C.O.P.P.S. Unit

A proactive policing approach was created in January 2016. Currently assigned to this unit are Officer Joe Vegel and Crime Prevention Technician Nicole Neis.

This unit was created in January 2016 when then-Police Chief Phil Johanson, Ret., and Captain Scott Nolan, Ret. identified the department’s need for a full-time officer to be assigned to the duties of Crime-Free Multi-Housing as well as a liaison officer for downtown businesses.   With over 50% of the property in the City of Anoka being rental property, this assignment was rather time-consuming.   Officer Paul Schley, the department's first COPPS Officer,  was joined by Crime Prevention Technician Nicole Neis and subsequently Officer Eric Groebner in 2017.   Since 2016, 5 officers have held the C.O.P.P.S. officer assignment. In 2025, Officer Joe Vegel was assigned to the COPPS unit.

COPPS OFFICERS

2016-2020: Officer Paul Schley

2017-2021: Officer Eric Groebner

2020- 2022: Officer Zach Robertson

2022- 2024: Officer Austin Ohren

2022-2025: Officer Shayle Dominguez

2025-Present: Officer Joe Vegel