Veteran Mpls. Police Leader Tapped as Interim Chief After Resignation

Bill Peterson will lead the Minneapolis Police Department as officials search for a permanent chief after Brian O’Hara’s resignation tied to an investigation.

By Liz Sawyer and Paul Walsh

Source Star Tribune

June 2, 2026

2 min read

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey named 30-year department veteran Bill Peterson as interim police chief following Brian O’Hara’s resignation tied to interference in a sexual misconduct investigation.
Peterson replaces acting Chief Katie Blackwell and will lead the department during a national search for a permanent chief.
A longtime leader within the agency, Peterson has overseen major incidents and events and says his priorities include stability, officer support, and rebuilding community trust.

Minneapolis Police Department — A 30-year Minneapolis police veteran is stepping in as interim chief after the mayor said the department needs steady leadership following the former chief’s resignation.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has tapped a department veteran as interim chief of police a week after Brian O’Hara resigned from the position amid findings that he interfered in an ongoing sexual misconduct investigation.

First Precinct Inspector Bill Peterson takes over from acting Chief Katie Blackwell, who’s been running the department for the past several days.

Peterson will serve as interim chief while the city conducts a national search for a permanent chief.

A 30-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department, Peterson has led policing downtown and in numerous bordering neighborhoods since 2019.

“Bill Peterson is the right leader for this moment,” Frey said in his announcement. “He’s spent three decades serving Minneapolis, he’s earned the respect of officers across the department. ... Bill understands that trust is earned, and he has established a reputation of working every day to earn it.”

In his own statement, Peterson said, “When I was asked to step into this role, I felt compelled to answer the call. At a time when the Minneapolis Police Department needs experienced, steady leadership, I am honored to serve and ready to lead.

“My focus will be on maintaining stability, supporting officers, building on the progress we’ve made, strengthening trust with our community, and ensuring every resident feels safe in the city we are proud to serve.”

Frey went on to thank Blackwell “for stepping in at a critical time and providing strong leadership for the department over the past week.”

Over the years, Peterson has helped lead the department’s response to major incidents and events, including the 2011 North Side tornado, the 2007 Interstate 35W bridge collapse, periods of civil and violent unrest and large-scale public safety operations such as the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and Super Bowl LII in 2018.

Peterson has served in leadership roles across several divisions of the department, including special operations division patrol unit; violent crimes investigations unit; robbery investigator; and Fourth Precinct patrol.

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