MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Mayor Jacob Frey Selects Interim Chief Bill Peterson to Lead Minneapolis Police Department Permanently

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has selected interim Police Chief Bill Peterson, a 30-year department veteran, as his choice to lead the Minneapolis Police Department permanently.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 10, 2026).

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced Friday that he has selected interim Police Chief Bill Peterson to become the city's permanent police chief, placing a longtime department veteran at the center of Minneapolis' continuing efforts to strengthen public safety and improve police accountability.

Peterson has spent approximately three decades with the Minneapolis Police Department and previously led the department's First Precinct, which covers downtown Minneapolis.

His selection follows a search process that drew approximately 20 applicants before the field was narrowed to four finalists, according to local reporting.

The decision comes at an important moment for the department, which continues to face significant responsibilities involving violent-crime prevention, community relationships, officer supervision and implementation of police reforms.

Minneapolis has spent years confronting questions about the relationship between police and the communities they serve. The department's leadership is therefore consequential not only for officers and city administrators, but also for residents who expect effective emergency response, fair enforcement and meaningful accountability.

Peterson's experience within the department gives him familiarity with its operations and institutional history. At the same time, selecting an internal candidate places particular attention on how the department will address longstanding concerns while building on existing reforms.

The mayor's announcement identifies Peterson as his permanent choice for the position. Any remaining appointment or confirmation requirements should be distinguished from the selection itself.

For residents, the most important measure of the department's next chapter will be how its leadership approaches public safety, transparency, community engagement and the obligations established through police reform processes.

MinneapoliMedia will follow the appointment process and Peterson's plans for the department.

❤️ SUPPORT MINNEAPOLIMEDIA

STAY CONNECTED TO MINNEAPOLIMEDIA

Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.

SUBSCRIBE FREE: https://minneapolimedia.town.news/subscribe

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life