Entire Police Force Quits Overnight! What's Next for Goodhue, Minnesota?

Police Force Quits: In an unprecedented turn of events, the entire police force of Goodhue, a small city in southeast Minnesota, tendered their resignations following the announcement of the city’s police chief stepping down. This shocking development has left the community of approximately 1,300 residents grappling with the sudden departure of its law enforcement personnel.

Mayor Ellen Anderson Buck, in response to this mass resignation, has taken immediate action to ensure that the city doesn’t face a law enforcement void. She’s engaged in discussions with the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office to guarantee the continuation of essential policing services beyond August 24, the official departure date of the resigning officers.

The unexpected exodus unfolded during a city council meeting, initially convened to deliberate police pay increases. However, it quickly transformed into a session of acceptance, as the council approved the resignations of Police Chief Josh Smith, full-time officer Anthony Brecht, and five part-time officers. The abrupt departure of the entire police department has cast a spotlight on the challenges faced by smaller communities in maintaining a stable police force.

Mayor Anderson Buck has diligently sought guidance from the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office, forging a plan to seamlessly transition law enforcement responsibilities. The sheriff and his chief deputy have assured her that they will assume control of ongoing cases, assuring residents that police coverage will remain uninterrupted. “They will be responding to calls,” reassured Anderson Buck, underscoring the commitment to public safety.

Drawing from the experiences of other municipalities that have encountered similar situations, Mayor Anderson Buck has reached out to the League of Minnesota Cities. Learning from past cases where entire police forces have dissolved, she’s exploring potential strategies to navigate this unexpected challenge.

Notably, this isn’t the first time a small town has confronted such a predicament. Just last year, Spring Grove, Minnesota, saw its lone officer and police chief retire, leading the city to collaborate with Houston County for law enforcement services. Similarly, in 2022, Morris, another community grappling with limited resources, made the decision to disband its police department, which had dwindled to a mere two officers.

As Goodhue stands on the precipice of this transitional phase, the mayor’s proactive approach, coupled with the cooperation of the county sheriff’s office, aims to provide residents with a sense of security during this uncertain period. The town’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by rural communities when it comes to maintaining essential public services and the innovative measures that must be taken to address such unexpected upheavals.