The Edina Police Department experienced an “unexpected” security breach during the city’s Fourth of July parade, according to an internal email from Edina Deputy Chief of Police Aaron White.
“We had a bit of a security breach at the PD. Likely with good intention some folks granted access to the PD and City Hall and that got out of hand really quickly as parade goers sought shelter,” the internal email obtained by Alpha News reads.
In the email, which was sent to department personnel, White expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated in the Independence Day events and acknowledged the unexpected challenges faced during the parade.
According to the email, a thunderstorm rolled down 50th Street in Edina moments before the parade was set to begin, drenching officers, reserves, and explorers tasked with managing the crowds and traffic.
The downpour also led to a security breach at the police department when some individuals, presumably seeking shelter from the rain, were mistakenly granted access to a secure area of the police department.
White commended the team for their quick reaction and management of the situation. He assured staff that an investigation would be conducted, utilizing key card access records and video footage, to understand how the breach occurred. Steps will then be taken to prevent a recurrence, including education for any external staff members who may have been involved.
To address any potential concerns, White urged all staff members to thoroughly check their work areas and ensure there were no missing items or damage. He emphasized the importance of accounting for all weapons and police equipment and urged immediate reporting to supervisors and himself if anything was discovered missing or if concerns arose.
“The unexpected guests at the PD were managed very quickly but nonetheless unescorted individuals were inside the building for a short time,” the email reads. “Please check your work areas and make sure that there are no concerns.”
The email concluded with White expressing his appreciation for the staff’s efforts during the parade and their dedication to community engagement.
In an emailed statement, the police department confirmed that an “Edina employee inadvertently let members of the public into a secure area of the Police Department adjacent to the parade route.”
“Those members of the public were quickly contained and moved into the public area of Edina City Hall. The City continues to review the situation to make improvements to prevent something similar from happening in the future,” the statement said.
A law enforcement source explained that federal rules prohibit the public from accessing areas where police records are kept. These secure areas can include equipment, active case files, and possibly even evidence. Typically, anyone with access to these areas must undergo a background check, the source said.
Hayley Feland
Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
