History of Police Department
1878
Albert Lea Police Department is established. Mayor Frank Hall held the role of Chief of Police until Ed Patrick was appointed later that year.
Albert Lea Special Policeman Judson H. Randall dies from injuries sustained from an on-duty assault November 6, 1899. Special Policeman Judson is the only ALPD officer to have been killed in the line of duty.
1899
1902
Police headquarters moves into the new City Hall building located on N. Broadway Ave.
Miss M. Flavin, believed to be the City’s first female officer, is hired. Police duties primarily centered around women and children.
First motorcycle patrolman is hired with cost split between City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County.
1921
1924
First ALPD automobile is purchased for $995 from Midway Motor Co.
ALPD moves into new City Hall building located at 221 E. Clark St.
1968
1976
ALPD moves into new Law Enforcement Center at 411 S. Broadway Ave.
First female officer with same job duties as male counterparts, Debra Flatness, is hired.
1997
2004
ALPD moves into newly renovated and expanded Freeborn County Government Center at 411 S. Broadway Ave.
The Chief of Police position is changed to Director of Public Safety. The Director of Public Safety is responsible for both the ALPD and Albert Lea Fire & Rescue. Dwaine Winkels becomes the first Director of Public Safety.
2012