Flesland Named New Brooklyn Center Police Chief

Brooklyn Center city leaders have selected a new police chief opting to go with a longtime member of the city’s police department.

Cmdr. Garett Flesland was named chief after what city leaders described was a “comprehensive process” that involved a nationwide search.

Flesland has been with the Brooklyn Center Police Department since 2000, serving in numerous roles, including patrol officer, detective, sergeant and – for the last eight years – commander.

“Chief Flesland is a transformative leader with a strong commitment to the city of Brooklyn Center and we look forward to his leadership within the department and the city,” said Brooklyn Center City Manager Reginald Edwards in a statement.

Flesland replaces Kellace McDaniel, who retired in January. McDaniel was named chief in June 2022.

Flesland was also one of the police department leaders who helped the city transition past the April 2021 fatal traffic stop shooting of Daunte Wright by former officer Kim Potter. The shooting led to the resignation of former chief Tim Gannon, who later sued the city claiming he was forced to resign because he didn’t immediately fire Potter, but wanted to allow for due process, as required in police contracts. Potter was convicted of manslaughter for the shooting in which she said she mistook her gun for her Taser. 

As reported by CCX News earlier this year, Gannon received a $55,000 settlement with the city.

Flesland in a 2022 interview with CCX News on gear to protect squad car passengers.

Selection input

According to Edwards, the search involved a variety of stakeholders. Those included members of the police department, city department heads, Brooklyn Center City Council members, residents, local youth and outside law enforcement personnel.

Flesland grew up in neighboring Brooklyn Park and is a graduate of Park Center High School. He also served several years in the U.S. Navy, both as an enlisted sailor and as a commissioned officer, according to his online bio.

In addition, Flesland holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Tulane University and a master’s degree in police leadership from the University of St. Thomas. He received his law enforcement certificate at Alexandria Technical and Community College and has received the FBI National Academy certificate.

Brooklyn Center