New Ramsey police chief is a techie, but also a people person

Ramsey's soon-to-be police chief, Jeff Katers, said he's a bit of a technology wonk. He was an early adopter in the study of computer forensics. In his free time, he also likes to fix computers. He's the go-to guy in his social circle for technical triage.

"I am always looking for ways to increase efficiency through technology," said Katers, pointing out that it has dramatically changed the way police conduct business in recent years. But he said he understands that ultimately his success will be defined by the quality of the people in his department and the human interactions they have with the public.

"People put their trust in the police department. That can be a fragile relationship," Katers said. "If people see a human side of the police, they have a better understanding of what we do. My role is to guide our officers, train them well."

Katers, a 14-year veteran of the force, takes over as chief in February. He'll succeed James Way, who is retiring after 30 years on the force.

Katers, who is now a captain, will oversee 30 employees, including 23 sworn officers in the city of 24,000.

Katers described Way as a mentor and said he believes he is taking the reins of a department that is in good health. Relations with the community and the City Council are positive even after a fatal, police-involved shooting in August. Two Ramsey officers shot a man in a day-care parking lot; video cameras caught the encounter and corroborated officer accounts that the man pointed a gun at them.

Katers, 44, grew up in Coon Rapids, where he graduated from high school in 1989. He thought he'd go into business. Instead, he earned an associate degree in law enforcement from North Hennepin Community College and later earned a bachelor's degree from Metropolitan State University.

Katers said investigations suited his problem-solving, detail-oriented personality.

"You have to discover the facts and let the truth be told," he said.

He said one area he will emphasize is building stronger relationships with the business community. Some of that could be as simple as having patrol officers stop by businesses during down time between calls to build those community connections.

Katers said he will also continue to prioritize officer training, which promotes professionalism and keeps his staff engaged.

"I want them to have the same passion as when they were rookie officers," he said.

"We see people at the worst in their life and sometimes we see them at their best," he said.

He wants to ensure that footage taken by police in moments of crisis doesn't later hurt or embarrass victims and others at a crime scene. He also doesn't want the idea of technology looming over every officer's shoulder to strip the humanity out of police interaction with the public.

"I am not creating robots here. These are human beings. We are in the people business," Katers said.

Katers is married with a two children. He and his wife, who has worked as a nurse, live in Andover.

Shannon Prather • 612-673-4804