The Saint Paul Police Department has published this online policy manual as part of our commitment to transparency.
The online manual should be used for informational purposes only. Certain not public data have been redacted according to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, including sections 13.82 and 13.37. The Saint Paul Police Department manual is a living document that is updated and amended as needed, and the online manual will be updated to reflect current official policy. If there are differences between the online and official versions of department policies, the official version will take priority. Please contact the department for official versions of department policies. Thank you for viewing.
If you wish to provide feedback on the online version of this manual, please see our feedback form.
300.00 Organization and Functions
This general order will outline the organizational structure of the department. It defines the responsibilities and functions of the divisions, sections, units, and titled positions within the department.
-
The Office of the Chief of Police consists of:
- Chief of Police
- Internal Affairs
- Inspections
- Public Information Officer
- Chief of Staff (executive officer)
- Chief's Office Manager and Office Assistant
In addition to the above, the deputy chiefs of each division report directly to the Assistant Chief of Police.
The Chief's administrative team consists of:
- Assistant Chief of Police and executive officer
- Deputy Chiefs of Police
- Chief of Staff (executive officer)
Effective December 1, 2023
-
To maintain cooperation and liaison between the Saint Paul Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, the chief of police shall, as needed:
· Designate department representatives to attend the meetings of or otherwise participate in the programs of law enforcement organizations that operate concurrent with or adjacent to the boundaries of the City of Saint Paul.
· The representatives working with those organizations will brief the chief on items of interest to the department. The chief shall determine initiatives and actions they deem appropriate to pursue with any particular organization. Appropriate liaison shall be maintained with other law enforcement organizations as determined by the chief of police.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
In the absence of the chief of police, the assistant chief or a deputy chief appointed by the chief will be designated to assume the duties of the office. Such assignment will remain in effect during the absence of the chief of police, or the time specified by them. The person assuming command shall have all the power and responsibility of the chief of police, except in the following instances, unless specifically authorized by the chief of police:
- Selection and appointment of new personnel.
- Dismissals.
- Promotions.
- Demotions.
- Modification of rules, regulations, or departmental policies in non-emergencies.
In case of emergency when the chief is unable to designate the duties to the assistant chief or deputy chief, the mayor will temporarily appoint one to the position.
Updated January 14, 2019
-
The chief may, as needed, approve the creation of investigative task forces. The chief may also allow assignment of department personnel, equipment, or support to formal investigative task forces operated in whole or in part by adjoining agencies or agencies having concurrent law enforcement powers. In these situations the creation of or the assignment to a task force shall be governed by written directive(s).
The directive(s) shall include statements:
- Identifying the purpose of the task force.
- Defining authority and responsibilities.
- Establishing accountability.
- Identifying the resources available and their sources.
- Establishing how progress will be measured, results, evaluated, and the need for the continued existence or participation in the task force.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
(See General Orders 218.00, 230.00 - 230.30 for disciplinary procedures)
Workplace Conduct Policy (Harassment)
Disciplinary Procedures
Immediate Disciplinary Procedures
Employee’s Duty to Report Misconduct
Police-Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission (P.C.I.A.R.C.)
Employee’s Rights
Civil Service Rules -- Discipline
Conduct Unbecoming an Officer
Department Rules of Conduct
Drug and Alcohol Screening
The Saint Paul Police Department Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) is established as a staff function under the Office of the Assistant Chief. The IAU coordinates, supervises, and investigates complaints against the department or allegations of misconduct against members of the department. The IAU is also responsible for overseeing investigations delegated within the chain of command.
The Internal Affairs Unit exists to ensure the integrity of our department by prompt and thorough investigation of alleged or suspected personnel misconduct and policy or procedure violations. In doing so, the unit will:
- Conduct neutral investigations to seek the truth and establish a clear and detailed record of events
- Make recommendations to the Chief of Police for final investigation outcomes including: Unfounded, Exonerated, Not Sustained, Sustained, or Policy Failure
The Internal Affairs Unit will be responsible for the investigation of the following type of cases:
- All allegations by the public against department personnel involving misconduct or negligence of duty.
- All referrals from the Saint Paul Office of the Mayor, Saint Paul City Council, Office of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity, the State of Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and State of Minnesota Human Rights Department.
- Workplace misconduct allegations.
- All incidents alleging the use of excessive force, discrimination, racial profiling, improper procedure, improper conduct, and poor public relations.
- Administrative reviews related to critical incidents and all discharges of firearms.
Responsibility and Function:
The following structure should be maintained in the management of complaints:
1. Upon receipt of an alleged violation:
A. Refer it to an appropriate command for investigation; or
B. Make a preliminary investigation and then assign it to an appropriate command for completion; or
C. Make an independent investigation of the complaint; or
D. Refer to an outside agency for investigation in cases as approved by the Chief of Police
2. Notify the Assistant Chief of Police immediately of cases involving members of the department which allege:
A. Violations of law
B. Violations of human rights
C. All other serious acts of omission, commission, or misconduct
3. Assist SPPD command staff and supervisors engaged in complaint investigations:
A. Based upon the seriousness and nature of the alleged violation, the district or unit commander (where the complaint originated) may confer with the Internal Affairs commander about investigative assistance or for guidance.
The nature and source of allegations, the progress of internal affairs investigations, and the resulting materials are confidential information. The contents of internal investigation case files shall be securely retained in the Internal Affairs Unit. Only the Chief of Police, or their designee, is authorized to publicly release the details of an internal investigation or disciplinary action. It is an act of misconduct for Internal Affairs Unit staff to reveal investigative information to any person, regardless of rank, unless that person has an authorized right or need to know. Personnel assigned to Internal Affairs are prohibited from divulging any confidential information after transfer from the unit or separation from department employment.
When applicable, IAU personnel must adhere to the Minnesota Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statute 13.43.
Effective July 21, 2023
- Conduct neutral investigations to seek the truth and establish a clear and detailed record of events
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Inspection Unit is established as a staff function of the office of the chief. The inspection unit’s purpose is to increase organizational effectiveness and support change by analyzing the department’s culture, processes, and structure. Inspection personnel have no command authority over line operations.
Personnel:
The inspectors assigned to the unit are directly accountable to the unit head who answers directly to the chief of police.
Functions:
- Examines procedures and compliance. If changes in procedures are needed, this unit will submit necessary data explaining this need and also recommend possible remedial action to be taken.
- Examines the adequacies and deployment of department resources to maximize benefits and recommend what changes that may be necessary to eliminate identified deficiencies.
- Anticipate where deficiencies may develop.
- Inspectors will conduct unannounced inspections of the property storage areas.
- During these inspections security procedures and property accountability will receive primary attention. A random comparison of records and physical property will be the primary focus of these efforts but, a variety of activities should receive attention during successive spot inspections.
- The inspection supervisor or her/his designee, who is neither directly nor indirectly associated with any property held by the department. The requirement here is to ensure the integrity of the acquired property control system and does not specifically require an accounting for every item of property.
- Inspections will conduct an annual audit of items checked out of the property room for in-house use.
- Inspection unit will conduct quarterly money vault audits.
- Inspections unit will conduct an annual audit of all money received by the property room.
- Inspection unit will conduct a monthly property audit.
- Conduct staff inspections within all organizational components as directed by the chief of police.
