A detailed study of Prior Lake’s police department shows a need for increased staffing for both sworn officers and support staff.

At the city council’s work session on Tuesday, Feb. 25, members of the council and Police Chief Liam Duggan were presented with information from a thorough study of the department’s staffing and operations.

This study by the consulting firm Berry Dunn was approved in late 2023 and conducted in 2024. Michele Weinzetl of Berry Dunn was on hand to walk the council through analysis of these key data points:

• Staffing levels for patrol, investigation and all other positions
• Response time, patrol zone layouts and response efficiency
• Comparison of Prior Lake to other police departments, and to industry best practices

Overall recommendations include an additional six sworn officers to ensure proper coverage of needed adjustments to the patrol schedule, and more non-sworn employees to help with other facets of police work administration.

One aspect of the study showed the effect of leave time on scheduling and overtime. Unlike other cities in comparison, the Prior Lake PD has more calls for service in late hours. There’s a steadier pattern and need for sufficient coverage 24/7.

The growth of the Prior Lake population, the makeup of housing (single/multi-family), are also factors when projecting staffing needs. The details were shown in this study. A summary of the study can be found here.

Mayor Kirt Briggs said following the presentation that he is “very proud” of the partnership that exists between the council and Duggan, PLPD and the entire community.

Duggan echoed that sentiment. Open communication and a willingness to maintain and improve the department’s work to keep residents safe is a top priority, he said, and he says he has the support of the council and Prior Lake residents.

Staff recognitions

During the council’s meeting, PLPD recognized its officer and support services person of the year.

Duggan said the nominations are a search for the “most excellent human [and] bringing that skillset to the team.”

In presenting the award for officer of the year, Duggan commended the recipient, Sgt. Jake Lannon, as someone who has “unwavering ethic, consistently positive, inspirational and passionate.”

Lannon creates an environment where people feel supported and valued, he said, whether on night patrol with officers or in the office creating training curriculum. Lannon has served both as a field training officer and a sergeant.

The Support Services Person of the Year award was presented to Diana Schuetz. Schuetz, a police records specialist, has been in the department for 17 years, and was commended as a team member who “goes the extra mile to make her coworkers feel special.”

Public hearing on drones

The council will host a public hearing on the city’s police drone policy on March 11 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing or submit written comments prior to the meeting to city clerk Heidi Simon’s office via email at hsimon@priorlakemn.gov or mailed to 4646 Dakota St. SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372, ATTN: City Clerk.