Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester has a new police chief.  

Mayor Ardell Brede has announced his appointment of Jim Franklin as the new chief.  The appointment becomes effective July 26.

He will be the second chief to come from Minneapolis. Pat Farrell served as chief from 1986 - 1998.

Franklin is currently employed as a Captain with the Minneapolis Metropolitan Transit Police. He was one of two finalists for the position that was left open after the retirement of long-time chief Roger Peterson. The other finalist was Prior Lake Police Chief Mark Elliot.

“I am extremely honored to be invited to lead such an amazing professional organization. I am impressed with the character and the level of commitment and compassion that every member of this agency has for the community and will continue to build upon that solid foundation,” said Franklin.

The process of hiring a new police chief was delayed after an unexpected turn in May when a background check revealed one of the three finalists, Dallas Texas Police Major Roy Alston, had failed to disclose he had been the subject of a disciplinary action at a previous job. The Rochester Police Civil Service Commission then voted to drop him from the list of finalists. Alson later made a personal pitch to the commission to overturn its decision but was unsuccessful.

Brede said, “During the process we had three excellent finalists for this position.  Captain Franklin currently leads a very diverse division within the Metropolitan Transit Police Department and serves as Deputy Director of Emergency Management for that organization. We welcome Captain Franklin as the next police chief for the City of Rochester.  As a Minnesota native, he understands the culture as he brings vast experience to the Department.”

Prior to his captain role, Franklin served five years as a Lieutenant for the Administrative Division/Homeland Security with Metropolitan Transit and he has eight years of experience working as a patrol officer/detective with the Plymouth Police Department.  His educational background includes a Master’s Degree in public administration and a Law Enforcement Degree from Metropolitan State University. Franklin also currently serves as an adjunct instructor for Rutgers University.

A date for his swearing-in ceremony will be announced at a later date.

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