History | City of Albert Lea

Albert Lea Police Department History

May 15, 1878 The City Council appointed Ed D. Patrick as the Cities first police officer. D.K. Stacey & T.L. Torgeson were appointed as night policemen the same day.
June 18, 1878 Ed Patrick was appointed Chief of Police and his salary was set at $50/month. The patrolmen were paid $45/month.
Chief was appointed to one year term. Police officer was not a highly sought after position and turnover was frequent.
May 13, 1879 Reuben Williams appointed as Chief.
Albert Lea Police Department c.1920
Duties of Pound master imposed on police dept.
December 16, 1879 Police force reduced to two men: Chief and a night watchman.
January 16, 1880 additional watchman added. Pay reduced to $25/mo for watchman due to a demotion in duties and salaries.
May 14, 1880 Ed Patrick appointed Chief.
May 21, 1880 salaries changed to $45/mo for Chief and $35/mo for night watchman.
June 21, 1880 Police force reduced to Chief and one watchman
August 3, 1880 additional watchman added because of increased duties. New duties included taking care of Engine House. Keep it clean for council meetings and under no circumstances allow tramps or prisoners inside.
April 3, 1883 City Ordinance enacted that spelled out duties of officers and night watchman.
May 13, 1884 H.S. Grandy named Chief
August 19, 1884 Police ordered to keep sidewalk clean of boxes, barrels, etc.
May 19, 1881 W.C. Mitchell appointed Chief
March 17, 1885 Chief must enforce oil ordinance
May 10, 1886 Frank Merchant appointed Chief
August 31, 1886 Committee appointed to investigate misconduct charges against Merchant.
Merchant reappointed in 1887 & 1888.
May 15, 1888 & June 5, 1888 council vote of confidence on Chief Merchant.
November 22, 1888 Charge of Malfeasance brought against Merchant.
December 18, 1888 $10,000 lawsuit brought against Merchant & the City. No further mention of Merchant.
April 22, 1889 W.B Carey named Chief.
May 24, 1892 Police given duty to inspect sidewalks.
1895 Chief required to wear uniform.
1895 Police given duty to keep order at council meetings.
1899 Watchman’s clock purchased for use by night watchman.
November 6, 1899 Albert Lea Special Policeman Judson H. Randall is killed in the line of duty.
1902 Police headquarters moved to City Hall.
1903 Asst. Chief of Police position created.
1903 Police Chief appointed Fire Marshal.
1913 4th patrolman authorized.
Albert Lea Police Department c.1950’s
1919* Petition received from County Club of Women requesting the hiring of a female policewoman. City hired female welfare worker at $150/mo. Miss Flavin is believed to be the City’s first female officer.
1919 Police to turn off window displays.
1921 First Motorcycle patrolman. Pay split between City & County, $125/mo.
1924 First police automobile purchase for $995 from Midway Motor Co.
Ted Lifeson appointed Chief
Ole Anderson appointed Chief
May 1, 1956 Charles Heilman appointed Chief.
February 1, 1972 Richard Alstad appointed Chief.
1976 Moved into Law Enforcement Center at 411 S. Broadway Ave. with Sheriff’s Office.
1978 Clarence Ayers appointed Chief.
1995 Thomas Menning appointed Chief
2004 Police Department was moved into new Freeborn County Government Center at 411 S. Broadway Ave.
2005 Dwaine Winkels appointed Chief of Police, Assistant Chief position disbanded, Community Policing implemented.
2012 Dwaine Winkels appointed Director of Public Safety
2013 Deputy Director of Police position created
2014 J.D. Carlson appointed Deputy Director of Police.
2018 J.D. Carlson appointed Director of Public Safety

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