Assistant Chief Janeé Harteau nominated to become first female MPD police chief

Assistant Chief Janeé Harteau

If she's confirmed, she'll become Minneapolis's first female police chief when Dolan steps down in January 2013.

"She is a smart cop, a savvy administrator and a natural leader. She is the logical next chief, and will be an exceptional one," Rybak writes in the press release.

Up until now, Minneapolis has had exclusively white, male police chiefs -- Harteau is also part Native American. According to the release, she joined the force in 1987 when she was 22 years old and has been with the city department for her entire career. She worked in narcotics, organized crime, and license investigation, before becoming assistant chief in 2011. From 2006 to 2009 she served as inspector for the First Precinct and implemented a Somali Liaison Officer program.

Harteau in "Women Cops" episode

Other notable accomplishments include an appearance on 'Cops' in 1990, as evidenced by this completely awesome promo shot on the left. According to this blog, Harteau tangles with some drunks and thieves on the episode, and then sings and shows off her drumming skills with a garage band. We're going to need that tape, STAT.

Harteau is also quoted in today's press release:

"I've grown up in this department and I am humbled by Mayor Rybak's confidence in me to be the next police chief. It is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to lead such a talented and dedicated group of men and women. I have the utmost respect for Chief Dolan and am grateful for his mentorship of me and his leadership of our department, which is the foundation that I will build upon. Until then, I am eager to continue serving under Chief Dolan and my focus will remain the same: improving public safety and public trust."

Previous coverage:

• Police Chief Tim Dolan will not seek a third term
• Chief Tim Dolan 'very disappointed' by KSTP cameraman shoving incident [UPDATE]
• Minneapolis Fire Chief Alex Jackson retires amid criticism