By Jack Hammett jhammett@swpub.com May 7, 2019
St. Paul Police Department Cmdr. Steven Frazer will be Prior Lake’s new police chief, the city announced Tuesday.
Frazer will oversee a department of several dozen employees and a budget of about $4.6 million, according to a news release from the city. City Manager Michael Plante made the decision after two finalists held interview panels with community stakeholders and police department staff.
“I am humbled to have been selected as the Prior Lake Chief of Police,” Frazer said in a written statement. “I cannot wait to make Prior Lake my home and place of work. “
Frazer has more than 27 years of police experience in various roles. He moved from serving as a peace officer in Roseville to serving as commander in St. Paul in 2006. He also served as chief deputy of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office managing day-to-day operations.
Frazer said he plans to hear out stakeholders, including elected officials and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
“I want to get an idea of (the community’s) overall vision and view and kind of their report card: How’s the PD doing? What are we doing right? What could we do better?” he said.
Frazer said he will spend his first 90 days determining the city’s priorities.
“There’s always room for improvement in any endeavor,” he said.
Prior Lake Cmdr. Brad Cragoe said the department will need a chief focused on developing the next generation of leaders, as several retirements may be coming up within the next four or five years.
“There’s a big age gap (between supervisors and patrol),” he said. “We need to get ready to step up and move people into those spots.”
Frazer will replace Don Gudmundson, who stepped in as interim chief earlier this year after interim Chief Booker Hodges accepted a state government position. Former Chief Mark Elliott’s resignation last year for undisclosed reasons set off the series of department leaders.
Frazer is scheduled to be sworn in May 20 during the regular City Council meeting.
Please read more from The Prior Lake American:
https://www.swnewsmedia.com/prior_lake_american/news/public_safety/prior-lake-names-frazer-new-police-chief/article_eec02056-15ac-5689-b208-632dd2eaa3d3.html