La Crescent Police Department

06/06/2026

☀️ Summer means sun, fun, and watching out for each other.
🌖 CURFEW REMINDER
Parents & community, please take note of our youth curfew rules.

05/28/2026

⭐️ Full-time Peace Officer Job Opportunity:

The City of La Crescent is now accepting applications for a full-time Peace Officer (Patrol Officer) position, offering a chance to make a positive impact in the community.

To learn more and apply, visit https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/employment-opportunities/ or contact the City of La Crescent at 507.895.4414. The application deadline is Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 4:00 P.M.

Ideal candidates will possess a valid full-time P.O.S.T license or be eligible for licensure, be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States, have EMR training or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and pass a thorough background investigation, physical medical exam, and psychological evaluations.

As a Patrol Officer, you will be part of the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) team. The 2026 starting wage is $29.65 per hour, with opportunities for growth through a 72-month, six-step increase program, reaching up to $38.60 per hour. Additional benefits include a shift differential, current medical certification incentives, uniform allowance, paid holidays, medical insurance contributions, accrued vacation and sick leave, and the ability to bank compensatory time.

05/25/2026

“I’ve spoken to a lot of service-members, and they all agreed. One of the simplest ways we can honor our fallen brothers and sisters, is to live the kind of life they died to protect.”
~ La Crescent Police Officer Kaleb Peterson (Active Sergeant in the MN Army National Guard)

A Memorial Day presentation was held at Veteran’s Park following the annual parade, featuring the La Crescent High School band.

In memory of many, in memory of all. Thank you to the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price to protect our nation. 🇺🇸

05/18/2026

Don’t trust caller ID, here’s why:

La Crescent PD learned of a Bank Impersonation and Caller ID Spoofing Scam. Please share with elders who may not see Facebook.

Scammers use technology to fake the incoming phone number so it appears exactly as your legitimate bank.
They rely on fear and urgency to trick you into transferring your own money.

How the Scam Works

Caller ID Spoofing:
Scammers use software to falsify the number displaying on your phone, making it match the customer service number on the back of your debit card.

Prior Knowledge:
The caller often has some basic information—like your name, address, or recent account activity—making them sound completely legitimate.

In a recent case in La Crescent the scammers confirmed the last few numbers of the victim’s bank account number!

The Trap:
The scammer states your account has been compromised by fraudulent transactions. To "cancel" the fraud or secure your funds, they instruct you to perform a specific action via Apple Pay or a digital wallet.

The Payout:
They might tell you to "send money to yourself" or read them a verification code. In reality, they are having you fund an Apple Cash card or digital wallet that they control, immediately draining the funds.

Red Flag - Banks never initiate Apple Pay transactions.
A legitimate bank will never ask you to use an app, a digital wallet (like Apple Pay), or a wire transfer to verify your identity or reverse a fraudulent charge.

Requests for verification codes:
If an automated prompt or a live caller asks you to read back a one-time passcode, they are trying to access your account.

How to Protect Yourself:
Never trust Caller ID alone.
Always assume an unsolicited banking call could be spoofed.

Hang up immediately:
If you receive a high-pressure call about fraud, do not provide any information.
Call your bank directly:
Hang up, wait a few minutes, and call the official number on the back of your bank card or the bank's official website.

Verify within your app:
Instead of believing a caller, open your bank's secure mobile app to check your actual transaction history.

05/14/2026

⚠️ Road Closure Monday May 18: *South Chestnut Street*
As part of the gas pipeline installation along the pike (14/16/61 westbound); Northern Pipeline has hit a 3-foot thick section of old highway or structure on South Chestnut, just south of the highway overpass.
They cannot bore through the concrete and need to jack hammer the concrete to complete a portion of the gas line install.
The structure is on the edge of the black top, and will require a road closure to safely remove the obstruction. The closure will begin Monday morning and is anticipated to be an overnight closure on Monday; it may be open pending removal and back fill.

05/12/2026

Honoring those who serve their communities.

Thank you for the treats from local Girl Scouts, and B First Industrial!

04/30/2026

🚨 New School Bus Safety Law in Minnesota – Starts Now 🚨 MN Statute 169.444
Beginning April 2026, Minnesota has updated its school bus stop law to make things clearer and safer.
👉 What’s changed?
Drivers must now stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus whenever the red lights are flashing.
❗ This applies even if the stop arm is NOT extended.
🛑 Flashing red lights = STOP. No exceptions.
💲 Violating this law comes with a minimum $500 fine, and more importantly, it puts children at serious risk.
👮 Our officers will be actively enforcing this law to protect students getting on and off school buses.
Please slow down, stay alert, and remember: If you see red lights flashing on a school bus STOP.

Let’s all do our part to keep our kids safe.

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-new-school-bus-safety-law-flashing-red-lights/

04/29/2026

**Update** Interstate 90 shut down eastbound diversion to the Crescent expected to last approx.3 hours per MnStatePatrol/MnDOT. Traffic control at the lights has been managed. Lights are flashing red until further notice
!!!TRAFFIC ALERT – EXPECT SIGNIFICANT DELAYS!!!
A traffic crash on Interstate 90 is currently impacting eastbound traffic heading into Wisconsin. All eastbound vehicles are being diverted into La Crescent, causing heavy congestion throughout the city.
La Crescent Police Officers and MNDOT crews are actively working the stoplights to help move and control the increased traffic as efficiently as possible.
Please expect delays, use caution, and be patient as we work to keep everyone safe.
Thank you for your understanding.

04/17/2026

🚨 Weather Alert for La Crescent Community 🚨
The National Weather Service has placed our area under a Tornado Watch, and there have been confirmed tornado touchdowns and sightings outside of Rochester.
Please take this seriously and make plans to seek shelter immediately.
If you are at home, work, or out in the community:
• Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor
• Stay away from windows
• Have a phone, flashlight, and weather radio if possible
• Keep an eye on updated alerts from the National Weather US National Weather Service La Crosse Wisconsin

Send a message to learn more

04/17/2026

**LCPD Public Notice: Please Leash Your Pets 🐕🚶‍♂️
…and remember to pick up after them.
The La Crescent Police Department has received reports of dogs being allowed off‑leash throughout the community, especially in and around local parks, including Old Hickory Park. We want to remind all pet owners that dogs must be leashed when on city sidewalks, streets, trails, parks, and other public green spaces.
Even if your dog is well‑trained or friendly, keeping them on a leash helps protect your pet, other people, and other animals. Leashes prevent unexpected situations and keep our shared spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.
La Crescent does offer a designated off‑leash area for dogs:
La Crescent Dog Park – 160 South 3rd Street
Located just south of the Houston County Recycling Site.
This is the best place in the city to let your dog run freely and socialize in a safe, appropriate environment.
👉 If you experience a concerning encounter with an off‑leash dog within the City of La Crescent, please contact LCPD right away at 507‑895‑4414.
An officer may be able to respond, identify the owner, and follow up as needed.
Thank you for helping keep our neighborhoods, parks, and trails safe, clean, and welcoming for all. 🐾
Please leash your pets and be a responsible owner.

– Chief Luke Ahlschlager
La Crescent Police Department 🚔