Janee Harteau sworn in as Mpls. police chief

by Brandt Williams, Minnesota Public Radio

MINNEAPOLIS — Janee Harteau, the first female and first openly gay police chief in Minneapolis history, was sworn in Tuesday at a ceremony at City Hall.

Harteau, now Minneapolis' 52nd police chief, said under her leadership, she wants officers to focus on being good public servants.

"As your chief, I will be asking every officer to use one same guiding principle during each encounter, no matter how big or small," Harteau said. "It's a very simple question: 'Did my actions reflect how I would want one of my family members to be treated?' The answer should be yes."

Harteau took the oath of office near the marble Father of Waters statue in the ornate City Hall rotunda. Her daughter stood next to her during the ceremony. Also close by was Harteau's longtime partner, Sgt. Holly Keegel. Both Keegel and Harteau joined the Minneapolis Police Department in 1987. The two served as patrol partners and have also co-authored two books on personal safety.

"Thank you to my life-partner and better half, Holly. And for those of you who know us both, she's truly the better half," Harteau said.

Harteau is a Duluth native with both French Canadian and Native American family roots. She was most recently the assistant police chief and replaces Tim Dolan, who retired in November.