After seven years leading the Metro Transit Police Department, John Harrington has stepped down as Police Chief to take on a new role with the state.
Gov. Tim Walz selected Harrington as his Commissioner of Public Safety. Harrington began in the new role on Jan. 7.
During Harrington’s tenure, the Metro Transit Police Department has become one of the largest and most diverse in the state. The department also increased its commitment to community-oriented policing and recently established a team of officers dedicated to helping individuals facing homelessness.
Harrington was the Metro Transit Police Department’s seventh chief of police. He previously served as the chief of police for the St. Paul Police Department and as a state senator.
Deputy Chief A.J. Olson will serve as the interim chief of police while the process to name the next permanent chief is developed. Olson has been with transit police since 2005.