West Hennepin Public Safety

West Hennepin Public Safety A Police Department proudly serving the cities of Maple Plain and Independence, MN.

It’s hard to believe we are already talking about going back to school, but here we are. As the new school year begins f...
08/30/2026

It’s hard to believe we are already talking about going back to school, but here we are. As the new school year begins for many this week, we want to take a moment to remind everyone in our community about the importance of safety and awareness. With students returning to classrooms, buses running their routes, and families adjusting to new routines, this is a time when extra caution on our roads and in our neighborhoods matter most.

We all need to slow down, watch for increased pedestrian traffic, and be mindful of school zones and bus stops. Please remember that when a school bus turns on the red lights, all vehicles must come to a complete stop at least 20 feet from the bus. The stop arm does not have to be extended to require drivers to stop. Be patient and make sure we all do our part to keep the kids safe getting on and off the bus.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe. Let’s work together to make this school year a safe and successful one for all.

To the students heading back to school: have a great year! Enjoy the time with your friends and classmates and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. From all of us at West Hennepin Public Safety: Have a great school year!

**FREE Child Passenger Safety Seats Available!**West Hennepin Public Safety is offering a limited number of **free child...
08/27/2026

**FREE Child Passenger Safety Seats Available!**
West Hennepin Public Safety is offering a limited number of **free child passenger safety seats and booster seats** to qualifying families through the 2026 Car Seat and Booster Seat Grant Program.

Families who receive a seat will also receive child passenger safety education and guidance from a **Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)** to help ensure the seat is appropriate for the child and used correctly.

Eligibility is based on financial need, and seats will be provided **at no cost** to qualifying caregivers.

**Interested in receiving a seat?**
Scan the QR code in the graphic or complete the registration form here:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/7JLwQn3qat

Seats are limited, and completing the registration form does not guarantee that a seat will be available. Eligible families will be contacted by West Hennepin Public Safety with next steps.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with families who may benefit from this program.

You can learn more about our Car Seat Safety program at: https://westhennepin.com/car-seat-inspection

***UPDATE 6:45pm***Highway 12 is back open as crews remain on scene continuing utility work. Please use caution while dr...
08/20/2026

***UPDATE 6:45pm***
Highway 12 is back open as crews remain on scene continuing utility work. Please use caution while driving through the area. Residents who had been evacuated can return to their residences. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

**URGENT**

Please avoid the area of Highway 12 between Halgren Road and Budd Avenue in Maple Plain. The road is closed and traffic is being rerouted due to a gas leak.

***Crash has been cleared and road is reopened***Due to a crash, County Road 11 between Lake Sarah Road and County Road ...
08/13/2026

***Crash has been cleared and road is reopened***
Due to a crash, County Road 11 between Lake Sarah Road and County Road 92 in Independence will be temporarily closed to traffic. Please use alternative routes.

Congratulations to Officer Avery Freeman on Becoming a Certified Drug Recognition Evaluator!West Hennepin Public Safety ...
08/10/2026

Congratulations to Officer Avery Freeman on Becoming a Certified Drug Recognition Evaluator!

West Hennepin Public Safety is proud to congratulate Officer Avery Freeman on successfully completing the rigorous Minnesota Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) Program and earning his certification as a Drug Recognition Evaluator.

The DRE program is one of the most advanced impaired driving training programs available to law enforcement. Officers receive extensive classroom instruction, practical exercises, and hands-on evaluations before completing a demanding certification phase. The training prepares officers to recognize and identify impairment caused by a wide variety of drugs, including situations where alcohol is not the primary impairing substance.

Drug-impaired driving continues to be a growing challenge on our roadways. With Officer Freeman's certification, West Hennepin Public Safety now has three certified Drug Recognition Evaluators, providing our agency and surrounding communities with additional expertise in investigating drug-impaired driving.

We are proud of Officer Freeman's commitment to professional development and the dedication he has shown in achieving this significant accomplishment. His hard work and specialized training will help make our roads safer for everyone.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Avery Freeman on this outstanding achievement!

Please join us in welcoming two new officers to the West Hennepin Public Safety Department!Full-Time Officer Travis Wint...
08/07/2026

Please join us in welcoming two new officers to the West Hennepin Public Safety Department!

Full-Time Officer Travis Winter joins WHPS after serving more than 20 years as a deputy sheriff in outstate Minnesota. Part-Time Officer Jared Gray comes to us from a nearby suburban law enforcement agency and brings nearly 10 years of experience.

Officers Winter and Gray were officially sworn in by Chief Matt DuRose on August 3, 2026. Over the next several months, both officers will complete WHPS’s field training program as they become familiar with our department and the communities of Maple Plain and Independence.

We are excited to have Officer Winter and Officer Gray join our team. When you see them out in the community, please take a moment to introduce yourself and welcome them to WHPS!

Thank you, Maple Plain and Independence, for another successful Night to Unite!We were blessed with perfect weather and ...
08/06/2026

Thank you, Maple Plain and Independence, for another successful Night to Unite!

We were blessed with perfect weather and an even better evening spent visiting neighborhoods, connecting with residents, and seeing firsthand the strength of our communities. Night to Unite is always a special reminder that public safety is built through relationships, trust, and neighbors coming together.

A special thank you to all of the neighborhood hosts who opened their yards, driveways, and gathering spaces to bring people together. Your efforts make this event possible, and your leadership helps build the kind of connected neighborhoods that keep our communities strong and safe.

We also want to thank our city leaders from City of Maple Plain and City of Independence Minnesota, along with our public safety partners from West Suburban Fire District and North Memorial EMS, for joining us throughout the evening.

Most importantly, thank you to our wonderful community members who came out, shared conversations, welcomed us into your neighborhoods, and took time to connect with one another.

We are grateful to serve such supportive and engaged communities. Thank you for making Night to Unite a great success!

Unfortunately, several mailboxes were damaged overnight, primarily on the north side of Highway 12 in Independence. If y...
08/05/2026

Unfortunately, several mailboxes were damaged overnight, primarily on the north side of Highway 12 in Independence.

If your mailbox was damaged, please contact our office at 763-479-0500 so we can document the incident and collect your information.

If you have any information about who may be responsible, we encourage you to come forward. Anonymous tips are welcome. Your information could help us identify those responsible and prevent additional damage.

Be on the lookout for bike riders tomorrow! The Tour de Tonka is back and will be happening in the west metro area. You’...
07/31/2026

Be on the lookout for bike riders tomorrow! The Tour de Tonka is back and will be happening in the west metro area. You’ll see 1000’s of bicyclists enjoying the route and all the wonderful scenery the Lakes area has to offer. The ride begins at 7:00am in Minnetonka and we should start to see riders coming through the Independence area on County Roads 6 and 92 by 8:00am. If you’re traveling any part of the route, please slow down and watch for riders. Let’s share the road with everyone and make sure it is a safe and fun event for all. Expect some delays as we work to get riders through intersections and on their way as safely as possible.

More information about the event can be found at https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/district/mcec/events/tour-de-tonka.

07/27/2026

Please click on and read the City's important news release below.

Address

1918 County Road 90
Maple Plain, MN
55359

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 3pm

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