Matt Christenson

Matt Christenson, who joined the Airport Police Department (APD) as an entry-level community service officer in 1991, was named chief of the APD in September 2020 following an extensive national search.

He became a police officer for the APD in 1993, was promoted to sergeant in 1999 and lieutenant in 2002. Christenson achieved the rank of commander in 2005 before being appointed deputy chief in 2013.

Christenson led the APD’s investigative division for almost 20 years, launched its explosives-detecting canine program in 2003 and helped develop the Airport Watch community policing program in 2008.

Christenson holds a master’s degree in public and non-profit administration from Metropolitan State University, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Bethel University and an associates’ degree in law enforcement from North Hennepin Community College.

He is a graduate of the 217th session of the FBI National Academy and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the FBI National Academy Association.

Christenson also served as a youth mentor for Hope 4 Youth at its Anoka Drop-In Center and has served on the church council at the church he attends.