Leading the Minneapolis Police Department is among the most significant executive leadership opportunities in American policing. The City of Minneapolis seeks an accomplished law enforcement executive to lead one of the nation’s most recognized police departments while helping shape the future of public safety in a vibrant, diverse, and progressive community.
The City of Minneapolis operates under an Executive Mayor–Legislative Council form of government and serves approximately 425,000 residents across 59 square miles. With approximately 4,300 employees and an annual operating budget exceeding $2 billion, the City delivers comprehensive municipal services. The Minneapolis Police Department is a division of the Office of Community Safety, and the Chief serves as a senior executive reporting to the Commissioner of Community Safety.
The Minneapolis Police Department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in Minnesota, operating with an annual budget of $229 million and an authorized workforce of 969 employees, including 731 sworn positions. The Department provides comprehensive police services through five geographic precincts and is committed to strengthening public confidence, advancing constitutional policing, investing in employee development, improving performance, and continuing implementation of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settlement Agreement and the City’s commitment to the proposed federal consent decree.
Reporting to the Commissioner of Community Safety, the Chief leads all department operations while collaborating with City leadership, the Office of Community Safety, employees, community stakeholders, and local, state, and federal public safety partners to strengthen public safety, organizational performance, and build lasting public trust.
The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational leadership and law enforcement expertise. They will have a demonstrated record of leading organizational change, managing complex operations, strengthening constitutional policing, and building collaborative partnerships across City government and the community. The successful candidate will develop high-performing employees, strengthen organizational culture, promote accountability and continuous improvement, and lead with integrity, sound judgment, humility, resilience, emotional intelligence, and political acumen.
The City of Minneapolis offers a highly competitive executive compensation package with an annual salary range of $289,941 to $340,938, together with a comprehensive executive benefits package.
Candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a résumé, cover letter, and professional references to apply@publicsectorsearch.com. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Initial review of applications is anticipated on August 31, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.
Confidential inquiries regarding the position and recruitment process should be directed to:
Ronald J. Walsh Jr.
Senior Consultant
Chief of Police (Ret.)
Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc.
ron@publicsectorsearch.com
(516) 672-5031 cell
(916) 789-9990 office
www.publicsectorsearch.com
