In 2016, the City of Saint Paul appointed Chief Todd Axtell to lead the department. Chief Axtell has since committed to undertake a comprehensive review of department policy and oversight systems to ensure that procedures reflect community values and provide clear direction to officers.
21st Century Policing Recommendations
Report Recommendation 2.1
2.1
Law enforcement agencies should collaborate with community members to develop policies and strategies in communities and neighborhoods disproportionately affected by crime for deploying resources that aim to reduce crime by improving relationships, community engagement, and cooperation.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.2
2.2
Ensure comprehensive policies on the use of force that include training, investigations, prosecutions, data collection, and information sharing that are clear, concise, and openly available for public inspection.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.3
2.3
Implement non-punitive peer review of critical incidents separate from criminal and administrative investigations to the extent possible under current state law.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.4
2.4
Explore and study identification procedures that implement scientifically supported practices that eliminate or minimize presenter bias or influence.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.5
2.5
Publish public census data regarding the composition of department personnel, including race, gender, age, and other relevant demographic data.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.6
2.6
Collect, maintain, and analyze demographic data on detentions (stops, frisks, searches, summons, and arrests), disaggregated by school and non-school contacts.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.7
2.7
Create policies and procedures for policing mass demonstrations that employ a continuum of managed tactical resources designed to minimize the appearance of a military operation and avoid using provocative tactics and equipment that undermine civilian trust.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.8
2.8
Provide civilian oversight to meet the needs of that community.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.9
2.9
Refrain from requiring quotas for tickets, citations, arrests, or summonses, or to initiate investigative contacts with citizens for reasons not directly related to improving public safety, such as generating revenue.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.10
2.10
Ask for consent before a search and explain that a person has the right to refuse consent when there is no warrant or probable cause. Obtain written acknowledgement of consent to search.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.11
2.11
Law enforcement agencies should adopt policies requiring officers to identify themselves by their full name, rank, and command (as applicable) and provide that information in writing to individuals they have stopped. In addition, policies should require officers to state the reason for the stop and the reason for the search if one is conducted.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.12
2.12
Establish search and seizure procedures related to LGBTQ and transgender populations.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.13
2.13
Adopt and enforce policies prohibiting profiling and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, immigration status, disability, housing status, occupation, or language fluency.
View RecommendationReport Recommendation 2.14
2.14
The U.S. Department of Justice, through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and Office of Justice Programs, should provide technical assistance and incentive funding to jurisdictions with small police agencies that take steps towards shared services, regional training, and consolidation.
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