Mark Elliott's 22 years with the Bloomington Police Department sent him on a path through the ranks that included homicide and narcotics investigations, looking into property crimes and, finally, serving as a patrol commander.

Now, freshly minted as Prior Lake's new police chief, he sets his sights on leading a department tasked with keeping up with a small but growing community whose local attractions net thousands of daily visitors.

Elliott replaced Bill O'Rourke, who retired as police chief in February after 17 years in the job. He emerged from a group of six finalists after about a half dozen interviews over four months and was sworn in April 13. Elliott said Prior Lake's reputation for having a good police department and his living near the town the past 15 years attracted him to the opening.

"It's not really a small town, but it has that small town feel. It's a community," he said.

It also has a reputation for growth: the city's population has swelled from roughly 16,000 in 2000 to more than 25,000 today. Elliott said Mystic Lake Casino also attracts an additional 20,000 visitors per day and noted that the city's 14 nearby lakes will soon be a summer draw again.

"With new development comes new needs for officers and different law enforcement issues that come up," he said.

Though serious crimes aren't as prevalent — the city averaged 83 assaults the past two years and had just three homicides during O'Rourke's tenure — Elliott said traffic-related issues are among residents' top concerns. Recent figures reflect that alarm.

Last year, Prior Lake notched double-digit increases in several traffic statistics, including a 43 percent increase in driving while intoxicated reports, up from 92 to 132. Police initiated 48 percent more traffic stops last year — up to 6,160 — while motor vehicle accidents handled by police climbed 25 percent to 569 from 456.

Elliott also will be tasked with staffing issues for a 24-officer workforce that is it smaller than the statewide average for departments in cities of a similar size.

"Is our staff level adequate for the demand the community places on us?" Elliott said.

Stephen Montemayor • 952-746-3282