Saint Paul Police Department

From a one-room office to a force of over 800, the Saint Paul Police Department has a story to tell. The Saint Paul Police Department stands as a testament to the city’s evolving needs. Let’s explore its journey. The Saint Paul Police Department was established in 1854. This makes it the oldest police organization in Minnesota. In the early days, the officers didn’t even have a station. They relied on Fort Snelling’s brig to hold prisoners until the city built its own jail. Today, the Saint Paul Police Department is the second largest law enforcement agency in the state, second only to the Minneapolis Police Department. The department is led by Chief Axel Henry, the 42nd chief in its history. He was sworn in back in November 2022. Chief Henry oversees a force of about 575 sworn officers and roughly 225 civilian staff. The department is organized into four divisions, each playing a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of Saint Paul. The department’s history is not without its blemishes. During Prohibition, the SPPD faced significant corruption issues. In 1936, Chief Thomas Brown was fired for protecting notorious criminals like the Dillinger and Barker-Karpis gangs. More recently, in 2011, the elite Gang Strike Force was disbanded due to missing funds and property. The Saint Paul Police Department continues to adapt and evolve to the needs of a growing city. It’s a complex organization with a long and sometimes turbulent past. But through it all, it has remained a vital part of the fabric of Saint Paul.