Saint Paul Police Department

Saint Paul Police Department
Name	Saint Paul Police Department
Formed	1854
Jurisdiction	Saint Paul, Minnesota
Headquarters	367 Grove Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Chief	Axel Henry
Sworn	578 (2023)
Civilian	150 (2023)
Website	https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/police

Saint Paul Police Department. The Saint Paul Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city of Saint Paul, Minnesota, the state capital. Established in 1854, it operates under the authority of the Mayor of Saint Paul and the Saint Paul City Council. The department is responsible for policing a diverse population across numerous neighborhoods, including Downtown Saint Paul, Summit-University, and Highland Park.

History

The department was founded in 1854, the same year Saint Paul was incorporated as a city, with John McCloud serving as its first Marshal. Its early history was shaped by the region's frontier era and the influence of the Mississippi River as a major trade route. The force evolved through periods of significant social change, including the Prohibition era and the labor unrest associated with the Twin Cities. A major reorganization occurred in the 1970s under Chief Richard Rowan, modernizing its community policing strategies. The department has been involved in several notable events, including responses to the 1991 Halloween blizzard and security operations for the 2008 Republican National Convention, which was held at the Xcel Energy Center.

Organization and structure

The department is headed by the Chief of Police, who reports to the Mayor of Saint Paul. It is divided into several bureaus, including the Patrol Bureau, Investigations Bureau, and Support Services Bureau. Geographic command is divided into three districts—Eastern, Central, and Western—which align with the city's council wards. Specialized units include the K-9 unit, SWAT, Forensic Services Unit, and the Community Engagement Unit. The department works in close collaboration with other agencies, notably the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Minneapolis field office.

Operations and services

Core services include 24-hour patrol response, criminal investigation, and traffic enforcement. The department operates a Real Time Crime Center to assist officers with data and video analytics. Community programs include the Police Athletic League, the Senior and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) council, and the Youth Service Initiative. It participates in multi-agency task forces focusing on areas such as violent crime and narcotics, often in partnership with the Ramsey County Attorney's Office. Emergency communication is handled through the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center, which dispatches for multiple jurisdictions.

Notable incidents and controversies

The department was criticized for its response to the 2020 civil unrest following the death of George Floyd, during which significant property damage occurred along University Avenue. An officer-involved shooting in 2016 that resulted in the death of Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, though outside its jurisdiction, involved a Saint Paul police officer and sparked widespread protests. The department has also faced scrutiny over its use of force and internal disciplinary procedures, leading to reviews by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and policy reforms advocated by groups like the NAACP.

Leadership and personnel

As of 2024, the Chief of Police is Axel Henry, who was appointed by Mayor Melvin Carter. The command staff includes several deputy chiefs overseeing various bureaus. The department employs approximately 578 sworn officers and 150 civilian staff. Recruitment and training are conducted in accordance with standards set by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The officers are represented by the Saint Paul Police Federation, which engages in collective bargaining with the City of Saint Paul.

Facilities and equipment

The department's headquarters is located at 367 Grove Street in the City Hall district. Other key facilities include the Western District station on Hamline Avenue and the Eastern District station on Maryland Avenue. The fleet includes marked and unmarked vehicles, with an increasing integration of hybrid electric vehicles. Officers are equipped with standard sidearms, conducted electrical weapons, and body-worn cameras. The department also utilizes technology such as automated license plate readers and ShotSpotter acoustic detection systems.

Category:Law enforcement agencies of Minnesota Category:Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:Police departments in the United States