- Major deficiencies noted will be addressed in writing to appropriate commanders with a follow-up date established, allowing enough time for commanders to correct deficiencies and submit a written report of corrective action taken, to their respective division assistant chief.
- Inspections will conduct quarterly audits of drugs and narcotics evidence that are to be destroyed.
- Inspections will conduct an audit of all firearms in the property room that have been marked for destruction and will witness the destruction.
- Inspections will inventory all monies from the property room held over 30 days and deposit these funds in the bank in the applicable City of Saint Paul accounts.
- Inspections will conduct random drug and alcohol screening tests of personnel assigned to hostage negotiation, special weapons and tactics (S.W.A.T.) team, and the bomb squad as directed by the chief. Testing may be done at scheduled training or inspection personnel may call-up the units.
- The inspection unit may provide one full-time driver for the mayor and relief drivers as needed.
- The inspection unit personnel will conduct random checks on off duty employment for compliance with off duty rules and regulations.
All other tasks as assigned by the chief of police.
Revised October 3, 2018
-
I. PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this policy to provide law enforcement officers in general, and officers assigned to the Criminal Intelligence Unit in particular, with guidelines and principles for the collection, analysis, and distribution of intelligence information.
II. POLICY
Information gathering is a fundamental and essential element in the all-encompassing duties of any law enforcement agency. When acquired, information is used to prevent crime, pursue and apprehend offenders, and obtain evidence necessary for prosecution of criminal activity. It is the policy of this agency to gather information directed toward specific individuals or organizations where there is reasonable suspicion (as defined in 28 CFR, Part 23, Section 23.3 (b)(3)(i)) that those individuals or organizations may be planning or engaging in criminal activity, to gather it with due respect for the rights of those involved, and to disseminate it only to authorized individuals as defined. While criminal intelligence may be assigned to specific personnel within the agency, all members of this agency are responsible for reporting information that may help identify criminal conspirators and perpetrators.
The policy contained herein is always intended to remain consistent with the current language of 28 CFR, Part 23.
III. DEFINITIONS
Actionable Intelligence. Information gleaned from a range of sources that enables decision makers-from agency leaders to field commanders-to take appropriate and timely action when faced with a security threat like an imminent attack, action, or event. The collection of critical information related to the targeted criminality that provides substantive insight into crime threats and identifies individuals for whom there is a reasonable suspicion of relationship to a crime. Actionable intelligence aims to find out what criminals are doing now as well as when and where they plan to do it.
Criminal Intelligence. Information compiled, analyzed and/or disseminated in an effort to anticipate, prevent, or monitor criminal activity. Criminal intelligence files consist of stored information on the activities and the associations of persons who are suspected of being involved in or having been involved in:
(a) The actual or attempted planning, organizing, financing or commission of criminal acts
or
(b) Criminal activities with known or suspected subjects.Strategic Intelligence. Information concerning existing patterns or emerging trends of criminal activity designed to assist in criminal apprehension and crime control strategies, for both short- and long-term investigative goals.
Tactical Intelligence. Information regarding a specific criminal event that can be used immediately by operational units to further a criminal investigation, plan tactical operations, and provide for officer safety.
Threshold for criminal intelligence. The threshold for collecting information and producing criminal intelligence shall be the "reasonable suspicion" standard in 28 CFR, Part 23, Section 23.3 (b)(3)(i).
IV. PROCEDURES
A. Mission
It is the mission of the Criminal Intelligence Unit to gather information from all sources in a manner consistent with the law and to analyze that information to provide tactical and/or strategic intelligence on the existence, identities, and capabilities of criminal suspects and/or groups, to further crime prevention and enforcement objectives/priorities identified by this agency.
1. Information gathering in support of the intelligence function is the responsibility of each member of this agency although specific assignments may be made as deemed necessary by the Commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit.
2. Information that implicates, suggests implication or complicity of any public official in criminal activity or corruption shall be immediately reported to the Deputy Chief of Community Engagement.B. Organization
The Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander’s primary responsibility is the direction of the Criminal Intelligence Unit; coordination of personnel; and collection, evaluation, collation, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information.
1. The Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander shall report directly to the Deputy Chief of Community Engagement.
2. To accomplish the goals of the intelligence function and conduct routine operations in an efficient and effective manner, the Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander shall ensure compliance with the policies, procedures, mission, and goals of the agency.C. Professional Standards
The Criminal Intelligence Unit is often confronted with the need to balance information-gathering requirements for law enforcement with the rights of individuals. To this end, members of this agency shall adhere to the following:
1. Information gathering for intelligence purposes shall be premised on circumstances that provide a reasonable suspicion (as defined in 28 CFR, Part 23, Section 23.3 (b)(3)(i)) that specific individuals or organizations may be planning or engaging in criminal activity.
2. Investigative techniques employed shall be lawful and only so intrusive as to gather sufficient information to prevent criminal conduct or the planning of criminal conduct.
3. The Criminal Intelligence Unit shall make every effort to ensure that information added to the criminal intelligence database is relevant to a current or on-going investigation and the product of dependable and trustworthy sources of information. A record shall be kept of the source of all information received and maintained by the intelligence unit.
4. Information gathered and maintained by this agency for intelligence purposes may be disseminated only to appropriate persons for legitimate law enforcement purposes in accordance with law and procedures established by this agency.D. Compiling Intelligence
1. Criminal Intelligence Unit investigations/files may be opened with the approval of a Criminal Intelligence Unit Sergeant or Commander with sufficient information and justification. This includes but is not limited to the following types of information.
a. subject, victim(s), and complainant as appropriate; summary of suspected criminal activity.
b. anticipated investigative steps to include proposed use of informants, photographic, or electronic surveillance.
c. resource requirements, including personnel, equipment, etc.
d. anticipated results; and
e. problems, restraints, or conflicts of interest.
2. Officers shall not retain official intelligence documentation for personal reference or other purposes but shall submit such reports and information directly to the Criminal Intelligence Unit.
3. Information gathering using confidential informants as well as electronic, photographic, and related surveillance devices shall be performed in a legally accepted manner and in accordance with procedures established for their use by this agency.
4. To prevent unauthorized knowledge of information all Criminal Intelligence Unit staff shall practice a “clear and secure desk policy” when absent from their workplace for an extended period of time. This will require securing sensitive material in locked containers and/or either logging off computer systems or locking their computer if not in immediate control of the information and/or computer system.E. Analysis
1. The Criminal Intelligence Unit shall establish and maintain a process to ensure that information gathered is subjected to review and analysis to derive its meaning and value.
2. Where possible, the above-described process should be accomplished by professional, trained analysts.
3. Analytic material (i.e., intelligence) shall be compiled and provided to authorized recipients as soon as possible where meaningful trends, patterns, methods, characteristics or intentions of criminal enterprises or individuals emerge.F. Receipt/Evaluation of Information
Upon receipt of information in any form, the Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander shall ensure that the following steps are taken:
1. Where possible, information shall be evaluated with respect to reliability of source and validity of content. While evaluation may not be precise, this assessment must be made to the degree possible in order to guide others in using the information. A record shall be kept of the source of all information where known.
2. Reports and other investigative material and information received by this agency shall remain the property of the originating agency but may be retained by this agency. Such reports and other investigative material and information shall be maintained in confidence, and no access shall be given to another agency except with the consent of the originating agency.
