Richfield’s Public Safety Department consists of four main divisions:  Police, Emergency Services, Inspections and Support Services.

The Police division is responsible for ensuring the safety of the community by enforcing criminal and traffic laws.  The Division consists of 44 sworn officers, including two canine handlers and their two canines that are trained in general criminal apprehension and narcotics detection.  A School Liaison Officer works with the high school and another School Liaison Officer works with the middle school in Richfield to help ensure the safety of students and staff.  Every year, Crime Prevention staff coordinate neighborhood National Night Out block parties, Citizen Police Academy, and Police and Fire Safety Day for fourth graders.

The Emergency Services Division is responsible for developing an emergency preparedness plan for natural disasters, plane crashes, explosions, acts of terrorism, pandemic flu, and other potential threats to the health and safety of Richfield citizens.  To assist with this effort, the Division has trained Police Reserves and Police Explorer Scouts who also assist in police-related activities and several civic events.

The Inspections Division is responsible for providing inspection services to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare by enforcing the requirements of the Richfield City Code (e.g., Point of Sale inspections, rental licensing) and the Minnesota State Building Code.  The Division issues around 4,000 permits and performs around 6,500 inspections annually.

The Support Services Division is responsible for performing four major functions for the City in the areas of environmental health code enforcement, animal control, business licensing, and providing health services to the community.