Prior Lake police chief not chosen for Rochester job

Prior Lake American

Prior Lake Police Chief Mark Elliott is staying in town, for now.

Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede announced on Tuesday that Minneapolis Metropolitan Transit Police Captain Jim Franklin was chosen to be the next Rochester police chief, according a news release from the mayor.

Elliott was named one of the three finalists for the position at the end of March after a months-long national recruitment process. In April, the search was delayed due to the length of background checks and then in early June, a candidate was disqualified after not disclosing he had been reprimanded at a previous position.

“During the process we had three excellent finalists for this position,” Brede said.

Elliott said Brede made the decision he thought would be best for Rochester and what the city needs at the moment.

Franklin’s appointment will be effective starting July 26.