation requiring tobacco compliance checks at each point of sale location within each community. It is the responsibility of each individual community or appropriate Sheriff's Department to conduct these checks.
The Annandale Police Department has been conducting these compliance checks at our local establishments for several years. While there have been some instances where violations have occurred, the number of violations has been decreasing and understanding of the problem has increased.