Olmsted County Attorney's Office

04/13/2026

Last week staff from the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office and Rochester Police Department attended the Axon Week 2026 conference.

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

The Rochester Police Department is excited to announce the return of Safe City Nights, a series of community events held across Rochester.

This summer, RPD will host four Safe City Nights events, each featuring free food, activities and opportunities for community members to connect with police officers as well as public safety and City partners.

Dates & Locations

▪️June 9, 6-8 p.m. Gibbs Elementary (5525 56th St NW)
▪️July 14, 6-8 p.m. Jefferson Elementary (1201 10th Ave NE)
▪️July 28, 6-8 p.m. Bishop Elementary (406 36th Ave NW)
▪️August 11, 6-8 p.m. Franklin Elementary (1801 9th Ave SE)

Launched in 2019, Safe City Nights is designed to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

“Relationship-building initiatives like Safe City Nights are a key part of community policing, which emphasizes collaboration, trust and shared responsibility for public safety,” said Police Chief Jim Franklin. “These events give us a meaningful opportunity to connect in a positive and approachable setting.”

Activities & Attractions (will vary by event)

🐕K9 team demonstration
🎼Live DJ
🧭Scavenger hunt
🎁Giveaways

Safe City Nights is a community-wide endeavor, and everyone is invited to attend.

Kala soo qeyb gal dariskaaga iyo kooxda waaxda booliska ee Rochester habeen cunno iyo wax-qabad lacag la’aan ah.

Júntese con sus vecinos y el equipo del Departamento de Policía de Rochester para una noche de comida y actividades gratuitas.
Safe City Nights is made possible through the generosity of sponsors: Affinity Plus, Black Swan Living, Canadian Honker, Custom Alarm, First Student, Galleria, Kwik Trip and Mayo Clinic.

03/16/2026

Due to the current weather conditions in Olmsted County, our office is open but working with limited staff. We respectfully ask that you please be patient with staff as we work through the day.

02/16/2026

For 14 years now the Olmsted County Attorney’s office has participated in the Polar Plunge! Many more years still to come.

01/06/2026

Date: 5 January 2026
To: Press Release: Notice of Retirement
From: Sheriff Kevin Torgerson
Re: Notice of Retirement, January 2027

After considerable conversation and careful reflection. I have decided that I will not seek a fourth term as the Olmsted County Sheriff in the fall of 2026. I am grateful for the opportunity the citizens of Olmsted County have trusted in me since my first election in 2014. This term will end in early January 2027.

It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to serve the citizens of Olmsted County since arriving here on January 2nd, 1986. I’m honored to have been able to work alongside the finest of people all these years. To be a member of the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office couldn’t have been a greater opportunity to serve our communities. It is also important to note the steadfast support from residents, business leaders, and elected officials in Olmsted County as a key to our shared successes. This support has driven our resolve and commitment to safeguard everyone who lives or passes through Olmsted County. Our success has also been due to the amazing support of the devoted public safety partners across Olmsted County and the State of Minnesota who provide top-notch response and care every day and night. I began serving as sheriff in January of 2015 and am reminded daily of those who blazed a path before me, their high standards and legacies left behind. I never took a day for granted and always understood the responsibility I was given. I firmly believe the people that will carry our mission forward are as dedicated to the finest service possible for all people. They are amazing people dedicated to being the very best they can be. This career has afforded so many opportunities the young deputy who in February of 1980 raised his right hand in Hennepin County to repeat his first oath never, ever could have imagined. I’ve often reflected on the quote by Queen Elizabeth, she said, “A life lived in service is not a sacrifice but an honor.” It has been my deepest honor to serve.

My faith has been a constant partner as well. For most of my years I would start my day or prior to engaging in critical moments praying this simple prayer, “Come Lord Jesus, let these gifts to all here be blessed, Amen.”

Most importantly, my family and dear friends. You have guided and shaped me to become who I am today. My wife Lori and our kids, my parents, and siblings, you have been on this roller-coaster ride called the “thin blue line” far longer than most immediate families do in this profession. You’ve flinched each time a tragic event has occurred knowing I personally or my profession would be facing great challenges. To my wife Lori, no one could have been at my side other than you, and you have been my friend, confidant, and staunchest of supporters through it all. I love you. We’ll finish this last year together and then enjoy the rest of what the Lord will allow us together. And maybe, just maybe we’ll see a Super Bowl win by our Vikings before our days are done.

God bless everyone and thank you.
Kevin

12/25/2025

We want to wish you a very …

12/10/2025

It's become a tradition! You may have noticed some members of the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office around the galleria, ringing bells for the Rochester Salvation Army Red Kettle.

10/31/2025

Have a safe and happy Halloween