3. Information having relevance to active cases or that requires immediate attention shall be forwarded to the responsible investigative unit or other personnel as soon as possible.
4. Analytic material shall be compiled and provided to authorized sources as soon as possible where meaningful trends, patterns, methods, characteristics, or intentions of criminal suspects and/or groups emerge.G. File Status
Intelligence file status will be classified as either "open" or "closed," in accordance with the following:
1. Open
Intelligence files that are actively being worked will be designated as "Open." In order to remain open, officers working such cases must update intelligence status reports covering case developments at least every 180 days.2. Closed
"Closed" intelligence files are those in which investigations have been completed, where all logical leads have been exhausted, or where no legitimate law enforcement interest is served. All closed files must include a final case summary report prepared by or with the authorization of the lead investigator.H. Classification/Security of Intelligence
1. Intelligence files will be classified in order to protect sources, investigations, and individual's rights to privacy, as well as to provide a structure that will enable this agency to control access to intelligence. These classifications shall be reevaluated whenever new information is added to an existing intelligence file.
a. Restricted
"Restricted" intelligence files include those that contain information that could adversely affect an on-going investigation, create safety hazards for officers, informants, or others and/or compromise their identities. Restricted intelligence may only be released by approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee to authorized law enforcement agencies with a need and a right to know.b. Confidential
"Confidential" intelligence is less sensitive than restricted intelligence. It may be released to agency personnel when a need and a right to know has been established by the Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander or his/her designee.c. Unclassified
"Unclassified" intelligence contains information from the news media, public records, and other sources of a topical nature. Access is limited to officers conducting authorized investigations that necessitate this information. This information may be disseminated to individuals outside the department with the approval of the Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander or his/her designee.d. Law Enforcement Sensitive
“Law Enforcement Sensitive” (LES) contains unclassified information of a sensitive nature, not otherwise categorized by statute or regulation, the unauthorized disclosure of which could adversely impact a person's privacy or welfare. LES data can only be shared with licensed police officers.e. For Official Use Only
“For Official Use Only” (FOUO) contains information that shall not be released to the media or general public. This document may contain data classified as confidential, nonpublic, and/or private data. Any release of this information could adversely affect or jeopardize investigative
activities. FOUO data can only be shared with government employees with a need to know the data.
2. All restricted and confidential files shall be secured, and access to all intelligence information shall be controlled and recorded by procedures established by the Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander.
a. Informant files shall be maintained separately from intelligence files.
b. Intelligence files shall be maintained in accordance with state and federal law.
c. Release of intelligence information in general and electronic surveillance information and photographic intelligence, in particular, to any authorized law enforcement agency shall be made only with the express approval of the Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander and with the stipulation that such intelligence not be duplicated or otherwise disseminated without the approval of the Saint Paul Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander. All files released under freedom of information provisions or through disclosure shall be carefully reviewed.I. Auditing and Purging Files
1. The Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander is responsible for ensuring that files are maintained in accordance with the goals and objectives of the intelligence authority and include information that is both timely and relevant. To that end, all intelligence files shall be audited and purged on an annual basis as established by the agency Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander through an audit by the Inspections Unit.
2. When a file has no further information value and/or meets the criteria of any applicable law, it shall be destroyed.
Updated: January 25, 2022 -
The Digital Forensic Lab is committed to performing unbiased forensic analysis of digital devices/evidence – which includes identifying, preserving, analyzing, and documenting such evidence – in an accurate, precise, reliable, and timely manner. The Digital Forensic Lab operates under the direction of the Criminal Intelligence Unit Commander who reports to the Deputy Chief of the Community Engagement Division.
Access
The Digital Forensic Lab is secured by access control technology. Only those authorized by the Chief of Police or his/her designee will be allowed access. No unescorted access to the Digital Forensics Lab will be allowed.
Digital Examiner
A Digital Forensic Examiner is a police officer/civilian employee who is authorized to examine digital evidence in assigned case work. Contingent on training and authorization, the duties of an examiner may include the following:
- Perform extraction and recovery of digital data from electronic devices.
- Write impartial reports with details pertaining to the extraction and/or recovery of digital data.
- Respond to on-scene incident call outs and assist police personnel in identifying devices that may contain evidence.
- Provide expert testimony in court.
- Provide training and mentor guidance to new personnel.
- Ensure hardware, software and equipment is in proper working conditions.
- Validate and/or performance-check software and hardware to be used for forensic casework.
Digital Forensic Analysis Limitations
The ability to identify, preserve, and analyze digital evidence can be limited due to variations in digital data storage systems, as well as due variables such as hardware/software limitations.
Submission of Evidence
All evidence to be examined must be submitted as outlined in General Order 306.02 - Digital Forensic Lab Submission Procedure.
Digital Forensic Lab Examinations
Digital Forensic Lab personnel will utilize the Digital Forensic Lab Request database to determine what device/evidence has been requested to be examined.
Digital Forensic Lab personnel will consider the order in which requests are fulfilled based upon factors such as the threat to life/safety, threat to property, and/or severity of crime.
Prior to obtaining any digital device/evidence for examination, Digital Forensic Lab personnel will ensure the proper paperwork (lab request form, chain of evidence documentation, and signed search warrant, consent form or other court order) has been submitted prior to taking possession of the item(s).
- Exception – An exception may be made in an instance where there may be a need for immediate analysis and circumstances may not require the need for a search warrant, consent form or other court order (e.g. abandoned property, deceased owner, etc.). In such instances, lab personnel may take direct possession of the device/evidence following established chain of custody documentation procedures (i.e. Evidence Manager).
Digital Forensic Lab personnel will obtain the requested item(s) from the property room following chain of custody protocols. Upon receiving the evidence from Property Room personnel, Lab personnel shall immediately ensure the item(s) are properly labeled and sealed. If an existing seal is observed to be broken at the time of receipt, the item should be rejected.
- Exception – If the submitted item(s) has a broken seal or does not have a seal due to its size or type/lack of packaging (e.g. computer tower, server, etc), it may still be received – however, the state of the item/package shall be noted in a report.
Upon taking possession of the item(s) from Property Room staff, Lab personnel shall immediately return with the item(s) to the Digital Forensic Lab where most, if not all, forensic examinations of the device/data shall take place. If the examination is to be prolonged due to the necessity to await forensic processes, this shall be documented in a police report.
- In instances where the Digital Forensic Lab personnel are unable to retrieve potential evidence due to varying limitations (e.g. hardware/software capabilities) and there is a need to bring the device/evidence to an outside entity, the device/evidence shall remain in the custody of lab personnel until the outside examination is complete. Upon completion, lab personnel should immediately return the device/evidence to the Digital Forensic Lab and/or Property Room following established chain of custody protocols.
Lab personnel should be aware of their personal safety during any device examinations. Potential safety hazards may include electricity, sharp edges on devices, biohazards amongst other hazards. Proper steps should be taken to ensure personal safety.
Documentation
A police report will be written upon the completion of an examination of an item, no matter if any evidence is recovered or not. Digital Forensic Lab personnel will update the Digital Forensic Lab database to include all required fields upon the completion of the examination.
Property
Upon the completion of the examination the item that was examined will be removed from the Digital Forensic Lab and immediately returned to the Property Room following chain of custody protocols.
