Albert Lea Police Department

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

BUCKLE UP. EVERY SEAT. EVERY RIDE. Safety is a team effort! From now through May 31, Minnesota law enforcement is stepping up seat belt enforcement to keep our roads safe during daily commutes and summer travels. While over 95% of us buckle up, unbelted passengers still account for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities—a heartbreaking statistic we can change together. Remember, state law requires everyone in the vehicle to wear a seat belt properly, with the strap tight across the hips and chest. For children, prioritize the most protective option: keep little ones rear-facing as long as possible, use booster seats for ages 4–9 until they pass the safety test, and always seat kids under 13 in the back. Let’s protect each other and drive toward zero deaths.

05/19/2026

As the weather warms up, more of us are hitting the road on two wheels! Since May is National Bike Safety Month, it’s the perfect time to brush up on some essential habits to keep everyone safe—whether you’re in the bike lane or behind the wheel.

Check out these quick reminders on how we can all share the road responsibly this summer and work toward our goal of zero deaths. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

As we head into the warmer months, many are dusting off bicycles to enjoy the sunshine, commute, or get some exercise. Since May is National Bike Safety Month, it’s the perfect time to share a few quick reminders to help keep both cyclists and drivers safe on the road this summer.

🚴For cyclists: Gear up & stay alert
• Check your equipment: Ensure your tires are properly inflated, seats are locked, and your bike is equipped with reflectors.
• Wear a helmet: Every rider, every time. Make sure it fits snugly–two finger-widths above your eyebrow, with the chin strap securely fastened.
• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing and use flashing lights if riding at night.
• Follow the rules: Obey all traffic laws, ride single file in the direction of traffic, and always use hand signals.

🚗For drivers: Share the road
• Practice the "far-hand reach": When parking, use your hand furthest from the door to open it. This forces you to turn your body and check your blind spot for oncoming cyclists before opening the door.
• Give space: Always stay alert and give cyclists plenty of room on the road.

Safety is a shared responsibility and integrating simple, mindful habits into our daily routines can help assure everyone makes it home at the end of the day. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

05/19/2026

UPDATED 2:35 PM - OWNER LOCATED!
Found Property:

The Albert Lea Police Department is looking for any local descendants of Robert E Garin of Selenas, California. His birth year would have been 1924. We have located some personal property that needs to be returned to its owner. Please contact Officer Bassett at 507-377-4489.

05/18/2026

Tornado Watch until 1:00 am CDT

Action Recommended
Attend to information sources as described in the instructions
Issued By
Minneapolis - MN, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Freeborn County
Description
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 216 IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT MONDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN MINNESOTA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES

IN SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA

BLUE EARTH BROWN FARIBAULT FREEBORN MARTIN NICOLLET STEELE WASECA WATONWAN

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBERT LEA, BLUE EARTH, FAIRMONT, MANKATO, NEW ULM, OWATONNA, ST JAMES, ST PETER, AND WASECA.

Today’s and tonight’s Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 weather forecast, weather conditions and Doppler radar from The Weather Channel and weather.com

05/15/2026

On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, 2026, the Albert Lea Police Department honors and remembers Albert Lea Special Policeman Judson H. Randall. On November 4, 1899, 51 year-old Officer Randall was assaulted while executing a court order commanding officers to move a smallpox patient to a quarantine hospital. Officer Randall died from his injuries two days later on November 6, 1899 leaving behind his wife and adult daughter. Officer Randall was laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea.

05/14/2026

Safety first, adventure second! 🚲✨
Before you hit the road or the trails, make sure you’re ready for a smooth ride. Here are 3 quick tips to keep you safe:
1️⃣ Check your gear: Is your helmet snug? Are your tires pumped?
2️⃣ Be seen: Wear bright colors and use lights, especially at dawn or dusk.
3️⃣ Follow the rules: Signal your turns and stay alert.
Keep those wheels spinning safely! 🛡️

05/14/2026

🚨🚨WINNER WINNER WINNER!! 🚨🚨
In probably record time of :43 minutes, this awesome family located the 2nd coin under the drinking fountain at the city beach/skate park! Thank you all for participating and getting out to enjoy a beautiful day! We will do another one another time! We promise! Until then, stay safe!!

Here were the clues that would have been posted. Anyone recognize some awesome 80’s references? Comment below!!

Clue #1: ✅ "Tired of the daily grind? Not me! Where I sit, it’s quite awesome. Get your trucks ready to roll, but don't look for me on the highway (for obvious safety reasons). The gleam from the deck is just perfect."

Clue #2 ❌ "Keep an eye on your TOE line while you're searching. Drop a KNEE to the concrete to get the right angle. Only a HAWK would see this prize from above, but you'll find it where the double-deck floats. Don't be a poser."

Clue #3 ❌ "You’ll need more than just Vision to find me. I’m the shadow beneath the stream, watching every Shredder catch some vert on urethane waves. Even Michelangelo needs a splash after a gnarly session. Cowabunga!"

Clue #4 ❌ "Talk to me, Goose. I’m 'Playing with the Boys' between the ollies and the Mavericks. I am where the pavement ends and City Beach begins. It’s choice."

Clue #5 ❌ "The session reaches the tail. This is the Final Countdown. Reach beneath the fountain where the mounting meets the slab. Grab the prize in the dark. Game Over, Man!"

05/14/2026

🚨 ALPD CHALLENGE COIN HUNT: ROUND 2 — THE REVENGE 🚨
You cracked the first case too fast, Albert Lea. We’ve officially hidden the second faux ALPD Challenge Coin, and we’re taking the difficulty up a notch (maybe)!

CLUE #1 🔍:

"Tired of the daily grind? Not me! Where I sit, it’s pretty awesome. Get your trucks ready to roll, but don't look for me on the roadway (for obvious safety reasons). The gleam from here is totally perfect.”

The revenge hunt is officially live! If this coin stays hidden, Clue #2 drops tomorrow at 3:00 PM.

05/14/2026

🚨 ALPD COIN HUNT: ROUND 2 🚨

You asked for it, Albert Lea—and we will deliver! Since Ben and David Rose cracked our last mystery in just 2 days, we’ve decided that National Police Week isn’t over until we say it’s over!

This time, the prize will be the challenge coin representing the South Central Drug Investigation Unit’s SWAT TEAM, which ALPD is a part of.

The same faux ALPD Challenge Coin will be hidden somewhere in our great city. The rules remain the same: Public land only, no force required, and stay safe!

🔍 CLUE #1 will drop tomorrow, May 14 @ 3:00 PM!