Rochester Police Commission Hears From Rejected Candidate

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -  “I felt abandoned when I read the report.”  

That’s what the candidate whose name was recently removed from consideration as Rochester Police Chief said Tuesday while talking to the city’s Police Civil Service Commission.

Dallas Police Major Roy Alston was referring to the report he received after the commission made its decision last month to remove his name from the eligibility list of candidates.

Despite a lengthy and impassioned appeal from AlstonTuesday, the commission voted 2-1 to affirm the earlier decision.

It was made after an investigation turned up a reprimand Alston received while working at another police department that was not included in his resume.

Alston told the commission the reprimand was written after he was caught sleeping in his squad car while on duty in 2007. Alston told the commission he did not include the incident in his resume because “it was not a big deal.”

Alston said his decision not to include the information was based on his lengthy experience as a Texas officer where such an incident would not lead to discipline. Alston told the commission that “he never intended to conceal anything” and that he felt the reprimand would not affect his ability to serve as a police chief.

A large crowd turned out for the meeting, including citizens who came to support Alston.

News Update:  Filings close - there will be seven candidates for Rochester mayor in August primary.

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