If evidence was recovered during the examination a copy of that evidence will be turned into the Property Room following chain of custody protocols (See GO 439.02 Submitting Property/Evidence). If the recovered evidence is unable to be placed into evidence (e.g. amount of data is extremely large), the Commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit shall be notified. The reasons for the inability to place into evidence and the location of the evidence shall be documented in a police report
Administrative Review
Twice a year the Commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit will conduct an administrative review of the Digital Forensics Lab. This review will include but not be limited to:
- Compliance with GO 306.02 Digital Forensic Lab Submission Procedure
- Audit of evidence located in the Digital Forensic Lab
- Audit of police reports written for all examination requests
- Audit of evidence procedures and submissions
Any discrepancies will be reported to the Deputy Chief of Community Engagement immediately.
Updated: January 19, 2022
-
A procedure for requesting the processing, recovery and analysis of digital evidence by the S Digital Forensic Lab has been established to guide police department personnel requesting such evidence.
Should digital analysis of an item be desired, the following procedure will be adhered to:
• All digital devices/evidence needing to be forensically examined shall be turned into the Property Room using the Evidence Manager and assigned an item number. In rare instances, a digital device/evidence may go directly to the Digital Forensic Lab for immediate processing. Even if there is immediate need for analysis, all devices/evidence must be entered into Evidence Manager before the Digital Forensic Lab will conduct any analysis on the item(s).o The Digital Forensic Lab will retrieve the digital device/evidence from the Property Room when they are ready to process it.
o If the item to be examined is not St. Paul PD property/evidence, the requesting person will need to document the reasons for that in a police report.• Complete the Digital Forensic Lab Request Form (Smartsheet) that is located on the Intranet under Forms. Each item needing to be examined will need a separate form completed. No evidence shall be examined without a corresponding Digital Forensic Lab Request for the item.
o When completing the Digital Forensic Lab Request Form, the requesting officer must complete all the mandatory fields.
• All Digital Forensic Lab Request Forms must be accompanied by a signed search warrant, signed consent form or other court order unless certain circumstances exist in which none of the above forms are required ( e.g. abandoned property, deceased owner, etc.).
• The Digital Forensic Lab will submit any newly developed evidence into the Property Room after proper documentation (using Evidence Manager and writing a police report).
The Digital Forensic Lab will not accept any devices for an examination without a Digital Forensic Lab Request Form, proper chain of evidence documentation (Evidence Manager when appropriate), and a signed search warrant, signed consent form or other court order unless certain circumstances exist that do not require a search warrant, consent form or other court order to process the device/evidence (e.g. abandoned property, deceased owner, etc.). No Exceptions.
Updated: January 28, 2022 -
(See General Orders 470.00: V.I.P. Security Plan, and 475.00: Covert Operation Plans)
The Special Investigations Unit (S.I.U.) is a support unit. There are two sections of S.I.U, the operational and the technical.
The operational section of S.I.U. supports criminal investigations through the apprehension of individuals associated with criminal activity. This section also provides tactical intelligence support and surveillance needs.
S.I.U. also has a technical component which provides basic digital forensics for the police department.
The S.I.U. is supervised by Senior Commander of the Homicide/Robbery Unit who is responsible for the administration and coordination of the unit. They are accountable to the deputy chief of the major crimes division.
S.I.U. provides operational investigative support.
The responsibilities of the S.I.U. shall include but not limited to the following:
- Apprehend individuals associated with criminal activities
- Support criminal investigations through case support and intelligence dissemination
- Conduct criminal investigations as assigned
- Provide technical assistance and execute search warrants
- Assist with the coordination and planning of V.I.P. protection details as requested (G.O. 470.00) and assist when requested by the S.W.A.T. or S.O.U. commanders
- Liaison with federal, state, and local police agencies conducting enforcement activities within the City of Saint Paul
- Digital media reviews by trained staff in forensics related to computers and cell phones
Compiling Intelligence:
All data received shall be evaluated by S.I.U. personnel for accuracy, creditability and appropriateness to the S.I.U. function. Questionable information shall be further reviewed by the S.I.U. unit head for a final determination of its value and appropriateness. S.I.U. personnel shall periodically reevaluate information received from other agencies by contacting the supplying agency to update and verify the accuracy of the information received.
Criminal intelligence is information compiled, analyzed and/or disseminated to anticipate, prevent, or monitor criminal activity
The S.I.U. shall coordinate the dissemination of criminal intelligence data with the Crime Analysis Unit to ensure there is no duplication. The S.I.U will focus on immediate public safety data needs for the department. The following procedures will be adhered to:
- S.I.U. personnel receiving requests for criminal intelligence data from outside agencies will ensure that the requesting party is a validated law enforcement agent. If it’s not an immediate need the agency will be referred to the data practices portal and/or the specific unit investigator to follow-up.
- Criminal intelligence developed by S.I.U. shall be forwarded to the appropriate department unit which has responsibility for the substance of the intelligence (e.g. homicide, robbery, burglary, etc). Criminal intelligence of general immediate significance to all law enforcement personnel shall be broadly disseminated to all department units through all available resources, including but not limited to bulletins, roll call notices, special communications, emergency communication center facilities, etc.
- S.I.U will deconflict with the Crime Analysis Unit (C.A.U.) and S.O.U to ensure duplication efforts are not happening. It should be noted that S.I.U. will disseminate immediate safety concerns whereas the C.A.U. and S.O.U have standardized daily, weekly, monthly reports with limited immediate concerns.
Tactical Intelligence Functions:
The S.I.U. unit provides tactical intelligence.
Tactical Intelligence: Information regarding a specific criminal event that can be used immediately by operational units to further a criminal investigation, plan tactical operations and provide for officer safety.
Tactical intelligence functions held by S.I.U. personnel will include:
- Conduct surveillance operations of suspected criminals and/or criminal activities
- Provide tactical assistance to other department investigative units upon request
- Provide tactical assistance to other law enforcement agencies upon request
- Apprehend individuals associated with criminal activities
- Information gathering from sources, including but not limited to informants, outside law enforcement agencies/officers, law enforcement databases, and open source platforms
- Cell phone and/or social media warrant execution and data collection
- Maintain and deploy covert/overt surveillance equipment
- Liaison with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for the purposes of intelligence collection, dissemination, and intelligence requests
Disseminate intelligence and other public safety-related data obtained from within the department and other law enforcement agencies
The S.I.U. shall assist any unit within the department to the extent feasible, restricted only by the limited resources of the S.I.U. All reasonable requests shall be responded to without delay.
The S.I.U. shall conduct covert investigations as deemed appropriate by the S.I.U unit head to assist the tactical intelligence function and to provide support to other departmental units. (See General Order 475.00: Covert Operation Plans.)
Revised September 27, 2019
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Code Enforcement Unit is a resource led by an Investigative Commander under the direction of the District Chief. Daily operations of the unit are supervised by a sergeant.
Rationale:
The Saint Paul Police Department recognizes the negative and pervasive influence that problem properties have on the quality of life in our community. The Department also recognizes that illegal behavior and related activities are a social phenomenon that requires a coordinated response between our police officers, our public, and other local resources. District Code Enforcement is designed to support unsheltered persons and combine resources to proactively address problems related to drug use and quality of life concerns through a variety of strategies.
