Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan's tenure included a mixed bag of success and failure, but even his critics have to acknowledge that violent crime dropped on his watch.
Earlier this week, the low-key, likable Dolan said he will retire by year's end rather than seek another two-year term. His departure gives the city a chance to assess his record and consider what the department needs in a new chief.
Dolan's most notable accomplishment was a significant decrease in violent crime. Rates dropped in most major urban centers during the same period, and it would be simplistic to credit police work for all of that progress. However, police chiefs often get blamed when crime rises, and they should receive some of the praise when rates fall.
In 2006, when Dolan took the job, the city recorded 6,374 violent crimes -- defined as homicide, rape, aggravated assault and robbery. That number dropped to 3,720 last year.
Dolan, a father of four who grew up in Minneapolis, also merits praise for community outreach in times of tragedy. He and Mayor R.T. Rybak spent countless hours with families who have lost loved ones to violence. Dolan participated in dozens of community meetings where the department has been under fire, and he was a steadying influence for the department.
Dolan has also been strong on youth violence prevention -- one of the mayor's priorities. On his watch, beat officers have been more engaged with youth, and the Police Department has coordinated efforts with the city, county and school district to keep kids out of trouble.
Dolan will also be remembered for his exemplary first-responder leadership after the Interstate 35W bridge collapse.
Still, Dolan generated some legitimate criticism. The Minneapolis City Council approved his reappointment in 2009 by an 8-5 vote. Council members who wanted to change course expressed legitimate concerns over the number of expensive settlements the city had paid out because of police misconduct.
