 While for the next three years, the Bemidji Police Department plans to build a stronger relationship with community members, training its officers and continuing to work on reducing crime throughout the city of Bemidji. It's just a small part of the Police Department's new strategic plan, which is based on the pillars of policing. The plan is made up of four goals, beginning with increasing the department's transparency, protecting the dignity and human rights of all people, utilizing problem-oriented policing strategies and enhancing emergency response capabilities. Police Chief Mike Mastin says that while these are all things they've done in the past, having a strategic plan is good for everyone. I think it helps keep more transparency with the public. You can see what our initiatives are, what we're doing and maybe how the public can help us. Last year, the Bemidji Police Department responded to 27,000 calls for both criminal and non-criminal incidents. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.