Objective:
To combine the elements of patrol, an environmental housing inspector, our public, and other related agencies and programs, to successfully interdict problem properties and inappropriate behaviors. By working closely with our public and other city agencies, code enforcement officers will work to reduce both the level of crime and the opportunities for such crimes to occur.
Functions:
· Investigate cases involving problem properties and interview complainants and witnesses to quality-of-life concerns.
· Assist the patrol divisions on calls for service, especially situations involving problem properties, unsheltered persons, and related behavioral activities.
· Assist other units and agencies on investigations as determined by Unit leadership.
· Develop a close working relationship with the community and respond to their concerns promptly, courteously, and efficiently.
· Maintain files and necessary records.
· To respond quickly to a variety of events and situations that requires police intervention.
· To build police-community partnerships to combat crime by fostering and encouraging police and community outreach.
It shall be the responsibility of the Code Enforcement Unit to coordinate their strategies with whatever city, county, or private agencies that are appropriate in furtherance of their mission.
Effective January 26, 2024
-
The Saint Paul Police Research and Development Unit have the basic responsibility for staff work essential to the development of departmental policies and procedures. It also serves as the grant writing unit for the department. The unit generates and submits grants and then administers awarded grants. In addition, this unit is responsible for crime analysis and compiles departmental statistics into printouts which are used by management and line units as an aid in decision making. This unit is also responsible for publishing analysis of this material and other non-statistical information as determined by management for their use in formulating plans both short and long-term.
Functions:
The unit serves in a staff capacity by completing and consolidating into standard developmental programs and procedures, those planning projects providing for operational alternatives.
- Design, approve and control all departmental forms, and expunges forms as they become obsolete.
- Conduct surveys, studies, and other detailed analysis for department use.
- Provide for the compilation, preparation of the department s annual activity report and other reports necessary for effective management practices.
- Conduct follow-up analysis of plans previously adopted and currently operational and evaluates results for the purpose of making adjustments and improvements where necessary.
- Prepare weekly felony warrant, crime mapping, and district council reports.
- Prepare periodic reports of year-to-date comparisons: Part I and part II offense comparisons and analysis; updates of offenses and case number figures in all files; prepares semi-annual analysis report of operational activities, typically including the following: type of activity, location, time and date. Distribute reports to the appropriate units or persons.
- Distribute administrative and analytical reports and publications to appropriate unit commanders, unit heads, management team staff, city department managers, press and citizen groups as deemed appropriate and allowed by law.
- Utilize all available data in formulating crime analysis reports, to include the following factors: frequency of crime; geographical factors; chronological factors; victim, target, suspect and vehicle descriptors; modus operandi factors; and physical evidence information.
- Reference the following source documents for crime analysis: offense reports, domestic assault reports, crime trend mapping data, the Saint Paul Police Department database, and CAD data.
- Conduct periodic surveys of crime analysis products to evaluate usefulness.
- Maintain the police department manual.
- Maintain mapping software, update mapping database, creates maps to identify trends, problem areas, and areas of interest for reports and inquiries.
- Other duties as assigned by the administrative team.
Supervision:
The personnel in the unit report directly to the commander of technology and research who reports directly to the assistant chief of support services and administration. The commander will ensure that staff members maintain an efficient and effective working relationship with members of the management team, unit heads, district commanders, technology unit and records unit as the combined work is closely related. The commander is responsible for the preparation of working schedules, review and action of complaints, recommendations, etc. The commander is further responsible for the establishment of job priorities, assuring that daily, monthly, and special reports are completed on a timely basis.
Revised June 7, 2016
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Technology Development & Implementation Unit is in charge of processing all false alarms.
Responding officer(s) are required to document alarm calls in an incident report in the Records Management System (RMS). The report must include the exact address of the alarm and details of the circumstance along with other required information (see G.O. 469.00). A false alarm means the activation of an alarm system which is intended to summon a police response by the alarm system user, owner, designated contact person or person in control of the premises on which the alarm system is placed, through intentional misuse, mechanical failure or malfunction, improper installation, maintenance or supervision, or negligence.
Information from these reports is then entered by personnel in the research and development within the technology development & implementation unit, into the City of Saint Paul Electronic Computerized License, Inspection and Permit System (ECLIPS). This database generates invoices to licensees for false alarms. Charges are generated on the following basis: A warning will be issued by the city for the first violation in a calendar year. Fees will be assessed for more than one false alarm. The fees are as follows: $75 for the second false alarm, $100 for the third, $200 for the fourth, $300 for the fifth, $400 for the sixth and $500 for the seventh and every false alarm thereafter. Saint Paul’s fees are based on a fee schedule imposed by city ordinance.
The alarm unit is able to generate a report that shows what accounts have had an excessive amount of calls for false alarms. Licensees with questions or concerns are explained the city ordinance and may be referred to the department of safety & inspections.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
The Saint Paul Police Fiscal Affairs Unit, under the direction of the assistant chief, shall provide planning and budget support to the divisions, sections and units of the department and shall be responsible for the purchasing, and fiscal management functions. The unit is also responsible for the coordination of the annual operating budget, supervision of internal expenditures and internal controls, and shall maintain liaison with the City of Saint Paul Office of Financial Services. The unit head is directly responsible to the assistant chief.
Unit Functions:
- Advise as to the financial status of the department.
- Maintain liaison with other units of city government as required.
- Supervise the purchasing process.
- Conduct the necessary correspondence connected with the purchasing and accounting process.
- Apprise the various units of the department, as well as the chief, assistant chief and deputy chiefs of the status of the unit budgets.
- Maintain the necessary records and files in connection with the purchasing, budgeting, and accounting processes.
- Conduct other such duties as directed.
- Review financial records of associated agencies such as reserves.
- Review and audits petty cash funds and procedures.
- Advice department managers on proper accounting controls and procedures carried out by the units.
- Intergovernmental billings
- Cash receipts
- Accounts receivables dunning letters
- Council resolutions
Updated January 14, 2019
-
Budgeting:
The department’s annual operating budget shall be developed in coordination with all unit heads as provided in General Order 193.17: Budgeting.
The fiscal affairs unit manager shall be responsible to inform, assist, and provide the assistant chief with the schedule, procedures, and guidelines related to the budget preparation process. Unit heads shall prepare and submit written recommendations based on operational and activity analysis for use in development of the department’s budgets to their respective deputy chief who will make recommendations to the assistant chief of police. These recommendations shall include an assessment of present personnel, equipment and funds. Annually, the assistant chief will present these recommendations to the chief of police as part of the budget preparations for the city budget process.
The Saint Paul Police Department Fiscal Affairs Unit is responsible for providing monthly reports classifying each appropriation and expenditure by function, organizational component, activity and object. To insure fiscal integrity a report shall be made monthly to the assistant chief of police, division deputy chiefs and unit heads giving the status of expenditures for each program history and any exceptions to the spending plan or appropriations. This monthly report will include but is not limited to the following data: initial appropriation for each program/account, balances at the beginning of each month, expenditures and encumbrances made during the period and the unencumbered balance.
Inventory Control:
A complete perpetual listing of all capital property, equipment and miscellaneous assets is maintained in the City of Saint Paul Office of Financial Services. Annually the Fiscal Affairs unit, utilizing this listing, oversees an annual inventory of property under the control of the police department. During this process each unit shall receive a printout listing all items of property assigned to it. All units shall conduct a physical check of each item in the inventory to verify its continued assignment. Upon completion of this inventory the printout will be returned to the fiscal affairs unit for corrections, additions or deletions. The responsible unit head’s signature and phone number shall be affixed to the first page and initials thereafter denoting the accuracy of the inventory.
