Behind the badge: St. Joe’s Police works to connect with students

For more than two decades, Chief Dwight Pfannenstein has worn the badge of the St. Joseph Police Department. What began as a part-time position in 2002 turned into a full-time patrol role just a month later, eventually leading him to his current post as chief in 2018. Through years of change, growth, and community evolution, one goal has remained constant for Pfannenstein: keeping the peace and building understanding.

“Our main goal is peace, harmony, tranquility — finding balance between the students who are here ten months of the year and the residents who’ve lived here for twenty-plus,” Pfannenstein said. “Sometimes both sides forget that through communication and understanding, we can all get along a lot better.”

That balance defines the unique nature of policing in a college town. Every fall, thousands of students from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University arrive in Saint Joseph, filling coffee shops, renting off-campus homes, and adding energy to the community. With that comes the need for trust between young adults experiencing newfound independence and a department responsible for maintaining order and safety.

Pfannenstein describes his role as not only enforcing the law but helping bridge the cultural and generational gaps that naturally form in a community that blends long-term residents with a transient student population. “This might be a student’s first year living off campus,” he said. “They’re learning how to be on their own, while many residents have seen twenty groups of freshmen, juniors, and seniors come through. Sometimes both sides make assumptions — and that’s where education and communication help.”

One of the department’s most visible forms of collaboration happens every month. On the first Wednesday of each month, leaders from St. Joseph Police, Campus Security at both CSB and SJU, and the Stearns County Sheriff ’s Office gather with city officials and college representatives to discuss upcoming events and public safety priorities.

They talk about campus breaks, athletic schedules, homecoming weekends, and weather-related concerns.

“We don’t want to just react to things,” Pfannenstein explained. “If we know there’s going to be a busy weekend, like Halloween or Parent’s Weekend, we can plan staff accordingly. It’s not about writing tickets — it’s about making sure students and residents are safe and supported.”

The chief said this kind of forward planning helps prevent issues before they happen. For example, more officers may patrol the downtown area during major campus events or nights when students are celebrating. “It’s all about presence and visibility,” he said. “When officers are out there talking to people, it shows we’re part of the community, not separate from it.”

That focus on communication extends beyond event planning. Every fall, SJPD participates in off-campus housing meetings for students renting homes or apartments in St. Joseph. These sessions are meant to teach students about local ordinances, parking rules, and noise restrictions — before issues arise. The department has also launched an official Facebook page to share community alerts, safety reminders, and department updates.

Still, Pfannenstein recognizes that much of what police do happens out of public view. “If someone sees a cop sitting by a stop sign, they might assume they’re doing nothing,” he said. “But that officer could be on the phone with a domestic assault victim who can only talk safely at that moment. People don’t always see what’s happening behind the scenes.”

To help break down those misconceptions, the St. Joseph Police Department participates in the Metro Citizens Police Academy, a unique eight-week program were residents, including students, can experience police training firsthand. Participants practice mock traffic stops, learn about investigations, and hear from county attorneys.

“Every single class that graduates says, ‘Wow, I had no idea the level of stress officers deal with,’” Pfannenstein said. “It helps people see what policing really looks like — not just what you think from the outside.”

This year’s class, shared among several central Minnesota cities, didn’t include a single participant from St. Joseph — something the chief hopes will change. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “Even if just a few students sign up, it could make a big difference in how the next generation views law enforcement.”

On campus, collaboration takes another form. Jake Beton, a volunteer firefighter at St. John’s University, works closely with Campus Security and occasionally with local law enforcement during emergencies.

“We respond to fire alarms, medical calls, and safety drills — working together to make sure everyone stays safe,” Beton said. “Most of our calls involve students accidentally setting off alarms while cooking or dealing with medical issues like sprains, fevers or cuts.”

Beton and his team also focus heavily on prevention. “We try to stay visible and approachable,” he said. “During drills, we talk with students afterward and explain what went well. It helps students feel comfortable reaching out in the future.”

Fire safety remains a constant concern on the heavily wooded SJU campus. “A lot of issues come from overloaded outlets or unsafe electrical setups,” he explained. “It’s important for students to realize how fast a fire could spread here.”

Like Pfannenstein, Beton believes that awareness and communication are the foundation of safety.

“Always know your fastest exit and at least one alternative in every building,” Beton said. “If something seems unsafe, report it. It’s always better to be cautious and help prevent accidents.”

Pfannenstein echoed that message. “We’re stronger together than separate,” Pfannenstein said. “If people see or hear something unusual, we want them to call. Communication helps us put our resources where they’re needed most.”

He added that while serious crime is rare in St. Joseph, it’s important for students not to fall into a false sense of security.

“We’re just as susceptible to crime as anywhere else,” Pfannenstein said. “We may not see it as often, but students still need to walk in groups, stay in well-lit areas, and lock their doors.”

For both campus and city safety officers, building trust is a daily effort that depends on approachability, transparency, and understanding. What began years ago as reactive policing has evolved into a model of collaboration and shared responsibility.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Beton said. “When students, campus staff, and local police work together, we can keep our community strong.”

Pfannenstein agrees — and says that while the challenges of policing have changed, the heart of his mission has not.

“The more we talk to each other, the better off we’ll all be,” Pfannenstein said. “It’s about more than just enforcing laws — it’s about protecting a community we all call home.”