Owatonna Police Department

06/05/2026

🚔 Retirement Announcement – Chief Jeff Mundale

After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Owatonna community and 31 years with the Owatonna Police Department, Chief Jeff Mundale has announced his retirement effective September 18, 2026.

Chief Mundale began his career with OPD in 1995 as a Patrol Officer and rose through the ranks, serving in numerous leadership positions before being appointed Chief of Police in 2022. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety, professional excellence, and community engagement.

His leadership, integrity, and dedication have helped shape the Owatonna Police Department and leave a lasting impact on our officers, staff, and community.

Please join us in thanking Chief Mundale for his years of service and wishing him and his family the very best in retirement.

👏 Thank you, Chief Mundale, for your service to Owatonna.

05/01/2026

🚔 Public Safety Notice 🚔

The Owatonna Police Department is aware of a social media post claiming that a “maniac” with a gun and badge is at Owatonna Middle School.

This information is not accurate.

We are in communication with Owatonna Public Schools and our School Resource Officer. At this time, there is no threat to students or staff.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our school community remains our top priority.

We are also aware of a similar report elsewhere in the community, which is currently under investigation.

04/09/2026

🚔 Welcome to the Owatonna Police Department page 🚔

While we’ve had a presence on Facebook, we are now formally designating this as the official Owatonna Police Department page.

We are aware that other pages have been created using our name. To avoid confusion, please know this is the only official source for updates, information, and communication from our department.

Thank you to our community and the 1,000+ followers already here — we appreciate your support.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this page and inviting others to follow.

03/17/2026

🚔 Now Hiring: Police Officer Trainee – Owatonna Police Department 🚔

The City of Owatonna is excited to offer a Police Officer Trainee opportunity through the ICPOET Program — a unique pathway to start your law enforcement career with paid training and education.

As a Police Officer Trainee, you will be employed full-time (40 hours/week) while attending college coursework and hands-on training at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, MN for approximately 20 weeks.

What’s Included:

✔ Full-time paid position while training
✔ Tuition and course fees fully covered (per grant funding and program agreement)
✔ Structured law enforcement education and skill development
✔ Direct pathway into a sworn officer role

What Happens After Training:

Upon successful completion of the program and passing the POST licensing exam, you will be promoted to a probationary Patrol Officer with the Owatonna Police Department — beginning your career just like any newly sworn officer.

This is a rare opportunity to earn while you learn and step directly into a meaningful, long-term career serving your community.

📲 Learn more and apply here:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/owatonnamn/jobs/5249546/police-officer-trainee-icpoet-program?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

02/12/2026

❤️🚔 OWATONNA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Valentine’s Weekend Special 💘

Got an ex still running from their responsibilities?

We’ve got the perfect getaway package.

💝 Weekend Incentives Include:

• Complimentary stainless steel “bracelets”
• Chauffeured ride in our fully marked limo 🚓
• Private accommodations with reinforced, noise-resistant walls
• Three hot meals a day (no DoorDash required)
• 24/7 supervision so they’re never alone again

No flowers.
No chocolates.
Just accountability.

Know someone with a warrant?
Call 507-774-7200 📞

We’ll handle the hauling. 😎
Callers may remain anonymous.

Because in Owatonna…
Love is temporary.
Warrants are forever. 💌🚔

[Disclaimer: “Free extended stay” applies to qualifying individuals with confirmed active warrants during Valentine’s Weekend only. Length of stay will be determined by applicable statutes, court scheduling, judicial discretion, and standard booking procedures. Offer subject to detention space availability. No substitutions. No refunds. Additional conditions may apply. ⚖️]

02/12/2026

🚨 NOW HIRING: Police Officer – City of Owatonna 🚓

The City of Owatonna Police Department is currently accepting applications for a Full-Time Police Officer position.

💵 Pay: $36.52 – $47.49 per hour
📍 Location: Owatonna, MN
📅 Status: Continuous posting
👮 POST licensed or POST eligible required

Owatonna is a growing community of 25,000 residents located at the crossroads of I-35 and major U.S. highways — just about an hour south of the Twin Cities.

