Rybak, City Council Approve New Chief Harteau

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to confirm the nomination of Janeé Harteau on Friday morning. She joined the Minneapolis Police Department as an officer in 1987, and has worked her way up to assistance chief.

Mayor R.T. Rybak says Harteau's experience can increase the safety of Minneapolis citizens.

"She knows that Minneapolis needs someone who can build on our success in making our city dramatically safer while moving our work even farther upstream, with even greater openness and transparency," Rybak said. "Chief Harteau is a strong, inspiring leader who knows how to bring out the best in everyone. I am confident she will lead a very good department into being a great one."

Harteau, who is of French Canadian and Native American descent, is the first woman to lead the Minneapolis Police Department. Council Member Don Samuels, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Health Committee, says her nomination speaks volumes about Minneapolis.

"I am proud that we have created a culture where an ethical, creative, community-oriented woman of color who is a change maker can rise to be the chief of our police department," Samuels said.

Outgoing Chief Tim Dolan's retirement is effective on Friday. Harteau will be sworn in on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at City Hall.