Police Civil Service Commission

Must be a resident of Rochester.

The Police Civil Service Commission serves in an important advisory capacity and participates in the recommendation of key public safety decisions to the City Council and requires experience in a leadership role within a business or another key board or commission with similar responsibility and accountability.

Apply to volunteer online.  

Meeting agendas, minutes and videos are available on the Boards & Commissions page

One regular meeting is required annually. Special meetings to be held as needed.

  • Ability to review testing procedures for various positions to determine if they are appropriately rigorous
  • Ability to participate when asked on an objective and impartial interview panel.
  • Ability to review and analyze confidential background information that is collected on applicants, including medical and psychological information, to determine those candidates who best represent potential employees with the ability to succeed.
  • Knowledge to review the city plan to add diversity to the public safety workforce.
  • Ability to make difficult and controversial decisions.
  • Ability to review when required, serious disciplinary action taken by the Police Chief to determine if it is appropriate and justified.
  • Ability to listen and analyze dissenting opinions and articulately express personal and group inquiries, thoughts, and decisions. 

The mission of the Rochester Police Civil Service Commission is to have citizens serve the community by determining policy to direct and guide the:

  • Establishment and management of criteria and testing for the selection of entry-level Police Officers.
  • Review and testing for Police Officer promotions.
  • Establishment and management of the criteria and process, and to make recommendations for the selection of the Police Chief.
  • Determination of disciplinary or termination action with cause.
  • Process and response, when requested, for appeal of removal from certification list, disciplinary action, or termination.
  • Review position classifications and, as appropriate, initiate legislative changes through the Rochester Common Council or provide recommendations as to position classifications or reclassifications.
  • Monitoring and review of Rochester Police Department operations to ensure and evaluate appropriate and valid content and process for the examination, selection, discipline, and/or termination of classified police positions.
  • Review of available information concerning the performance of the Police Chief to determine whether the selection process for that office is appropriate and should be maintained in its present form.
  • Engagement of the legislative process to best serve the community in the areas of law enforcement selection and services.
  • Adoption of rules to facilitate the Commission's mission.  

The Police Civil Service Commission will consist of three members appointed by the Mayor.

April Zimmer
(507) 328-2991
azimmer@rochestermn.gov

Upcoming Meetings

  • No upcoming events.

Contact Us

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

View Contact Information by Department

Connect with City Services

Whether you have a question, need to report a concern or aren’t sure which department to contact, 311 connects you with the right team quickly and efficiently.