The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of citizen volunteers who are trained in emergency preparedness for large-scale disaster incidents that may impact our community.

A group of highly trained clergy and lay people from Eden Prairie make up the members of the Police Chaplain program.

The group routinely assists police officers and firefighters in situations involving trauma and tragedy.

Chaplains take turns wearing a paging device and being "on call." Chaplains are also required to ride along with police officers several times a year to deepen their understanding of police work.

The Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund sponsors the Chaplain program.

The Edina/Eden Prairie Police Law Enforcement Explorers program provides training for young adults, ages 14–20, on the mission of law enforcement.

Explorers gain working knowledge of the law enforcement field through hands-on experience. Weekly meeting and training sessions cover a wide range of police procedures and include leadership opportunities and community service activities.

Meetings

The Edina/Eden Prairie Explorer Post meets weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Metro Training Center, 7525 Braemar Blvd.

Program Highlights

Nationally, more than 33,000 young people and 8,425 adult volunteers participate in Explorer programs.

Program highlights include:

• The National Law Enforcement Exploring Leadership Academies
• Ride-alongs
• Career achievement awards
• National Law Enforcement Exploring Conferences
• Scholarship opportunities

State Conference

Every spring the Edina/Eden Prairie Explorer Post travels to Rochester to compete in a state conference. The post also travels to the national conference, which is held every other year in a different location.

Who Can Apply

The Edina/Eden Prairie Explorer Post Number 925 is open to young men and women ages 14–20 (who have completed 8th grade), with an interest in learning more about careers in law enforcement. 

Applicants must have good personal habits and moral character. Applicants must also submit to a criminal background check. Explorers are required to follow rules set by the group, attend meetings and participate in regular activities.

How to Apply

Submit the Edina/Eden Prairie Police Explorer Application online.

More Information

Contact one of the following Eden Prairie Explorer Advisors to learn more:

• Officer Brandon Wenande
• Officer Anthony Behl
• Officer Karleigh Johnson

The Eden Prairie Police Reserves is an auxiliary unit of the Police Department.

Police Reserve officers assist sworn officers by performing community service tasks and non-criminal police functions. Reserves also assist in natural disasters and other emergencies that require additional personnel. Eden Prairie Police Reserves are volunteers and do not carry firearms.

Reserve officers are required to attend specialized training and become CPR/First Aid-certified. Reserves must work at least one weekend evening per month, attend monthly training meetings, carry a pager and respond when available to emergency calls.

Applications for the Police Reserves are accepted on an ongoing basis. Applicants must be:

• At least 18 years old
• A high school graduate
• Possess a valid Minnesota driver's license and have a good driving record
• Be an Eden Prairie resident or live within 10 miles of the City
• Legal to work in the United States
• Able to pass the City's evaluation of a criminal history check
• In good physical condition

To apply for a Police Reserve position:

1. Review the Police Reserve Position Profile [PDF]
2. Complete the Police Reserve Application [PDF]
3. Complete the Civilian Observer (ride-along) packet [PDF]
4. Mail the completed documents to the Eden Prairie Police Department, 8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator

For more information please contact the Police Department.