MOLLY L. FISCHER
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Command-level law enforcement leader with more than two decades of progressive experience in patrol operations, violent crime investigations, training command, and organizational reform. Recognized for ethical leadership, operational accountability, and strategic collaboration. Proven ability to lead complex teams, oversee high-risk operations, ensure policy compliance, and advise executive leadership while strengthening organizational performance and community trust.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sector Lieutenant, 3rd Precinct
Minneapolis Police Department
06.2024 - Current
- Provide sector-level command oversight of day watch and night watch patrol operations, supervising sworn officers and sergeants.
- Directly assist the Inspector with operational planning, policy implementation, and real-time decision-making.
- Review, evaluate, and respond to allegations of policy and procedure violations, ensuring accountability, fairness, and adherence to departmental standards.
- Conduct counseling, performance evaluations, and corrective action plans to support officer development and organizational integrity.
- Manage shift staffing and deployment strategies to ensure effective coverage, officer safety, and service delivery.
- Coordinate crime prevention initiatives and foster collaborative partnerships with community members and stakeholders.
- Analyze crime patterns and develop adaptive response strategies to address evolving public safety challenges.
Lieutenant – Training Academy & Field Training Officer (FTO) Program
Minneapolis Police Department
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Commanded the development, overhaul, and implementation of academy and field training programs for sworn personnel.
- Led a comprehensive redesign of the Academy and FTO programs using adult learning principles and holistic training models.
- Directed the design and initial development of a department-wide Field Training Course in collaboration with nationally recognized law enforcement training contractors.
- Researched and incorporated national best practices in officer training, evaluation, and remediation.
- Served as a key strategist for implementation of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) Settlement Agreement, coordinating with executive leadership, the City Attorney’s Office, and City Procurement.
- Oversaw compliance with mandated training requirements while elevating instructional quality and relevance.
- Served as chief of logistics for large-scale emergency and critical incidents, ensuring personnel readiness and resource deployment.
Homicide & Violent Crimes Investigator – Sergeant
Minneapolis Police Department
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Investigated complex violent crime cases, including homicide, assault, overdose deaths, and kidnappings.
- Conducted interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects while coordinating with prosecutors, medical professionals, social services, and federal partners.
- Demonstrated leadership through example, reinforcing ethical standards and investigative excellence.
Mounted Police Sergeant
Minneapolis Police Department
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Provided supervisory and operational oversight of 25 mounted patrol personnel and unit operations.
- Directed unit logistics, training coordination, and operational readiness.
- Led a comprehensive overhaul of the mounted unit, implementing professional training, standardized testing, and safety-driven performance standards.
Patrol Officer
Minneapolis Police Department
01.2002 - 01.2013
- Enforced criminal laws and ordinances while conducting preliminary investigations and evidence collection.
- Prepared detailed investigative reports supporting criminal prosecutions.
- Built strong community relationships to enhance trust and cooperation.
Education
Master of Arts - Police Leadership
University of St. Thomas
St. Paul, MN2008
Bachelor of Science - Sociology (Law & Criminal Deviance)
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN2001
Occupational Certificate -
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Minneapolis, MN2002
Skills
- Command Decision-Making, Judgment & Risk Assessment
- Strategic Planning & Big-Picture Thinking
- Operational Oversight, Risk Management & Critical Incident Logistics
- Policy, Performance Accountability & Standards Enforcement
- Training Command & Organizational Reform
- Community Engagement & Crime Prevention Initiatives
- Executive Briefings, Meetings & Presentations
- Ethical Leadership, Integrity & Leading by Example
- Team-Centered Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Development
- Executive Collaboration, Cross-Functional Coordination & Data-Driven Decision-Making
Accomplishments
Identified and resolved a long-standing gap in training documentation by independently organizing and consolidating more than ten years of records in the absence of an existing system; subsequently identified an appropriate software solution and developed a structured plan for digitization and upload.
Certification
- Firearms Instructor
- Crisis Negotiator
- Taser Instructor
- Mounted Instructor
AWARDS
Minneapolis Police Department – Award of Merit (2021)
SELECT TRAINING
- IACP Leadership School
- Southern Police Institute – Homicide Course
- IPTM Managing the FTO Program
- NAFT Basic FTO Course
- Fair & Impartial Policing (Instructor & Train-the-Trainer)
- Instructor Development Course
Timeline
Sector Lieutenant, 3rd Precinct
Minneapolis Police Department
06.2024 - Current
Lieutenant – Training Academy & Field Training Officer (FTO) Program
Minneapolis Police Department
01.2019 - 01.2024
Homicide & Violent Crimes Investigator – Sergeant
Minneapolis Police Department
01.2017 - 01.2019
Mounted Police Sergeant
Minneapolis Police Department
01.2013 - 01.2017
Patrol Officer
Minneapolis Police Department
01.2002 - 01.2013
Master of Arts - Police Leadership
University of St. Thomas
Bachelor of Science - Sociology (Law & Criminal Deviance)
University of Minnesota
Occupational Certificate -
Minneapolis Community & Technical College