Administration Division:
The Hastings Police Department Administrative Division consists of the Chief of Police who is responsible for the overall operation and staff of the Police Department, two Lieutenants with both Lieutenants being responsible for various operational divisions within the department, and an Office Manager who is responsible for overseeing the Department’s records management division.
Hastings Police Chief Paul Schnell joined the department in 2010. Chief Schnell began his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff in Carver County in 1993, working assignments in the department’s patrol, investigations, and school resource officer units. In 1999 he joined the Saint Paul Police Department and was promoted to Sergeant in 2006, During his tenure with the Saint Paul Police Department, he served for several years as the department’s spokesman, as well as, investigator and patrol supervisor. Before working in law enforcement, Chief Schnell held various positions in correctional programs working with adult offenders and at-risk youth. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Thomas and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Saint Catherine University, both in Saint Paul. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s 118th Administrative Officers Course. Chief Schnell is licensed in Minnesota as both a Peace Officer and a Social Worker.
Lieutenant Joe Kegley began his career with the Hastings Police Department in 1987 when he was hired as a Patrol Officer. Lieutenant Kegley was assigned to the Investigation Division in 1991, promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1993 and promoted to his current rank of Lieutenant in 2000.
Lieutenant Jim Rgnonti also began his career with Hastings in 1987 as a Patrol Officer, was assigned to the Investigation Division in 1991, promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2000 which he held until the year 2005 when he was promoted to his current rank of Lieutenant.
Mary Cofer began her career with the Hastings Police Department in 1998 as a Receptionist/Dispatcher. In 1999 she transferred to a Police Secretary position within the Department, and in 2003 was promoted to her current position of Office Manager.
