HomeMy WebLinkAboutEPD_NelsonPoliceChief
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Martin, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nelson promoted to Police Chief of Edina
Edina, Minn., Jan. 31, 2014 – Former Deputy Police Chief Dave Nelson was promoted to Police Chief on
Jan. 30, succeeding Jeff Long, who left the department in mid-January.
“I’m overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from the Department and the community,” said Nelson about
his new role as Police Chief. “I’m honored to have this opportunity and am really looking forward to it.”
Nelson, who grew up in Bloomington, graduated from Normandale Community College in 1983 with an
associate degree in law enforcement. He started his career with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol
deputy, where he primarily served the city of Andover.
Two years later, Nelson joined the Edina Police Department as a Patrol Officer where he spent three years as
the first full-time School Liaison Officer. Nelson also spent five years on the SWAT team and as an adviser to
Edina/Eden Prairie Police Explorer Post 925.
Shortly after graduating from Metro State University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice,
Nelson filled a full-time detective position, primarily handling fraud and forgery cases, before being promoted
to Sergeant in 1999. By 2008, Nelson was serving as Lieutenant where he oversaw investigations, before his
transfer to oversee the patrol unit. The following year, he spent 10 weeks in Quantico, Va., at the FBI
National Academy taking a staff and command course.
In 2010, Nelson was promoted to Deputy Police Chief.
“I am looking forward to Dave serving as our new Chief,” said City Manager Scott Neal. “He is an
experienced law enforcement professional with a good sense of what the Department needs right now to
move forward.”
Nelson said as he settles into his new role he’s going to focus on staffing levels, due to several upcoming
retirements in the Department. Another of his goals is to look for ways for the Department to work more
efficiently, whether it’s improving customer service or implementing new technologies.
“I’ll always be looking for ways to improve what we do,” he said. “Edina is my home. I’m very happy here.”
For more information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.
-30-