Internal Monitoring:
The fiscal affairs unit is responsible for continuous monitoring of the department’s non-cash fiscal activities. Discrepancies shall be reported to the assistant chief. Internal audits concerning police operations may be requested by the chief of police at their discretion.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
Minnesota Statute 471.345 and the City of Saint Paul's purchasing procedures are formal procedures and guidelines for controlling purchasing of the department's supplies, equipment, and contracts for service. The City of Saint Paul's purchasing procedures can be accessed on the City of Saint Paul's intranet web site.
Purchases of supplies and equipment and contracts for services will be accomplished in accordance with the city's purchasing procedures and Minnesota statutes. All purchases of supplies, equipment, and contracts for services from grants must be in accordance with federal and/or state grant rules, policies, and procedures.
Food cannot be purchased until a council resolution is approved. The unit commander or unit head must contact the fiscal affairs unit at least one month prior to food purchases. All unit commanders or unit heads must complete a professional service contract before any catered food is purchased.
Requests for supplies and equipment must be authorized by the unit commander or unit head on the appropriate procurement card, master contract, purchase requisition, or travel request form. Unit commanders or unit heads are responsible for insuring sufficient funds are available for their requests and are responsible for providing all information and specifications required to properly order the merchandise.
Operating supplies and/or equipment costing $2,500 or less may be ordered by the unit commander or unit head with a procurement card as the authorization for purchase unless a City vendor is being used. Unit commanders or unit heads must check with Fiscal Affairs on whether a vendor is considered a City vendor.
The appropriate state sales tax and shipping cost must be included in the total cost. The unit commander or unit head must insure that the best price has been obtained on all items ordered.
Operating supplies and/or equipment exceeding $2,500 must be ordered by using a master contract or a purchase requisition. If a master contract does not exist, a purchase requisition input form must be completed by the unit commander or unit head, signed by the division head, and then submitted to the fiscal affairs unit for approval. The unit commander or unit head is responsible for providing all the necessary specifications and information on the purchase requisition input form. Suggested vendors may be provided by the unit commander or unit head. Requests for sole-source vendors must be justified as the only provider of the supplies and/or equipment needed.
Requests for travel and training must be submitted to the chief of police on the appropriate travel request forms after receiving approval from the unit commander or unit head, training commander, and division commander. Travel request forms approved by the chief of police are submitted to the training unit for processing. All requests for travel and training expenses must be made in accordance with the City of Saint Paul's travel policy.
Travel expenses cannot be reimbursed to or paid for a non-city (Saint Paul) employee until a council resolution is approved. The unit commander or unit head must contact the fiscal affairs unit at least one month before the non-city employee travel date.
Professional services (i.e. one-time instructors) must not be ordered until a professional service contract is completed. The City of Saint Paul's policies for professional services must be followed for all contracts. The unit commander or unit head must insure the best price has been obtained for the services provided. Professional service contracts for more than $2,500 must be done through the City of Saint Paul's purchasing department. All professional service contracts must be processed through the fiscal affairs unit for signature routing.
Vendors must send an invoice to the unit commander or unit head for all items purchased. Upon receipt of the merchandise or services, the unit commander or unit head must verify that the invoice is correct by signing and dating the invoice and indicating the budget code and purchasing authority number used for the purchases. The signed invoice is then sent to the unit commanders or unit heads accounts payable person for payment. Invoices for grant purchases must be submitted to the fiscal affairs unit for payment.
The unit commander or unit head may submit reimbursement requests that are under $75 to the chief's office by using the appropriate petty cash form. Original receipts will be required for all reimbursements under the department's petty cash fund. The budget code(s) must be included on the original receipt. It is the unit commander's or unit head's responsibility to verify that funds are available in the appropriate budget code(s) used for all petty cash reimbursements.
Updated January 14, 2019
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Support Services and Administration Division is responsible for the daily operation of the department. This division includes the following units and sections: technology development & implementation (technology, video management, research & development, crime analysis), human resources (backgrounds), property and evidence (impound lot, property room, central supply, records), forensic services, training (PDI/Academy, range, health and wellness,), building maintenance, capital improvement budget, emergency management, fleet, and employee assistance program.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
Under the administrative direction of the assistant chief of police, the deputy chief of Support Services and Administration Division has executive charge of the personnel and units under her/his command. The duties include the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Report directly to the chief of police and submit oral and written reports to the assistant chief on activities, plans and problems.
- Direct and controls units assigned to the support services and administration division on a 24-hour basis.
- Develop long-range plans with the unit heads for the effective delivery of services provided by their units.
- Develop budgets which represent the financial resources needed by units in the division to accomplish their goals and objectives during the budget cycle.
- Develop realistic performance standards for personnel within the division and evaluate the results produced by those individuals on a continuous basis.
- Stay abreast of unit plans and programs and submit reports to the assistant chief of police which assess the effectiveness of those activities in the community and department.
- Provide administrative guidance to develop members assigned to the division by delegating authority and responsible assignments at every opportunity.
- Responsible for the efficiency of and discipline of all employees in the division.
- Coordinate unit planning efforts and review plans and proposals submitted by staff.
- Delegate administrative tasks to the unit heads for the purpose of developing managerial skill and potential.
- Investigate complaints about service or personnel within the division.
- Decide on discipline, transfers, assignments, and make recommendations for dismissal of personnel within the division.
- Direct and complete performance reviews on personnel in the division and assure uniformity of the ratings among the units within the division.
- Meet and confer with business, civic, fraternal, religious, political leaders and media to keep abreast of community interests and trends.
- Conduct staff meetings to exchange information and to facilitate planning efforts of all assigned units affecting the delivery of service and long-range planning for the department.
- Oversee the activities of division employees performing diverse functions in support of the police department mission.
- Ensure the provision of essential services to the citizens, other city agencies and the members of the Saint Paul Police Department.
- Respond directly to citizens and other interested parties having complaints or information about the quality of services from division personnel.
Assume the duties of the assistant chief of police when designated.
.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
This function is under the direct supervision of the Community Partnerships Unit commander.
Rationale:
The Saint Paul Police Department is committed to the development and perpetuation of community crime prevention programs. The department recognizes that crime is a social phenomenon that requires a coordinated response involving both the community and the police department in order to be successful.
Objective:
Police officers and crime prevention staff will perform residential and commercial security surveys in an attempt to show what steps could be taken to make homes and businesses more crime resistant. The crime prevention staff will also be involved in the education of businesses and the community through presentations and other educational opportunities.
Functions:
Crime prevention services will include surveying. Residential and commercial security surveys will be conducted by crime prevention staff upon request or referral by members of the department.
Crime prevention outreach done by the department staff routinely includes, but is not limited to:
- Community festivals
- Safety fairs
- Residential building events
- Neighborhood groups
- National Night Out
- Special events sponsored by community groups, churches, and businesses
- Training, follow-up, assistance in Crime Free Multi-Housing
- Inter-governmental events
Department hosted training sessions
Full-time staff for crime prevention education is assigned to the Community Engagement Division and is expected to provide department personnel and community members with all resources available to further the education of the public on topics of prevention and safety.
