Benson MN Police Department

05/17/2026

‼️The missing juvenile has been located and is safely home. To be clear, this was not a trafficking-related incident.

For the privacy of the juvenile and family involved, no further information will be released at this time.

To everyone who called, shared information, and reached out to assist, please accept our sincere thanks. Your willingness to help is greatly appreciated‼️

05/15/2026

This Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives while serving their communities.

We also want to take a moment to say thank you to the community we are privileged to serve every day here in Benson. Your support, kindness, and trust mean more than you know.
The Benson Police Department is committed to continuing to build strong relationships within our community while serving with professionalism, compassion, and respect.

As summer approaches, you will see us at many community events throughout town. We look forward to visiting with you, meeting more members of our community, and sharing our summer happenings here on our page.

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve the City of Benson.

05/05/2026

When seconds matter and lives are on the line, actions—not words—define a person.

On the night of March 1, 2026, a fire broke out and quickly engulfed a home in Benson. It is difficult to put into words—or even imagine—how quickly the residents of that home were placed in danger once the fire began.

Thankfully, Officer Noah Marrs was working that night. Officer Marrs, along with the Benson Fire Department, took immediate action to assist the homeowners and help bring them to safety.

Many people believe they would do what needs to be done when lives are on the line, but fortunately, we do not have to wonder when it comes to Officer Marrs. He has demonstrated that he has what it takes to step forward and help those in need.

For those who may not know, Officer Marrs is also a graduate of Benson High School and was inspired by our own School Resource Officer, Paula Wilson, to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Last night, Mayor Jack Evenson presented Officer Marrs, along with the Benson firefighters who were on scene that night, with a Firefighter Challenge Coin in recognition of their actions. In his typical fashion, Officer Marrs would have preferred not to be recognized at all. As his co-workers, sergeant, and Chief, we are proud to have him on our team.

Thank you, Officer Marrs, for your dedication to the people of Benson.

04/20/2026

On April 20, 2026, the Benson Police Department, Benson Public Schools, the Benson Fire Department, Benson/CentraCare Ambulance, Life Link III, the Minnesota State Patrol, Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home, and Southside Auto Body facilitated a mock crash at Benson High School.

Members of the Benson High School student body participated as actors in the exercise. This bi-annual event is designed to immerse students in a realistic scenario we hope they never experience, while highlighting the dangers and real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving.

Thank you to all who were involved in making this another successful and impactful event.

04/20/2026

The Benson Police Department, in conjunction with Benson High School, will be conducting a “Mock Crash” demonstration this morning.

This educational event is designed to teach students about the importance of safe driving and the real-life consequences of impaired or distracted driving.

Participating agencies are expected to include Life Link III, the Benson Ambulance Service, and the Benson Fire Department.

Please be advised that any emergency activity you may see in the area is part of this planned demonstration. There is no cause for alarm.

The Benson Police Department office will be closed this morning while staff participate in this event.

04/03/2026

03/27/2026

Congratulations to Sgt. Girard and Officer Seafolk on successfully completing STORM Instructor training (Strategy and Tactics on Redirecting Movement for the Purpose of Lawful Control and Effective Self-Defense) at Camp Ripley!

At the Benson Police Department, we are committed to continuous learning and professional development. By bringing back new skills and knowledge, we strengthen our team and enhance our ability to serve and protect our community. With these new instructor certifications, we can now train our officers in-house, ensuring we remain effective, prepared, and dedicated to public safety.
Great work to both of you on this outstanding achievement!

03/27/2026

Congratulations to K9 Officer DeHaan on successfully completing his PATROL online certifications! Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence continue to make a difference in keeping our community safe. Well done—this is a great achievement!

03/24/2026

The 2026 D.A.R.E. Graduation was held today in the Northside Elementary School gymnasium. Four fifth-grade students were selected as essay winners and had the opportunity to read their essays aloud to their classmates. Each of these students was recognized with a medal and a duffle bag. All other graduates were presented with a certificate and a prize package in recognition of their completion of the program.

D.A.R.E. Officer and School Resource Officer Paula Wilson presided over the ceremony. She was joined by Chief Hodge, Sergeant Girard, Officer Marrs, Officer Reigstad, and K9 Officer DeHaan, who assisted with the presentations.

Students were treated to several demonstrations, including a taser and drone demonstration by Officer Marrs, as well as a Bola Wrap demonstration by Chief Hodge and Officer Reigstad. Officer DeHaan also provided a tour of the West Central SWAT armored vehicle.

The event concluded with a pizza party, allowing students to celebrate their accomplishment together.