Rybak to nominate Asst. Police Chief Janeé Harteau for top job - KMSP-TV

On Monday, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced that he plans to nominate Assistant Chief Janeé Harteau to serve as the city's next chief of police chief.

"I am pleased to announce without hesitation that I will nominate Assistant Chief Janeé Harteau to serve as Minneapolis' next chief of police," Rybak said. "For many years, I have seen Janeé Harteau make our city safer, including during some of our toughest crises. She has succeeded at every step: on the street, at the downtown command and in our top administration."

If confirmed by the Minneapolis City Council, Harteau will be the first woman to lead the Minneapolis Police Department.

City Council President Barb Johnson echoed support for Harteau's nomination, saying, "The fact that Janeé Harteau has been key part of Chief Tim Dolan's strong management team is reassuring and a strong sign that she will build on his success in making Minneapolis significantly safer."

Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan announced his retirement earlier this month, though he will remain in his post throughout 2012. Rybak will formally nominate her before that retirement takes effect.

Rybak said he wanted to make the announcement prior to the formal nomination to give Harteau time to meet with and listen to key players so she can develop and set her leadership priorities.

City Councilman Don Samuels, who is the chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Health Committee said her nomination is an achievement for the city and said Harteau "represents the best' of the Minneapolis Police Department.

"She has risen through the ranks through her integrity and great ability, and she demonstrates our city's commitment to obliterate all glass ceilings for exceptional people of color and women," he said.

Harteau, who is of French Canadian and Native American descent, joined the police department in 1987. She was worked in north, south and downtown Minneapolis, and has served in many units, including narcotics, organized crime and license investigation.

"I've grown up in this department, and I am humbled by Mayor Rybak's confidence in me to be the next police chief," Harteau said. "It is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to lead such a talented and dedicated group of men and women."

Between 2006 and 2009, Harteau served as the 1st-precinct inspector, and worked to create public and private partnerships leading to the Downtown SafeZone Collaborative and Downtown Courtwatch program, both of which received national attention, winning the 2009 Community Policing award. She also created a Somali liaison officer position.

Harteau's community service includes a current position on the boards of YouthLink, a nonprofit that helps homeless youth, among others.

I have the utmost respect for Chief Dolan and am grateful for his mentorship of me and his leadership of our department, which is the foundation that I will build upon. Until then, I am eager to continue serving under Chief Dolan and my focus will remain the same: improving public safety and public trust."

Harteau is also an instructor at St. Mary's University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in police science and a master's degree in public safety administration, and at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command.