Police chief recommends staffing study and previews drone, volunteer and facilities plans

Police Chief Eric Werner told the Feb. 21 strategic planning session that Maple Grove is a growing city and the department must align officer staffing and facilities planning with projected population growth (the department noted a projected full population of about 90,000).

Werner recommended a professional staffing study to project future officer needs and to inform facility and budget planning. He described ongoing volunteer programs and said two officers volunteered to lead a new Chaplain program. On technology, Werner said staff are researching vendors for an additional drone; the newer drone in the fleet includes heat‑sensor technology and the department is weighing broader technology and AI integration while preserving necessary human review.

Werner also said the department’s current building lacks space for future staff, vehicles and equipment; a facilities study will be used to identify future needs and integrate them with other departments’ facilities planning.

Councilmembers asked about average response times and drone capabilities; Werner provided additional staffing and response‑time context and confirmed the drone was used in at least one pond‑recovery case.