Resources available for the crime prevention function:
- Printed material for distribution by officers at scenes of crimes or by crime prevention staff at meetings, seminars, surveys, etc.
- Video presentations for crime prevention presentations or in-service training, maintained by the crime prevention unit.
- Explorer post members.
- District police officers.
- Neighborhood groups.
- Media attention.
A list of foreign language and sign specialists is a required resource for the unit.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
The impound lot is intended to provide a secure facility for the storage of vehicles, bicycles or other larger or dangerous items which come into the custody of the department as found, recovered, is evidence of a crime, or property held for safe keeping for the owner who, for example, may be rendered incapacitated as a result of a motor vehicle crash.
The manager in charge of this unit shall be responsible and accountable for control of all property accepted by or stored in the impound lot storage area. S/he reports to the commander of the property and evidence section.
Functions:
- Facilitate proper disposition of vehicles in a timely fashion and whenever possible within six months.
- Conduct auctions of unclaimed or unwanted vehicles.
- Maintain records as required for its operation (General Order 445.00: Towing and Storage Procedures/Authority). Whenever a new unit supervisor is appointed s/he and her/his predecessor shall jointly conduct an inventory of vehicles to ensure that records are correct. This inventory should consist of a sufficient sampling to guarantee the integrity of the system and accountability of vehicles.
Revised June 6, 2016
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Property and Evidence Unit is headed by a commander and consist of the following units: records, property room, central supply, and impound lot. The functions and responsibilities of these units are described under the individual units.
The property evidence section commander has responsibility for the property and evidence management functions performed by the units under their control including the accountability, issuance and maintenance of agency owned and acquired property. In accord with this responsibility, they shall conduct documented biannual inspections to ensure:
- That compliance with department regulations and applicable statutory requirements regarding property and evidence management is being maintained and that all property under their control is being protected from damage and/or deterioration.
Determine disposition of unclaimed property.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Building Maintenance is comprised of non-sworn personnel whose primary task is the upkeep and maintenance of the buildings and grounds occupied and utilized by the department. The supervisor of building maintenance is responsible for the satisfactory condition of these facilities and for the performance and supervision of their assigned personnel. They are directly responsible to the executive officer of the support services and administration division.
Functions:
Provide custodial and maintenance services as directed.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
The communications services and maintenance unit is comprised of non-sworn personnel whose primary task is to provide the technical expertise required to maintain the department’s communications systems and outfit department vehicles with emergency and communications equipment. The Communication Service and Maintenance Supervisor directs the unit and is responsible to ensure that the unit is properly staffed. They report to the Fleet Sergeant.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
Organization:
The Saint Paul Police Department Records Unit is the principal repository for all police department data collected by the department. It will be staffed and accessible for all department personnel 24 hours a day. The public will have access to the records unit during regularly established hours set by the commander of the property and evidence section.
Supervision:
Direct supervision of personnel assigned to the records unit is provided by the records unit manager. The manager is directly accountable to the commander of the property and evidence section.
Function:
The basic function of the records unit is to provide and maintain a repository of all reports and other department data received into the unit. These documents might be information regarding criminal offenses, complaints, investigations, or services performed by the police department.
The records unit will also ensure transparency in records management and that the public is provided access to public data in a timely manner.
Responsibilities:
It is the responsibility of the records unit to receive, compile, file, and otherwise manage the information outlined in the ‘Function’ section above. It will be the responsibility of the unit manager and section commander to ensure that appropriate internal policies and procedures are established to serve the information needs of the department in a timely manner.
Revised August 25, 2017
-
Supervision:
The review officers (records management specialists) are accountable to the manager of the records unit.
Function:
- To review all reports and other documentation submitted to the records unit. That review should ensure that reports and other documents are complete and accurate. In addition, the review officers are responsible to send Report Rejection Notices to those individuals whose reports need further action or are missing entirely.
Establish necessary policies and procedures to ensure that records information is collected and disseminated in a timely fashion.
Revised August 25, 2017
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Technology Unit operates in conjunction with the city Office of Technology and communications (OTC) to develop and maintains all computer-oriented applications and equipment within the department.
Supervision:
The unit is under the supervision of the technology Commander. The employees assigned to technology are responsible for maintaining a working relationship with the City of Saint Paul Office of Technology and Communication (OTC), Ramsey County Emergency Operations Center (RCECC) and the State of Minnesota Criminal Justice Information System, all of which are integral parts of our overall departmental operation. The employees are also responsible for the personnel administration of the unit establishment of job priorities, the evaluation of computer-related hardware, requests for new programs, ongoing program and systems evaluation, appropriate application of all property/evidence of a data processing nature which is to be converted to department use, and overall maintenance of software and hardware.
Technology Unit Staff:
The technology unit staff is comprised of both sworn police personnel and civilian personnel. The unit is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and upgrading of computer systems, software, and hardware. The staff will work with outside vendors on design and development of software for department use. This includes the use of a backup system for department files. Staff will evaluate current operating systems, procedures, and equipment and make recommendations for the proper maintenance, replacement or upgrading of those systems and equipment. Staff will provide, arrange for, or work with Saint Paul Police Department staff to provide training on software and hardware on applications in use in the department. OTC staff will provide service desk services, a PC replacement
program, and maintenance of laptops, support for a wireless network for the Saint Paul Police Department, and contracted police departments.
Revised April 27, 2018 -
The manager of the Saint Paul Police Department Fleet Unit is responsible for the acquisition, outfitting, coordination of maintenance and disposition of all department-owned vehicles.
Functions:
- Coordinates the repair of department vehicles.
- Maintains records on each vehicle, including cost of gas, oil, labor and materials for repair and depreciation.
Maintains records necessary for the efficient management of the department fleet.
Revised August 25, 2017
-
The City of Saint Paul contracts for dispatch services with the Ramsey County Emergency Communication Center (RCECC).
The RCECC Manager of Emergency Communications is responsible for the management and efficient operation of the RCECC.
Functions:
- Answer 911, non-emergency and administrative lines for police, fire, and EMS agencies in Ramsey County that are served by the center.
- Enter calls for service for police, fire, EMS services, and dispatch personnel.
- Receive and query information requests from local, state, and national databases for the agencies served by the center.
- Process towed vehicle requests.
- Enter and delete stolen/recovery information on articles, vehicles, wanted persons, guns, etc.
- Send/receive teletypes and/or KOPS messages when requested.
- Enter/clear information in ALERT on felony pick-ups.
- Maintain contact lists for animal control, park security, Minnesota duty officer, and other disaster management resources.
- Monitor squad status for law enforcement agencies served by the center.
- Manage resources allocated to calls for service for agencies served by the center.
- Disseminate information as appropriate and requested via radio, message, or phone.
(See General Orders 441.00 - 441.07)
441.01 Department Call Numbers 441.02 Complaint Numbers and Calls for Service 441.03 Ramsey County Emergency Communication Center - Data 441.04 Radio Procedures 441.05 Radio Call Priorities 441.06 Pac Set Radio Procedures 441.07 Radio, Computer, MDC Communications Revised July 1, 2011
-
(See General Orders 405.00 - 406.00)
405.00 Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Team 406.00 Barricaded Suspects The special weapons and tactics (S.W.A.T.) team is headed by a commander who is responsible to the deputy chief of operations division. Personnel assigned to the S.W.A.T. team are under the functional control of the S.W.A.T. team commander while performing S.W.A.T. team activities or related training. Because of the diverse assignments of these personnel, they shall at all other times be under the supervision and control of the division and unit head to which they are assigned. S.W.A.T. team members are required to qualify with specialized weapons on an annual basis. Qualification shall be to the departments S.W.A.T. standard.
