Police officers do a lot more than catch criminals.

The Alexandria Police Department is a vital part of our community and its commitment to make the city safer, connected and engaged should never be overlooked. Yet a lot of residents don’t realize all of the services — big and small — the men and women behind the badges provide.

Alexandria Police Chief Scott Kent gave his annual report last week to the city council. It was a thorough and illuminating report that delved into a variety of issues – narcotics that were taken off the streets, crime trends, de-escalating use-of-force incidents, the SWAT team’s role, field training and more.

School resource officers. They help create a safe and supporting learning environment for students and staff. By being present on campus, officers help deter criminal activity in our schools, address safety concerns, and respond quickly to emergencies. The officers also act as mentors, educators and positive role models for students. Last year, 725 school related calls for service were completed. The calls addressed mental health, juvenile trouble, threats, fights, thefts, medicals, driving complaints, crashes, child protection and more.

Community outreach. Officers participated in numerous events throughout the community. “Safety Day,” for example, provides awareness and guidance to all fifth-grade students throughout the county. An officer led the effort to have some of the eighth-grade students speak with the fifth-graders, talking about school safety and what it’s like to attend Discovery Middle School. “Badges and Bobbers” continued its partnership with the “Let’s Go Fishing” program. Officers spend a day out on the water interacting with all age groups. There’s also “Shop with a Cop.” In December, police officers and Douglas County sheriff’s deputies went Christmas shopping at Walmart, providing holiday gifts for children in need. Officers also organized and participated in the annual “Polar Plunge,” raising more than $1.2 million for Special Olympics Minnesota in its 18-year history. They also came up with the idea of having the “Cool School Plunge” at Discovery Middle School, which has raised $30,000 for the sixth year in a row. Another event the APD and sheriff’s office team up on is the “Senior Expo,” which informs seniors on how to avoid scams and how to report them.

Community service officers. The team includes one full-time and two seasonal part-time employees. The summer interns handle a variety of non-emergency calls – motorist assist, animal complaints, minor accidents in parking lots, evening door checks, park patrols and business checks.

Drug disposal box. Located in the lobby of the police department, the box is a way for the community to drop off prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, pet medicines, vitamins and supplements. Last year, more than 1,460 pounds of medications were collected and safely disposed of at Pope Douglas Solid Waste. There is no cost to the public.

Community Night Out. The APD and city officials join forces in a celebration at City Park against crimes and drugs.Several entities participate – street and park departments, municipal liquor stores, Runestone Community Center, ALP Utilities, North Ambulance Life Link III and Someplace Safe. The goal is to build stronger community partnerships.

Citizens Police Academy. This is an eight-week program designed to introduce local residents and business owners to the structure and daily operations of the police department. Trainees get to experience firearms training, traffic interdiction, SWAT, drug awareness and more.

Run Hide Fight. The police department started the program four years ago. Officers teach people what to do in case of an active assailant situation. They’ve presented the program at Alexandria Area High School and at local businesses. Last year, the program was brought to Voyager Elementary School at the request of the principal and superintendent.

Those are just some of the ways that police officers are making a positive impact in our community. The next time you see a police officer out and about in the city, thank them for all they do and for their many contributions in making Alexandria a better place to live.