Press Release - Chief of Police Julie Swanson Announces Retirement

Date:  May 19, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM

Contact: Lindy Crawford, 651-429-8516, lcrawford@whitebearlake.org

Chief of Police Julie Swanson Announces Retirement

White Bear Lake Police Department’s (WBLPD) longstanding Chief of Police, Julie Swanson, will retire from her position on August 25, 2023. Swanson has served as the Chief of Police since 2014 and the White Bear Lake community for the past twenty-three years in total. During her tenure, she has also served as a DARE Instructor, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Sergeant, and Captain.

Swanson has been an active part of the White Bear Lake community and takes pride in serving her hometown. “The White Bear Lake community has encapsulated every aspect of my life. We all agree that this is a community like no other, and I have had the fortune to serve it in a capacity that I never envisioned I would as a 12 year old moving to the area,” shared Swanson. She added, “It is hard to imagine what life will look like when I no longer work in a role that I have loved and been proud of for half of my lifetime.”

Swanson has been instrumental in shaping the Department’s morale, cultivating a team approach to policing and enhancing community outreach efforts. “Chief Swanson is an example of what community policing means and should be. We are proud of the work she has done for our organization and service she has provided to the community,” said City Manager Lindy Crawford. She added, “She has also been a dedicated contributor to the City’s leadership team.”

A formal hiring process to replace Swanson will be led by the City Manager and is set begin in the upcoming weeks. It is anticipated the role will be filled this fall.