Why Join OPD?

Our department’s purpose is simple: Create a better tomorrow.

We operate under three core values:
✔ Better Together
✔ Community Stewardship
✔ Pride in Our Work

As an Officer, you will:
• Patrol and enforce local, state, and federal laws
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls
• Investigate incidents and prepare reports
• Build positive relationships within the community
• Support public safety through proactive engagement

Additional Opportunities:

🔥 SWAT Team
🐕 K9
🚲 E-Bike Patrol
🚁 Drone Operations
🎖 Honor Guard
🔫 Fi****ms / Use of Force Instructor
🩺 First Aid / CPR Instructor
…and more.

If you're committed to professionalism, integrity, and serving a community that values partnership and accountability, this is an opportunity to make an impact.

📲 Apply online here:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/owatonnamn/jobs/4873058/police-officer

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please share with anyone who may be interested in serving the Owatonna community.

02/01/2026

📌 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW — Owatonna

There’s been a lot of questions and concern around immigration enforcement in our community. The City of Owatonna and the Owatonna Police Department want residents to have clear, accurate information.

🚓 Owatonna Police Department (OPD):
• Will respond if you call for help
• Prioritizes public safety and constitutional rights
• Does NOT ask about immigration status
• Does NOT enforce civil immigration laws
• Does NOT arrest or detain someone based on immigration status

📞 If you need help:
• Emergency: Call 911
• Non-emergency / police report: 507-774-7200
• Or visit the Law Enforcement Center at 204 E. Pearl St.

🇺🇸 Important to know:
• Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, not local
• OPD does not have an agreement with ICE
• Federal agencies do not notify OPD of their operations
• OPD cannot interfere with federal officers, but will respond to harassment, violence, or property damage involving any law enforcement

🧘 Public Safety Advice:
Remain calm and peaceful.
Do not interfere with law enforcement activity.
If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of an officer or situation, call 911 and OPD will respond.

📚 Resources for questions or concerns are listed on the flyer.

Please take a moment to read and share so everyone has accurate information. Staying informed helps keep our community safe, respectful, and calm

01/22/2026

🚔 Keeping Owatonna Moving Safely

As we look back at our December 2025 statistics, traffic safety remains a top priority. Our officers were active on the roads last month with 398 traffic stops.

Did you know? In December, we issued nearly twice as many warnings (258) as citations (132). Our goal is education and safe streets for everyone!

Other December Stats at a Glance:

📍 3,365 Total Calls for Service
📍 71 Motor Vehicle Accidents
📍 159 Ordinance Violations
📍 53 Suspicious Activity Reports

Thank you for driving safely and looking out for one another. Check out the full breakdown in our monthly Crime Clock:
👉 https://www.owatonna.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12034/OPD-December-2025-Crime-Clock-PDF

01/12/2026

Standing ovation for Owatonna PD! 🚓👏 This week, we celebrated our officers' life-saving work and dedication to safety.

Highlights:

✅ Chief Jeff Mundale honored officers for DUI enforcement & detective work.
✅ Sgt. Valerie Satre received a Toward Zero Deaths award! 🏆
✅ Det. Travis Ardolf was commended for his service as he returns to patrol. 🛡️
✅ We said a heartfelt goodbye to K-9 Vegas with his final radio call. 🐕📻

📲 Full details here: https://owatonna.gov/CivicSend/ViewMessage/Message/279796

01/10/2026

The Owatonna Police Department is leveling up their technology! 🚓🆕 The new package includes:
🎥 Upgraded body-worn cameras
⚡ New Tasers
🤖 AI software to draft police reports
Note: The Chief emphasized that officers will still review all AI-generated reports to ensure accuracy. ✅📝

The Owatonna Police Department is set to upgrade its technology this year, in a move that city officials say will heighten officer safety and efficiency, as well as department transparency.