HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-E-01 Appointment of Police Chief
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Date: May 2, 2022
Item: Appointment of Dave Wilske as Police Chief
Council Action Requested:
Appoint Dave Wilske as Police Chief effective May 30, 2022.
Background Information:
Over the past couple months, we have had a series of interviews for Police Chief. Key among them was a
community partners panel with representatives from Dakota County Social Services, 360 Communities,
IDEA, Ally Services, and Hastings Ministerial. These partners brought vital perspective on key trends and
emerging issues.
Additional panel interviews were conducted with HPD staff and with City Department Heads. The Police
panel included representatives from patrol officers, supervisory officers, records support, and Dakota
County Sheriff’s Office. A one-on-one interview was conducted with the City Administrator.
The final interview was with the Public Safety Committee of the City Council (Councilmembers Leifeld*,
Braucks, and Lund) as well as members of the Public Safety Advisory Commission (Pemble*, Ascheman,
and Auge). Following the final interview, we reached a consensus agreement to recommend appointment
of Dave Wilske as Police Chief.
Wilske has served as the HPD Deputy Chief since 2017 and has been instrumental in fostering the
Department’s strong culture of service and community engagement. Prior to coming to Hastings, he
worked for the University of Minnesota Police Department for 20 years, where he progressed to the rank
of Patrol Lieutenant.
Financial Impact:
Position is budgeted
Committee Discussion:
On April 26, the Public Safety Committee interviewed Dave Wilske and agreed with the recommendation
to appoint him as Police Chief.
Attachments:
N/A
X-E-01