City Manager Patrick Trudgeon announced today that Roseville Chief of Police Rick Mathwig is retiring from the city, effective August 31, and Deputy Chief Erika Scheider has been named as the next Roseville Police Chief.
Mathwig began his career as a patrol officer in Roseville in 1989. Over the years, he gained valuable experience serving as an investigator, use of force instructor, field training officer and sergeant. Mathwig achieved the rank of lieutenant in 2001 before being named police captain in 2006 and Chief of Police in 2010.
Mathwig said he is proud of the work the department has accomplished over the years, but he was hesitant to take credit, instead preferring to recognize the work of officers and police department staff. “We did everything as a team, hiring the best officers and civilian staff to make the department and the city better,” he said.
Mathwig did acknowledge that he is most proud of the openness and transparency of the police department. The department posts traffic stop and use of force data, misconduct claims, the department’s policy manual and other data that shows how the department operates. “I challenge anyone to find another city of our size that offers as much transparency as Roseville,” said Mathwig.
Mathwig had also taken a leading role in diversifying the police force, implementing a program to create more opportunities in recruiting officers from underrepresented groups, including candidates who have experience living in, interacting with or organizing diverse communities and who are fluent in one of the top five non-English languages spoken in the Roseville schools.
“During his tenure, Chief Mathwig has made the Roseville Police Department a leader in Minnesota for police department transparency and accountability,” Trudgeon said. “He has participated in community conversations about race and policing that have resulted in changes to Police Department policies and procedures. Chief Mathwig’s service to Roseville for 31 years is greatly appreciated and the community will greatly miss his expertise and approach.”
Deputy Chief of Police Scheider (46) will assume the position of Chief of Police on September 1.
Scheider holds a master’s degree in police leadership, administration and education from the University of Saint Thomas and a graduate certificate in criminal justice from University of Virginia.
In 2015, Scheider trained at the FBI National Academy in Quantico. She is a member of the FBI National Academy Associates, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the Ramsey County Chiefs Association. She has trained as a hostage and crisis negotiator and has mentored at-risk youths.
“Roseville is in the great position of having a fully qualified and prepared individual ready to step into the role of Chief of Police. I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Scheider as Roseville’s next Police Chief,” said Trudgeon. “She has exceled in every role held with the Roseville Police Department and is eminently qualified to be the next Roseville Police Chief.
“Erika’s years of experience and relationships within the Roseville community provides a valuable asset, and her commitment to community-based law enforcement will serve the community well as the role of law enforcement evolves,” said Trudgeon
Scheider started working as a patrol officer in Roseville in 1997. In 2001, Scheider became a detective and a sergeant in 2007. Over the years, she received several promotions and new responsibilities, becoming Lieutenant of Investigations in 2011, Lieutenant of Operations in 2014, Lieutenant of Administration in 2017 and Deputy Chief in 2019. Scheider has also served as the department’s Public Information Officer since 2017.
“I am honored and deeply humbled to be selected to serve as the next chief of police for the City of Roseville,” said Scheider. “I want to thank Chief Mathwig for his dedicated service to the Roseville Police Department and the Roseville community. As we move forward, the Roseville Police Department will remain committed to transparency and accountability. We will continue to work with the community to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for all of our residents.”