The Rochester Police Department has created a blueprint for re-envisioning the department.

• Blueprint for Re-Envisioning RPD [PDF]

The mission of the Rochester Police Department is to provide exceptional service and superior protection by reducing crime and enhancing the quality of life of the first class community we serve.

The Rochester Police Department will accomplish this through strategic collaboration along with a commitment to these core values:

• Integrity: We will conduct ourselves with the highest level of integrity which merits the trust of the people we serve. We will strive for honesty and transparency. Our actions will be consistent with our core values, code of ethics and the Constitution. We will maintain our commitment by having respect for the law in both our personal and professional lives.
• Respect: We will treat everyone with fairness and impartiality. We are committed to respecting individual rights, human dignity and the value of all members both in the community and within our department. We will cherish, defend and protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. By demonstrating respect for others we will earn respect.
• Service: We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service to safeguard lives and property, reduce crime and enhance public safety. We value proactive problem solving and enforcement in order to reduce crime and the fear of crime. We will engage with the community to build relationships and work together to resolve problems. We will be responsive to the needs of those we serve as we provide exceptional safety and security to our diverse community.
• Compassion: Compassionate service is essential to human relationships and indispensable to the foundation of a just and peaceful community. We will show concern and empathy for the victims of crime and treat violators of the law with fairness and dignity. We will exercise our law enforcement authority with diligence, empathy and compassion as entrusted to us by the community we serve. 
• Innovation: We recognize that improvement is a continuous process. We support creativity and proactively seek opportunities to improve our level of service. We encourage new and more effective ideas that support the fulfillment of our mission.

Community Services fosters relationships in the community to solve problems and reduce crime. Several units comprise Community Services: Community Action Team (CAT), Community Service Officers, School Resource Officers, Hospital Resource Officers and Intel/Crime Analysis.

Investigations follows up with and provides detailed examinations of crimes referred by Patrol. Investigators work closely with victims and prosecutors to bring criminals to justice. Units such as the Criminal Interdiction Unit and Technology Forensic Unit provide specialized investigative expertise.

Aaron Penning
Investigations Captain
apenning@rochestermn.gov

Patrol provides 24/7 support throughout Rochester and are the officers who respond to calls for everything from a hit and run to shots fired to a person in crisis.

Paul Gronholz
Patrol Captain
pgronholz@rochestermn.gov

Services makes sure the Department has the tools necessary to function optimally. Dispatch, Records/Evidence, Training and Fleet Maintenance are within Services.

Jon Turk
Services Captain
jturk@rochestermn.gov

Crime Scene Team

Crime Scene Team members are trained to identify, examine and collect physical evidence from crime scenes such as homicides, assaults and shootings.

Crisis Negotiation Unit

The Crisis Negotiation Unit is trained to resolve high risk incidents through verbal communication and de-escalation techniques. The unit is comprised of approximately 25 officers and deputies and serves both the City of Rochester and greater Olmsted County. The negotiators train together and with SWAT multiple times each year.

Drone Team

RPD acquired its first drone in 2017 and has continued to expand the drone program and team ever since. Drones are used when authorized by a search warrant, or in certain circumstances listed in Minnesota Statute. Comments and questions regarding the program may be directed to Capt. Jon Turk, jturk@rochestermn.gov, 507-328-2744.

Emergency Management Team

RPD’s Emergency Management Team works to develop comprehensive plans to prepare for, respond to and recover from a wide range of emergencies. In collaboration with community partners, the team coordinates public safety plans for various events. RPD’s Emergency Management Team supports the larger, City of Rochester Emergency Management Team.

Forensic Mapping Unit (FMU)

The Forensic Mapping Unit is a joint team of officers and deputies serving both the City of Rochester and greater Olmsted County. They utilize specialized equipment such as laser scanners to analyze accident scenes and support investigations.

K9 Unit

The K9 Unit includes eight canines and handlers. In 2024, the dogs were deployed nearly 400 times for narcotic, explosive, building and evidence searches. The dogs are also used to track and apprehend criminals.

Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver is a search and rescue program designed for individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. Approximately 20 RPD officers are trained in Project Lifesaver's radio frequency technology.

SWAT

The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) formed in 1983 and serves both the City of Rochester and greater Olmsted County.  The team is comprised of approximately 40 highly trained law enforcement officers from RPD and the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. Situations SWAT responds to include:

• Hostages Situations
• Barricaded Suspects
• High-Risk Warrants
• Active Shooters
• Riots

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead the women and men of the Rochester Police Department in the mission of providing you exceptional public safety service."

Jim Franklin was appointed chief of police on July 26, 2018 and is the City’s 19th chief law enforcement officer.

Chief Franklin is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, focused on a relational policing philosophy that values partnerships and collaborative problem solving. He has developed inroads with a variety of organizations, schools and faith communities of all backgrounds. This proactive approach cultivates stronger communities by increasing trust and engagement with community members.

The Rochester Police Department has earned a reputation for providing professional, dedicated service, and has demonstrated innovative policing practices that support the advancement of 21st century policing principles.   

Chief Franklin earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. He is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and Northwestern's School of Police Staff and Command. Chief Franklin has completed the Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security and the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS-session 80).  

The Rochester Police Department supports two commissions:

• Police Civil Service Commission: this commission shapes policies and procedures related to the selection, promotion, and discipline of police officers. They establish and manage criteria for hiring and testing entry-level officers, oversee promotions and testing processes, recommend the selection of the Police Chief, and handle disciplinary actions and termination cases. They also review position classifications, monitor the police department's operations, evaluate the performance of the Police Chief, engage in the legislative process, and adopt rules to support their mission.
• Police Policy Oversight Commission: this commission reviews and provides feedback on the policies, practices, and procedures of the police administration to ensure they comply with state and federal laws and meet community expectations. They can also review public complaints alleging misconduct or unlawful policies and make recommendations for policy changes or educational initiatives.