Local Video
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| Taylor named new police chief |
By: By SUZANNE ROOK
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Posted: Monday, April 21, 2008 8:35 pm
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NORTHFIELD - Mark Taylor, who joined this city's police department nine months ago, is set to become its next police chief.
Taylor's appointment was unanimously approved tonight by the city council. He was named over two other finalists, Lakeville Sgt. Andy Bohlen and Lee Edwards, a Minneapolis lieutenant who last weekend made headlines after being relieved of duty based on investigations into unspecified allegations of wrongdoing.
City Administrator Al Roder told the council tonight that each of the three finalists had unique talents and strengths. "We were fortunate to have had a strong applicant pool," he said, "but after careful evaluation, it was clear that Capt. Taylor is the best suited to serve Northfield in this vital leadership position."
Since former Chief of Police Gary Smith resigned last December, the city worked with Harry Brull of Personnel Decisions Inc. and Bob Shellum of Midwest Government Advisors to identify candidates with the qualifications and experience to lead Northfield¹s police force.
The search involved an extensive process of screenings, assessments and a public reception held March 27. Throughout the process, Taylor was consistently ranked as possessing the background, experience and skills to lead the department, Roder said.
A Mankato State University graduate, Taylor, 44, came to Northfield after more than 20 years as a McLeod County Sheriff¹s deputy. In 1999, he was appointed the department's chief deputy, second in command to the sheriff.
He left that department in 2006 after a losing bid to replace the county¹s
retiring sheriff.
One of two Northfield police captains, Taylor currently oversees the department¹s 15-officer patrol division.
As McLeod County's chief deputy, Taylor was responsible for all facets of the department including managing 70 full-time employees in civil process, patrol, records, jail, investigations, emergency services, communications (dispatch), and clerical staff. He managed an annual budget in excess of $3 million.
In Northfield, Taylor takes on a department of approximately 30 licensed and civilian employees, with an annual budget of $2.7 million.
"This is a very exciting opportunity for me, both personally and professionally," said Taylor. "The challenge we all share is to take a great community, and make it better. In my role as chief of police, I believe I can lead a talented department that has the skills and commitment to help the community grow in safe and healthy ways."
The job offer is conditional and based on the outcome of psychological and physical assessments. Both are standard for all law enforcement officers.
Roder said the results of those tests could be in his hands in two to three weeks. They may not be needed as Taylor underwent the same testing before he was hired by the city last year.
-Suzanne Rook can be reached at srook@northfieldnews.com or 645-1113.
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As President of the Mcleod County Chiefs of Police Association I want the community of Northfield to know they have selected a hard working, faithful and proven leader in selecting Mark Taylor as their Chief of Police. Good Job and Good Luck Mark!
Chief Robert Carlson
Lester Prairie Police Dept.