Rochester names three finalists for police chief

Three finalists are being considered for Rochester's next police chief.

• Roy Alston, PhD, a lieutenant with the City of Dallas, serving as the Investigations Unit and Community Engagement Unit Commander of the Northeast Patrol Division
• Mark Elliot, Police Chief of the City of Prior Lake
• James Franklin, Captain over the West Command Division of the Metropolitan Transit Police in Minneapolis

Finalists were named Thursday following a months-long national recruitment process with Springsted Waters Executive Recruitment. The process included in-person meetings with department employees, along with the Police Oversight Commission and other community stakeholders.

The remaining candidates are set to speak at a community forum on Wednesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Mayo Civic Center (Suites 102 and 103 on the main level). The event is open to the public.

Longtime Police Chief Roger Peterson announced late last year that he would be retiring from his post this April. The responsibility to choose his successor will ultimately be left up to Mayor Ardell Brede.