Metropolitan Council Names Joseph Dotseth Permanent Chief of Police for Metro Transit

Nearly 25-year department veteran appointed after nationwide search

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - The Metropolitan Council today announced the appointment of Joseph Dotseth as the permanent chief of police for the Metro Transit Police Department. The appointment follows an extensive and highly competitive national search designed to identify the most qualified leader for the department, its team, and the riders it serves every day.

"We are proud to welcome Joseph Dotseth as the next chief of the Metro Transit Police Department," said Ryan O'Connor, regional administrator. "Chief Dotseth brings a distinguished record of leadership, a deep commitment to public safety, and a genuine understanding of the communities we serve. Under his guidance, we are confident that the Metro Transit Police Department will continue to build trust with riders, strengthen partnerships across the region, and uphold the highest standards of professional law enforcement."

Chief Dotseth brings nearly 25 years of dedicated law enforcement service - all with the Metro Transit Police Department. He has served in virtually every capacity the department offers, including patrol officer, field training officer, patrol sergeant, and internal affairs investigator. His career represents a comprehensive, ground-level understanding of the department he now leads.

Chief Dotseth has served as interim police chief since the fall of 2024, guiding the department with steadiness and clarity during a period of organizational transition. Under his interim leadership, the Metro Transit Police Department has achieved some of its most significant public safety milestones in recent history.

"It is the honor of my career to serve the riders and communities that make Metro Transit so vital to this region," said Joseph Dotseth, chief of police, Metro Transit Police Department. "Keeping our system safe is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I am deeply committed to ensuring every person who uses transit feels protected and respected. I am humbled by this opportunity and eager to get to work."

Chief Dotseth assumes his new role immediately and will oversee one of the country's largest transit police operations. Department officers respond to and investigate all crimes reported on buses, light rail, commuter trains, facilities, and rights-of-way throughout an eight-county, 60-plus city jurisdiction.

About the Metro Transit Police Department

The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) is committed to safeguarding the transit community through integrity, professionalism, and meaningful community partnerships.

Established under Minnesota statute, the MTPD is authorized to police transit properties and routes, conduct investigations, and make lawful arrests. Jurisdiction includes dedicated bus and transit lanes, metropolitan freeway and expressway shoulders, and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes serving transit buses. Follow us on metrotransit.org, Facebook, Bluesky.