Knowledge Base

"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).