Northfield police chief will retire in 6 months

Northfield Police Chief Mark Elliott told the city March 29 that he would be retiring six months from now.

In a letter to City Administrator Ben Martig, Elliott said, "I am hereby informing you of my intent to retire effective Sept. 27, 2024. I would like to ensure a smooth transition, hence my giving notice six months in advance of my departure."

He added, "I believe the Police Department is well positioned to continue delivering exceptional police services in a caring and compassionate manner to the citizens and visitors in Northfield."

Elliott was hired as deputy chief of police April 22, 2019, and was later promoted to police chief effective Aug. 1, 2020, when former Police Chief Monte Nelson retired. As chief, Elliott has said, "The department is a reflection of the community, a community built on helping one another in tough times and celebrating one another in good times."

In a letter to the Northfield City Council, Martig noted some of Elliott's accomplishments.

• Leadership in response to and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; and

• Comprehensive update of the department policies with a diverse citizen participatory process; Oversight of the substantially updated city emergency operation plan and approval; Implementation of police body cameras for added accountability and transparency;

• Proactive leadership to attract and retain licensed police officers during a nationwide shortage; Expansion of data collection and presentation on crime statistics to the community; Integration of department mental health and wellness initiatives;

• Expanded attention to officer and staff training and professional development;

• Proactive Opioid Crisis response in collaboration with partner agencies and organizations;

• Initiation and completion of an independent comprehensive department Police Staffing and Operational Assessment Study (Novak Consulting 2019).

The city of Northfield will begin to recruit for his replacement.