Christmas Day at the Blaine Police Department: A Holiday Poem That Reflects the Real Work of Public Safety

Today is Christmas Day, and while homes across Blaine are filled with quiet mornings, family gatherings, and winter traditions, the work of public safety continues without pause inside the Blaine Police Department.

In the spirit of the holiday, the department shared a seasonal poem, a festive reimagining of Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 classic A Visit from St. Nicholas. Though written with warmth and lighthearted rhythm, the poem offers an accurate portrait of how a modern municipal police department functions on a day when many others are off duty.

Leadership and Command Staff

The poem’s reflection on “guiding the mission with purpose and watchful eye” speaks to the department’s command staff, whose responsibilities continue today as they do throughout the year. Typically composed of the Chief of Police, captains, and lieutenants, this leadership team oversees departmental policy, budgeting, staffing, and compliance with Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements. Their work ensures that operations remain steady and accountable, even on holidays.

Patrol Operations on Christmas Day

As families wake to Christmas morning, patrol officers remain on duty across the city. Patrol is the backbone of the department, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Officers respond to emergency calls, conduct traffic enforcement, and often serve as first responders at medical emergencies until EMS arrives. In a growing city of more than 70,000 residents, patrol officers are frequently the first point of contact when residents need help, including today.

Investigations, Evidence, and Records

Inside the station, investigative and support functions continue their work. Detectives remain focused on active cases, particularly complex crimes that require careful follow-up, interviews, and forensic review. Evidence staff ensure that every item collected is logged and preserved according to strict chain of custody standards, a critical safeguard for the integrity of the justice process. Records personnel maintain reports, manage requests, and ensure accuracy in documentation, providing continuity and transparency across the department.

Victim Services Support

Christmas Day can be especially difficult for individuals experiencing trauma or loss. The department’s victim services specialist continues to provide support, advocacy, and resource coordination for survivors of crime. This role, often filled by a trained advocate or social worker, helps ensure that victims feel seen, informed, and supported during some of their most challenging moments.

Specialized Units and Community Engagement

The department’s K9 teams remain ready today, trained for suspect tracking, narcotics detection, and officer protection. Their presence enhances both operational effectiveness and safety. Community outreach efforts, while quieter on the holiday itself, reflect year-round work grounded in community oriented policing principles. Through youth engagement, neighborhood events, and public safety education, the department builds trust long before a crisis occurs.

Policing a Regional Destination

Blaine’s role as a regional hub, home to venues like the National Sports Center, adds complexity to policing responsibilities. Managing large crowds and high traffic events is part of the department’s routine mission, alongside residential patrol and emergency response, regardless of the calendar.

As snow blankets the city on Christmas Day, the poem shared by the department captures a simple truth. Public safety does not take a holiday. While many residents enjoy time with loved ones, officers and staff remain on duty, committed to service, preparedness, and community care.

In that sense, the message behind the poem is not just seasonal. It is a reminder that policing is defined by consistency, professionalism, and showing up every day, including today.

Merry Christmas from the Blaine Police Department.

MinneapoliMedia