The Department of Public Safety uses a variety of specialized patrol methods to ensure the safety of our parks.
ATV – Much like bicycle patrol, staff can patrol remote areas on ATVs.
Bicycle – Officers patrol many areas within the parks on bike so as to better interact with guests and to access remote areas not available by patrol car.
Boat Patrol – Public Safety staff patrol three Park District-owned islands on Lake Minnetonka and periodically are called upon to help the Hennepin Water Patrol as needed.
Cross-Country Ski – A favorite patrol technique by many officers is cross country skiing. Staff access very remote areas of the parks on skis and provide first aid or enforcement as the situation warrants.
Foot Patrol – Staff also patrol on foot. Often, officers will exit their patrol vehicle to walk among the campers at one of several campgrounds in the system. There are many ways to patrol the parklands and Public Safety staff are eager to incorporate these alternative tactics.
Mounted Patrol – Formed in 1980, Three Rivers Park District Mounted Patrol is the oldest mounted law enforcement unit in Minnesota. Specially trained officers perform routine patrol duties on horse and provide a visible presence at public events.
Snowmobile – During the winter, staff patrol area snowmobile trails and check licenses on those who like to ice fish. Staff also patrols the Minnetonka Islands by snowmobile as well.
T3 – This vehicle is battery powered and costs less than 10 cents a day to operate, has a range of 25 miles and reaches speeds of 20 mph. Trail staff ride these three-wheeled scooters on paved trails throughout the Park District.
