Edina Police Department Reaches Highest Number of Sworn Officers in History

Strategic Insights -

The City of Edina, Minnesota has announced that the Edina Police Department has reached its highest number of sworn officers in its history, thanks to the recent hiring of five new officers. The newest recruits come from various backgrounds, including lateral hires from other law enforcement agencies, the Cadet program, and a state grant program. This milestone is a testament to the department's commitment to hiring officers with high integrity, a strong desire to provide excellent customer service, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Edina Police Department has reached its highest number of sworn officers in its history, with five new officers joining the force.
  • The new recruits come from various backgrounds, including:

+ Megan Gerhard, a former State Trooper with eight years of experience, holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice and is working towards her bachelor's degree.

+ Henry Huynh, a Minnesota Army National Guard member, completed his law enforcement education at Hennepin Technical College and transitioned into a career in law enforcement through the Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and Training program (ICPOET).

+ Mary Pelkola, a former analytics consultant, holds a bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics and pursued a law enforcement certificate from Hennepin Technical College.

+ Charles Regan, who holds an associate degree from Normandale Community College, began work as a Police Cadet in 2023 and has since joined the Edina Police Department.

+ Kaitlyn Timm, who earned a bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, worked as a Correctional Officer and Police Cadet before joining the Edina Police Department.

  • The department's commitment to hiring officers with high integrity, a strong desire to provide excellent customer service, and a genuine concern for the community's welfare is a key factor in its success.
  • Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn emphasized the importance of building relationships with community members and enhancing trust.

Statistics:

  • The Edina Police Department has a total of [number] sworn officers.
  • 5 new officers were recently hired, bringing the total number of officers to [number].
  • The new recruits have a combined [number] years of experience in law enforcement.
  • The department has [number] Cadet program participants who are currently undergoing training.
  • Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn stated that the public's expectations are high and the demands on law enforcement are great, but this provides an opportunity for the department to be creative, adaptive, and build on relationships with the community.

Sources:

  • Edina City Hall News Release, July 23, 2025.