The city of Eagan officially has a new police chief and he hails from the St. Paul Police Department.
Salim Omari was sworn in as Eagan’s police chief on Dec. 2, 2025. Omari spent the bulk of his 21-year law enforcement career with the St. Paul Police Department. (Courtesy of the city of Eagan)
After a 21-year career in law enforcement ranging from investigations and training to SWAT commander, Salim Omari was sworn in as Eagan’s new chief of police Tuesday night.
“We’re excited to welcome Commander Omari to Eagan,” Mayor Mike Maguire said in a city news release. “He brings a strong record of leadership, experience in complex policing environments, and a commitment to building trust with the community.”
Omari, who began his career with the Bloomington Police Department in 2004, spent more than 18 years with the St. Paul Police Department where he held titles including district chief of St. Paul’s Eastern District and commander of the Major Crimes Division.
As a commander, Omari led the Internal Affairs Unit, Training Unit and Western District Patrol, per the release.
Omari was also appointed by both Gov. Mark Dayton and Gov. Tim Walz to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission.
“I’m honored to be chosen to lead the highly respected Eagan Police Department,” Omari said in the release. “I believe in the power of collaboration and community engagement to keep our neighborhoods safe. Eagan is a thriving community, and I look forward to working alongside residents, city leaders, and officers to continue building trust and delivering excellent public safety.”
His departure from the St. Paul Police Department comes at a time when city leaders are raising concerns over the pay of St. Paul’s police chief and top staff.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry oversees 616 officers and has a salary of $207,688, compared to Minneapolis’ chief who oversees 621 officers and makes $312,703, the Pioneer Press recently reported.
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Omari, who has a degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in police leadership and administration, officially began his new role on Nov. 24, taking over for former police chief Roger New.
After 31 years with the Eagan police department and the last seven of those years as chief, New announced his retirement earlier this year, saying it was time to pass the mantle. At the time of his retirement, New’s salary was reported to be $215,093.
“Commander Omari has a proven track record of effective leadership, operational excellence, and a clear commitment to equity and community engagement,” said Eagan City Administrator Dianne Miller, in the release. “We’re confident he will continue Eagan’s strong tradition of public safety and help shape its next chapter.”
Meet the Chief
What: Open house with Chief Salim Omari
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14
Where: Eagan City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Road
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