History of the Police Department

Ramsey Police Department Commemorates 50 Years of Progress and Dedicated Service

Since its establishment in 1974 with only four sworn officers, the Ramsey Police Department has made significant strides over the past 50 years. Today, the department has grown to 30 officers, expanding with the city's population and calls for service. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the department is taking time to reflect on its journey, evolution, and changes.

Police department staff with 50 year anniversary badge

According to former Police Chief Jeff Katers, the policing landscape has changed significantly since the department's inception. The days of writing police reports by hand and recording calls for service on index cards are long gone. With access to cutting-edge technology, training, and information, Ramsey police officers are better equipped to serve and support people during their most vulnerable times. Despite the increasing technical demands of the job, the department remains dedicated to meeting the evolving community expectations.

To mark this significant milestone, the department debuted a new badge design on January 1 and will wear it throughout 2024. The new design is a meaningful representation of the department's past and present, incorporating elements from the original badge and contributions from current members. The department is excited to showcase this exceptional badge design as a testament to its unwavering commitment to the City of Ramsey.

The Ramsey Police Department has worn three significantly different patch designs throughout its history and is excited to introduce the new patch! The phased transition to the new patch began in 2022.

"Our community and the police department have seen many changes through the years, and this new patch reflects our changing history." Chief Katers said. "This new patch reminds us of the city we value and the community we serve and protect with courage, integrity, and honor."

three males standing inside a car, three male and the former police chief standing in front of it.

Officer Anderson in the middle receiving an award. Anoka and Ramsey Chiefs on the ends.

Newspaper article of Ramsey Police trading cards.

Old newspaper picture of seven male officers and one female office staff standing in a line.

Old Newspaper article about Ramsey receiving new police cars

Old newspaper article regarding a Safe and Sober Award.

Eight Police Department staff from 1986 standing in a row outside in front of a police car.

Former Chief Auspos sitting in a police car.

Newspaper article of new police technology. Police Chief showing off technology to council member.

13 police officers in the back two rows and three office technicians in the front row.

Newspaper article with a picture of the police department being built.

Ramsey police car blocking the road. Fire truck, firefighter and smoke in background.

Newspaper article of the 1996 grounding breaking of a new police department.

Former Officer Balabon sitting in a police car.

Newspaper article of Tom Anderson receiving an award from 4th grade student

1970s, two officers standing next to the doors of a police car.

Four Former Ramsey Police Chiefs standing in a line: Katers, Way, Gustafson, and Auspos.

80s Ramsey Police car parked in front of the old Ramsey Municipal Center.

Congratulations to our Patch Coloring Contest Winners!

Patch Coloring Sheet

Two police officers standing in an entryway with a small child holding a coloring contest sheet.

Officer standing next to a small girl while holding a coloring contest sheet while outside.

An officer crouched down next to a small child holding a certificate outside in the snow.

An officer and mother knelling next to a small child who is holding a coloring contest sheet.

Three officers standing behind a child who is holding a coloring contest sheet.

Officer siting on a bench next to a small child who is holding a coloring contest sheet.

Officer standing next to a female who is holding a coloring contest sheet in the police lobby

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