Report Recommendation 5.7

The Saint Paul Police Department is one of three agencies in the state that conducts a professional 16-week academy for all new officers, followed by a rigorous field training program. These programs focus far beyond just the technical skills required to be a professional police officer. This training focuses on teaching the “Saint Paul Way” of policing and truly defines what it means to deliver “trusted service with respect”- the department’s mission.

The Saint Paul Police Department has an obligation to provide a professional standard of law enforcement service to the community. In fulfilling that responsibility, it is essential that department personnel are properly trained. This is true not only for new officers, who must receive basic training before taking on police responsibilities, but also for experienced officers throughout their careers. Training is provided to accommodate department needs, and to support the personal and professional development of its employees. Training throughout officers’ careers includes instruction on social interaction and situational de-escalation.