Police

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.

Jennifer Hodgman
Community Services Captain
jhodgman@rochestermn.gov

Investigations follow up with and provide 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

In Minnesota, you need a permit to purchase or transfer a firearm.  

Applying for a firearm permit in Olmsted County is easy and free. Submit your application by mail or in-person.  

Apply via mail:

1. Fill out the Minnesota Uniform Application/Receipt Permit to Purchase/Transfer Form.

2. Mail the form along with a copy of your ID to the address below:

   Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center 101 4th Street SE Rochester, MN 55904

The Sheriff’s Office will conduct required background checks, and upon approval, your Minnesota permit to purchase/transfer will be issued.

Apply in person:

1. Complete the Minnesota Uniform Application/Receipt Permit to Purchase/Transfer Form.

2. Drop off the form, along with a copy of your ID, at the drop box in front of the Adult Detention Center entrance (Government Center's door marked with a large B1).

   Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center 101 4th St. SE Rochester, MN 55904

The Sheriff’s Office will conduct required background checks, and upon approval, your Minnesota permit to purchase/transfer will be issued.

The Rochester Police Department accepts U-Visa applications from law firms and individuals who may qualify for a U-Visa as a crime victim under federal guidelines.  All U-Visa applications that meet the mandatory federal requirements will be reviewed by department personnel. 

In order to be reviewed, the following items must be included in the packet:

1. The I-918 supplement B form must be filled out completely, truthfully, and accurately.  
2. Police reports must be included in the application.
3. A cover letter requesting a review of the application and certification must be included.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be returned to the sender.

Complete U-Visa applications may be mailed to:

Rochester Police Department
Police Administration
C/O Sarah Clayton – Administrative Services Manager
4001 West River Pkwy NW
Rochester, MN 55901