Minneapolis Officials Named Police Chief Finalists
The city has selected four veteran officers as finalists to fill the permanent police chief vacancy.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Live Poll
Should city officials prioritize hiring local police department veterans as police chiefs?
Minneapolis city officials have identified four finalists to serve as the new permanent police chief. The candidates were selected from a pool of 19 applicants after being vetted by a California-based search firm.
Why it matters
The search for a new chief follows the May 2026 resignation of Brian O'Hara, who stepped down amid findings that he interfered in a sexual misconduct investigation. Securing permanent leadership is a critical step for the department as it moves past that transition.
All four finalists have served at least 30 years with the Minneapolis Police Department. The process remains ongoing, with a mayoral nomination expected later this month followed by a City Council confirmation vote.
The players
Bill Peterson
He is the current interim chief of the Minneapolis Police Department who initially stated he would not seek the permanent role.
Jacob Frey
He is the Mayor of Minneapolis who is responsible for nominating a candidate for the police chief position.
Brian O'Hara
He is the former police chief who resigned in May 2026 following an investigation into his conduct.
Public Sector Search & Consulting
This California-based firm was hired to lead the recruitment process for the city police chief opening.
The details
The finalists are Bill Peterson, Mark Klukow, Charlie Adams, and Jon Kingsbury. Public Sector Search & Consulting recruited the candidates and forwarded their names to the city for consideration.
Timeline
Brian O'Hara resigned as police chief in May 2026.
Bill Peterson became interim chief in June 2026.
Peterson decided to apply for the chief role in September 2026.
The city identified the four finalists in October 2026.
Legal Context
The search for a successor follows the 2026 resignation of Brian O'Hara, marking a pivot toward stabilizing department leadership. This recruitment represents a high-profile effort to restore administrative continuity after a leadership exit triggered by internal misconduct allegations.
The appointment of a new permanent chief is a central factor in the department's future policy direction and community oversight standards. Residents can expect the City Council to hold public confirmation proceedings to vet the eventual nominee.
The takeaway
The selection process highlights a preference for internal candidates who possess three decades of experience within the local department. This strategy appears aimed at ensuring continuity during a period of transition for the city's leadership.
What happens next
Mayor Jacob Frey is expected to announce his official nominee later in October 2026, which will be followed by a City Council confirmation vote.
Further reading
For more information on departmental leadership, visit the Minneapolis Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
Live Poll
Should city officials prioritize hiring local police department veterans as police chiefs?
