Willmar Police Chief Jim Felt, left, and Kandiyohi County Sheriff Eric Holien pose for a photo outside of the Kandiyohi County Law Enforcement Center in Willmar in January 2019. The police and sheriff’s departments work closely together to respond to the Willmar and area communities’ needs. Photos by Erica Dischino West Central Tribune
Conforming to changing standards
Kandiyohi County, Willmar law enforcement institute community-first policing BY MARK WASSON West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — Law enforcement around the country has gone through many changes over the last five years and Kandiyohi County is no different. Throughout a particularly turbulent time, both the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office and the Willmar Police Department have sought to engage the public and address their needs while also conforming to changing standards that flow down from laws and mandates enacted by the legislative and executive branches. “I think that, right now, policing is in flux a bit. There is a fair amount of confusion in the messages that seem to trend nationally about police,” Willmar Police Chief Jim Felt wrote in an email. “Some
want less police presence and interaction. Some want more. “Legislatures struggle with things like potential legalization of controlled substances and enforcement of specific crimes. Courts and legislatures are making constant changes to offenses and sentencing that affect what and how things get enforced. Police are reactive on not only what the public does, wants and needs, but also what our lawmakers decide,” Felt wrote.
Policing strategies respond to public’s wants and needs When asked about his views on policing. Felt often speaks about Robert
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Peel, a 19th-century former British prime minister who is considered the father of modern policing. Peelian principles dictate a policing-by-consent, professional law enforcement agency that relies on new technology and well-trained officers who gain the trust of the public. This is why Felt’s department has made many technological upgrades such as the addition of body-worn cameras and drones as investigative tools. Department-owned smartphones are issued to all officers. The department has updated to lighter body armor that offers more protection and replaced some squad cars with hybrid Ford Police Interceptor SUVs. Officers have received increased
