5 Ways The Faribault MN Police Department Is Redefining Community Policing In 2025
The Faribault Police Department (FPD) is currently making significant strides in modernizing its approach to law enforcement and community engagement, moving beyond traditional policing models to focus heavily on proactive crime prevention and youth outreach. As of December 17, 2025, the department, led by Chief John Sherwin, continues to roll out innovative programs designed to build trust and address underlying social issues, ensuring that the city of Faribault, Minnesota, remains a safe and vibrant place to live and work.
This commitment to community-oriented service is evident in the department’s recent initiatives, which include unique youth engagement strategies and progressive deflection programs. By prioritizing strong community-police relations, the FPD aims to prevent crime before it happens, setting a high standard for municipal law enforcement in Rice County.
Chief John Sherwin: Biography and Department Profile
The Faribault Police Department operates as a full-service law enforcement agency serving the city of Faribault, Minnesota. The department is a key component of public safety within Rice County.
- Agency Name: Faribault Police Department (FPD)
- Location: Faribault, Minnesota (Rice County)
- Address: 25 4th Street NW, Faribault, MN, 55021
- Chief of Police: John Sherwin
- Appointment Date: March 2022
- Sworn Officers: Approximately 35 sworn officers
- Experience: Chief Sherwin brought 26 years of experience to the role upon his appointment.
- Jurisdiction: City of Faribault, often collaborating with the Rice County Sheriff's Office.
- Focus: Proactive community policing, crime prevention, and innovative deflection programs.
Chief John Sherwin has been a driving force behind the department's shift toward community-based solutions since taking the helm. His leadership emphasizes transparency, ethical standards, and a dedication to meeting the highest standards of professional law enforcement. Under his direction, the FPD has secured significant funding, including a substantial Police State Aid amount for 2025, to support its mission.
Innovative Programs Driving Faribault's Public Safety
The FPD has gained attention for several unique programs that exemplify its commitment to proactive community engagement, particularly with the city’s youth and those struggling with addiction. These initiatives represent the department’s modern philosophy of crime prevention.
1. Launch of "Operation BUSted" for Youth Engagement
A major initiative launched in late 2025 is "Operation BUSted." This program is a creative effort to increase youth involvement and build positive relationships between officers and students.
- Goal: To engage students in a non-enforcement setting.
- Method: Faribault Police officers visit various school bus stops throughout the city.
- Impact: By being present at bus stops, officers can interact with kids and teens in a casual, supportive environment, fostering trust and reducing potential issues before they escalate.
This approach moves the police presence from purely reactive incident response to proactive community support, which is a cornerstone of effective 21st-century policing.
2. The Police Assisted Recovery and Deflection/Diversion (PARD) Program
Recognizing that many police calls involve mental health or substance abuse crises, the FPD has adopted the PARD Program.
- Focus: Deflection and diversion from the criminal justice system.
- Function: Instead of arresting individuals for minor offenses related to addiction or mental health, officers connect them directly with treatment and recovery services.
- Benefit: The PARD Program is crucial for improving community-police relations and dedicating resources to long-term solutions rather than short-term incarceration. This progressive model is a key element of the department's overall strategy.
Fostering Future Law Enforcement Leaders and Engagement
The Faribault Police Department understands that the future of public safety relies on cultivating interest and positive relationships with the next generation. Two key programs focus specifically on youth development and mentorship.
3. "Ballin' in the 'Bault" Youth Opportunity
Targeting middle and high school students, "Ballin' in the 'Bault" is a youth engagement opportunity designed to connect officers with kids in a recreational setting.
- Target Audience: Students in grades 6-12.
- Activity: The program provides a safe, structured environment for sports and interaction.
- Outcome: It helps to break down barriers, allowing students to see officers as mentors and community partners, not just figures of authority.
4. Faribault Police Explorers Program
The Faribault Police Explorers is a long-running, vital program aimed at students interested in a career in law enforcement.
- Purpose: To educate and involve students in police work and community service.
- Activities: Explorers receive training in various aspects of policing, participate in ride-alongs, and assist the department with community events.
- Result: It serves as a direct pipeline for future officers and promotes strong civic involvement among young adults in Faribault.
Recent Operational Highlights and Departmental Structure
Beyond its community programs, the FPD maintains a robust operational structure to handle daily law enforcement needs, including investigations, arrests, and managing daily police activity. The department is continually working to ensure the safety of the Faribault community.
5. Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration
The FPD is dedicated to transparency, regularly publishing Daily Police Activity logs and Media Releases. These documents provide the public with timely information regarding recent arrests, incidents, and ongoing investigations, such as commercial burglaries or other major events.
Furthermore, the department works closely with regional agencies, including the Rice County Sheriff’s Office and multi-jurisdictional task forces. This collaboration is essential for tackling larger issues, such as the major drug seizures reported in the region in 2024, demonstrating a coordinated effort to combat serious crime that affects all of Minnesota.
The department also highlights the dedication of its personnel, including families who serve together, like the three brothers who are currently serving as Faribault police officers, underscoring a deep-rooted commitment to the city.
The Faribault Police Department’s focus on community policing, innovative diversion programs like PARD, and engaging youth initiatives such as "Operation BUSted" and "Ballin' in the 'Bault" positions it as a leader in modern municipal law enforcement. Through the strategic vision of Chief John Sherwin, the FPD is actively working to enhance public safety, build lasting community trust, and ensure a better quality of life for all residents in Faribault, MN.
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