MPRB Appoints New Director of Safety and Security

Via a Sept. 17 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller and newly sworn in Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recently appointed Jason Ohotto as the new Park Police Chief and was sworn in by Superintendent Jayne Miller in front of full crowd in the Board Room at the MPRB Headquarters on September 11.

In this new position, Chief Ohotto will be responsible for the overall management and direction of all services, functions and operations of the Park Police Department. Additionally he will plan, coordinate and direct year-round, citywide Park Police activities and services to ensure that the mission, goals, policies and priorities of the MPRB are incorporated into the department activities and services.

“As a decorated member of the Minneapolis Park Police Department, Jason has over 17 years of committed experience to protecting our communities and keeping our parks safe,” said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “Jason is a proven leader with a clear vision and a high-level of understanding of what it takes to ensure safe parks, facilities and recreation programs throughout Minneapolis. It is through his hard work and tireless efforts that Jason has been able to establish authentic relationships with park staff, elected officials and community members to solve – and prevent – crime and safety issues in our parks.”

Ohotto first joined the Minneapolis Police Department as a Park Patrol Agent in 1995, serving in that role through 1998. From 1998 through 2004 he served as a Minneapolis Park Police Officer and as a Park Police Sergeant from 2004-2012. In 2012, Ohotto was promoted to Park Police Lieutenant and has served as Captain of the Minneapolis Park Police department since February of this year. Ohotto holds a Master of Public and Non-Profit Administration Degree with a concentration in Law Enforcement Organizations from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. During Ohotto’s career with the Minneapolis Park Police Department he has received the Award of Merit, the Lifesaving Award and twice has received the Medal of Commendation from the Minneapolis Police Department.

“It is my great honor to accept this position and continue my work for the greatest park system in the country. In my view, people are what make Minneapolis parks so special,” said Chief Ohotto. “I truly appreciate all the support I have felt from staff, Commissioners and residents over my career and especially the last six months. Please know that I believe my job is to support the work being done in the field and I am thankful each day that I am able to serve alongside this dedicated staff!”