7 Shocking Facts And Major Updates On The Crystal Police Department MN You Need To Know

The Crystal Police Department (CPD) in Minnesota is currently undergoing a period of significant transformation and modernization, marked by new leadership, a state-of-the-art facility, and a renewed commitment to community-based policing. As of today, December 17, 2025, the department is led by a recently sworn-in Chief and is actively highlighting its progress in reducing crime and enhancing public trust through its 2024 Annual Report. This in-depth look provides the most current information, shedding light on the department's structure, recent challenges, and its strategic vision for serving the city of Crystal, Minnesota. The CPD, which serves the community within Hennepin County, is a critical entity in maintaining public safety and quality of life. The recent changes reflect a forward-thinking approach to modern law enforcement, focusing on both technological and relational improvements. Understanding these updates is essential for residents and anyone interested in the future of policing in the Twin Cities metro area.

The New Face of Leadership and Key Personnel Profiles

The Crystal Police Department has seen a significant shift in its top command, bringing in leaders with decades of experience to guide the agency. This new leadership team is responsible for implementing the department's strategic goals, including its strong focus on community engagement and operational efficiency.

• Chief Brian Hubbard: Sworn in as the new Police Chief, Hubbard began his career in law enforcement 21 years ago. His promotion marks a new era for the department, focusing on showcasing progress in crime reduction.
• Deputy Chief Pete Underthun: Deputy Chief Underthun also recently took the oath of office, stepping into a key administrative role. He serves as the department's Public Information Officer and is instrumental in the Administration Division.
• Sergeant Justin Tourville: Sergeant Tourville was appointed as the new Community Engagement Officer, a position specifically created to enhance the department's outreach efforts.
• Lieutenant Derrick Hacker: Lt. Hacker oversees the General Investigations, Juvenile Investigations, and the DARE/School Resource Officer (SRO) programs.
• Officer Romo: Highlighted in the 2024 annual report, Officer Romo is a symbol of the department's resilience, having successfully fought and won her battle against stage 3 breast cancer.

This structure, which includes a Deputy Chief, Records Unit, and a Community Liaison/Evidence role within the Administration Division, ensures all operational and administrative functions are covered.

The Multi-Million Dollar Police Facility Upgrade and Modernization

One of the most tangible signs of the CPD's modernization is the construction of a new police facility, a major project designed to improve functionality and consolidate essential services. This new building is a significant investment by the City of Crystal to ensure law enforcement has the resources and space to operate effectively for decades to come. The City of Crystal undertook a major police building project, constructing a new facility on the current municipal campus located at 4141 Douglas Dr. N. While the project began with a goal of completion by the summer of 2022, the finished facility represents a massive upgrade over the department's previous space.

Key Features of the New Crystal Police Station

The new two-floor, efficient facility was designed with modern policing needs in mind, providing new workspaces and significant operational improvements:

• Underground Parking Garage: A massive 25,000 square foot underground parking garage provides secure storage for squad cars, equipment, and sensitive vehicles.
• Consolidation of Services: The new station was designed to bring the jail and the armory back under one roof, improving logistical flow and officer safety.
• New Workspaces: The design incorporates modern workspaces and locker facilities for all police personnel, enhancing morale and operational readiness.

This new structure is not just a building; it is a foundation for the future of law enforcement in Crystal, providing officers with the tools and environment necessary to serve the community efficiently.

High-Profile Incidents, Community Outreach, and Crime Trends

The Crystal Police Department's work spans from routine patrol and traffic enforcement to complex investigations and deep-rooted community partnerships. The 2024 Annual Report proudly showcases progress in reducing crime and improving the overall quality of life for residents.

Recent Incidents and Challenges

Law enforcement is not without its challenges, and the CPD has been involved in several high-profile matters recently, demonstrating the complexity of police work in a modern suburban environment:

• Officer Misconduct Case: A Crystal police officer with over two decades of experience faced multiple charges for allegedly illegally accessing his ex-girlfriend's private data, highlighting the department's commitment to accountability when misconduct occurs.
• Group Home Fraud Investigation: The department worked with the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit on an investigation into fraud and neglect at three group homes within Crystal.
• Car Chase and Gun Recovery: Officers were recently involved in a high-speed car chase that resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of two handguns, underscoring the dangers faced by patrol officers.
• Public Safety Warnings: The CPD has issued warnings to the public, such as a recent alert regarding a "dangerous dog" involved in multiple bite incidents in the city.

Community-Focused Policing Initiatives

In direct contrast to enforcement activities, the CPD places a high value on proactive community outreach and crime prevention. This approach is central to their mission and is led by the Community Engagement Officer.

• Municipal Advisory Council (MAC): The MAC is an engaged group of volunteers who advise the Crystal Police Department, fostering a direct line of communication between residents and law enforcement.
• Crime Free Multi-Housing: The department works closely with the community through programs like Crime Free Multi-Housing to address crime issues in rental properties.
• Volunteer Programs: A range of volunteer programs link the police with residents, creating a joint community-police partnership model that has been studied for its effectiveness in the region.

Current Crime Overview

The department is transparent with its crime data, offering online crime reporting systems and reports. Over a recent five-year period (2019-2024), the City of Crystal recorded 817 violent crimes, making crime statistics a continuous area of focus for the new leadership. The department's overall performance, as measured by organizations like the Police Scorecard, gives the Crystal Police Department a 73% rating, indicating a strong performance in various metrics compared to other agencies. The commitment to publishing an annual report and providing detailed reports and statistics shows the CPD's dedication to transparency and public accountability.

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