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West Hennepin Public Safety reports steady calls, fraud trend and a full youth "Cops and Robbers" event
Summary
Director Matthew DuRose told the Independence City Council May calls for service are on par with 2025, highlighted four DWIs on Highway 12 and a trend of internet‑based scams, and noted the July 8 "Cops and Robbers" fishing event filled quickly with a waiting list.
At the June 16 Independence City Council meeting, Director Matthew DuRose of West Hennepin Public Safety presented the department’s May 2026 activity report and promoted an upcoming community event.
DuRose told council members that calls for service year‑to‑date are comparable to the same period in 2025. He said staff are working through a backlog of burn permits and that a large Eastern Metro agency’s change to its background‑check process produced an uptick in administrative requests. He also reported four DWIs recorded in May, all along Highway 12, and said recent speed enforcement produced dozens of traffic stops.
DuRose warned council members of a trend of large fraud and internet‑based scams affecting city residents and encouraged awareness. He also described a community outreach effort: the "Cops and Robbers" fishing event scheduled for July 8. Registration opened Tuesday and, DuRose said, "filled to the tentative maximum of 15 children within the weekend," producing a waiting list of four; the department is exploring securing additional boats to expand participation. The event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation and Iron Exchange has committed to providing lunch; each participating child will receive a fishing rod, reel and tackle box.
No council action was required on the report; it was presented for information and community outreach planning.
Provenance: Presentation recorded at SEG 027–029.
