Unexpected Delay in Selection of New Rochester Police Chief

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede had been hoping to select a new police chief by the end of the month. But the mayor found out Tuesday the background check of the three finalists is taking longer than expected.

Brede says the consultant hired to conduct the checks has told the city it will take another 2 - 3 weeks to complete the process.

Brede says once the report is submitted, it will be given to the city’s Police Civil Service Commission which will certify the eligible candidates. It will then be up to Brede to decide who the next chief will be.

The finalists are Mark Elliot (Police Chief of Prior Lake), James Franklin (a captain in the West Command Division of the Metropolitan Transit Police in Minneapolis) and Roy Alston, a lieutenant with the Dallas Police Department.

Current chief Roger Peterson will retire Wednesday. Brede has appointed RPD Capt. John Sherwin to serve as interim chief.

News update: He was one of Rochester’s greatest softball enthusiasts.

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