Robert Thomasser

Robert Thomasser is a co-founder and owner of The Axtell Group. As the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Rob serves as the supervising project manager and is responsible for project conceptualization, project and service delivery, quality control, and client relationship management. He ensures that every engagement is aligned with the firm’s mission to deliver high-quality, practical solutions for public safety agencies and organizations.

 

Rob retired from the Saint Paul Police Department in 2022 after a distinguished 32-year law enforcement career that began with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and concluded in his hometown of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

 

During his distinguished career with the Saint Paul Police Department, Rob served in every rank except Chief of Police, culminating in his role as Assistant Chief under two police chiefs. In that capacity, he oversaw the daily operations of a department comprising more than 800 sworn and civilian employees. Rob held key leadership and command positions across nearly every division of the department, including Patrol, SWAT, Investigations, and Administrative Services. His administrative assignments included serving as Chief of Staff, Senior Commander of Internal Affairs, and Commander of the Narcotics and Vice Unit. He was also assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, where he worked on complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations. Rob’s career is marked by a proven record of strategic leadership, operational command, and a commitment to advancing accountability, innovation, and excellence in policing.

 

Rob’s current focus is on improving operational effectiveness, strengthening organizational efficiency, developing policy, and helping agencies evolve their strategies and tactics to stay ahead of emerging trends, threats, and opportunities for improvement.

 

He resides in Saint Paul, Minnesota.