Functions:
- Respond to hostage situations on request.
- Respond to barricaded suspect situations on request.
- Respond to sniper situations on request.
- Assist with dignitary protection on request.
- Respond to warrant service on request.
- Respond to civil disturbances on request.
- Provide tactical training as needed on request for this and other departments.
- Respond in any situation where the supervisor on the scene determines the S.W.A.T. team can assist.
- Maintain an on-going training program.
Updated January 14, 2019
-
See General Orders 463.04 thru 463.20 for procedures)
463.01 Bomb Squad-Functions 463.04 Authority Bomb Squad 463.05 Investigative Responsibilities of Bomb Squad 463.08 Authorization for Dispatching Bomb Squad Technicians 463.09 Bomb Threats 463.10 Responding to a Bomb Threat 463.12 Bomb Searches 463.13 Bombs and Suspicious Objects 463.14 Evacuation and Ventilation 463.16 Security at Explosion Scenes 463.17 Blasting Caps, Improvised Explosive Devices, Common Explosives and Incendiary Devices 463.18 Explosives Storage Bunker 463.20 Hazardous Material The Saint Paul Police Department Bomb Squad is supervised by a commander who is responsible for administrative activities and reports to the deputy chief of the Operations Division. The Bomb Squad must notify the deputy chief of the operations division for any response to incidents of any bomb squad call-outs/activations. Personnel assigned to the bomb squad are under the functional control of the Bomb Squad supervisor while performing Bomb Squad functions or related training. Because of the diverse assignment of these personnel, they shall at all other times be under the supervision and control of the unit head of their primary assignment.
The Bomb Squad shall be responsible for specific searches for concealed explosives, explosive and incendiary devices. Also, Bomb Squad personnel shall be responsible for identifying and neutralizing explosives and incendiary and chemical devices.
Functions:
- Investigate all bomb related threats and perform follow-up investigations.
- Prepare and present cases to the designated City or County Attorney and collect and prepare evidence.
- Respond to and conduct follow-up investigations of all bombing incidents (pipe bombs, fire bombs, improvised explosive devices, etc).
- Respond to any request for service involving suspicious packages and articles.
- Identify and render safe all explosives and improvised explosive devices through established disposal procedures.
- Recover and dispose of hazardous explosive chemicals.
- Assist other law enforcement agencies in explosives and related matters.
- Assist business and civic groups in areas related to bomb threats and business security.
- Issue blasting permits and inspect on-site operations for compliance of safety regulations.
- Inspect and maintain the Department’s ordnance related equipment.
Train, coordinate, and assist Department personnel in ordnance-related matters.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
The Saint Paul Police Department proactively promotes public trust by initiating positive non-enforcement activities to engage all communities, especially those communities that experience higher rates of investigative and enforcement involvement with government agencies. Recognizing that a viable and effective community relations program is essential to public safety, the department has established a dedicated community engagement unit (CEU).
Responsibility:
The Saint Paul Police Department community engagement unit is led by a senior commander who reports to the deputy chief of the major crimes division. Sworn officers and dedicated civilian community engagement specialists facilitate a variety of programs designed to improve public safety by connecting community and policing. These programs include:
- Officer recruitment
- Saint Paul Police Explorer Post #454
- Career path academy
- Saint Paul Police Athletic League (PAL)
- Police reserve program
- Direct community engagement
- Police internship program
- Junior police academy
- Police band
- Chaplain program
- Honor Guard
- Special event permitting for parades, races, block parties, and public assemblies
- Police ride-along program
- Community event staffing and support
- Community outreach
Recruitment:
The Saint Paul Police Department is committed to seeking candidates of good moral character, which is paramount in establishing and expanding trust between law enforcement and the community. The department is also committed to workforce diversity. In collaboration with the City of Saint Paul Equity Initiative, the CEU will strive to create a workforce that encompasses a broad range of diversity including race, gender, language, life experience, and culture reflective of our community.
Explorer Post:
The Saint Paul Police Department, in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, Northern Star Council, sponsors and supports Explorer Post #454 to mentor and support Saint Paul youth and foster interest in law enforcement careers. The post will serve to assist the department through various public service projects.
Career Path Academy:
The career path academy is for young adults who are interested in becoming Saint Paul police officers but face financial or other barriers to attending college and finding employment. The department has partnered with the Community Action Program and Century College to develop a comprehensive program to give participants an opportunity to become Saint Paul police officers. Eligible participants will earn an hourly income while they learn life skills, attend college, and receive the necessary social support services to allow them to achieve a successful career as a police officer.
Police Athletic League (PAL):
The PAL program promotes positive relationships between police officers and Saint Paul youth through community-based educational and recreational opportunities. PAL encourages youth engagement in a variety of after school and summer recreational activities, including sports, water park visits, and trips to the zoo and through one-on-one mentorship for young people and police officers and community volunteers.
Police Reserve Program:
The police reserve program deploys well-trained reserve officers to support large events in non-law enforcement roles alongside sworn officers.
Community Engagement:
Dedicated civilian community engagement specialists cultivate partnerships within the community to facilitate meaningful department outreach. Community engagement specialists also help the department respond to public inquiries and requests for assistance. Civilian community engagement specialists receive and share information through formal and informal contacts and relationships, meetings, training opportunities, and community events.
Internships:
The department offers a limited number of internships throughout the year open to college-level students who wish to pursue a career as a police officer and who must complete an internship as part of their academic requirements. The structural or procedural guidelines for this internship program are based on each student’s area of interest and expectations of the department. Intern duties and responsibilities will vary from student to student based on specified areas of interest and needs of the department. Interns will report to the senior commander of the CEU. All internship requests must be submitted in writing.
Junior Police Academy:
The Junior Police Academy is a first step in engaging youth in other opportunities to volunteer or work for the SPPD. The Academy provides a basic overview of the role of police officers in our community and provides participating youth with a preview of careers in law enforcement. The CEU actively recruits Academies that are reflective of our community.
Police Band:
The police band is supported by civilian and sworn musicians and consists of both a marching band and a concert band. The police band participates in about 20 parades per year and performs concerts and rehearses throughout the year. The Police Band practices in the Harding High School Band Room.
Police Chaplains:
The chaplain program serves sworn officers and civilians in their time of need through services and counseling. Chaplains have been called upon to assist officers in rendering assistance to victims, family members, and others in our community. Chaplains come from a variety of faiths and belief systems and offer practical and spiritual guidance to everyone irrespective of their religious affiliation.
Honor Guard:
The Saint Paul Police Department Honor Guard present colors at department and community events, parades, ceremonies, and services.
Permit and Event Planning:
The CEU issues street closure permits for events, parades, races, block parties, and public assemblies on behalf of the department with the review and advice of a committee representing the departments of police, fire, parks and recreation, safety and inspections, public works, and emergency management. A CEU sergeant is assigned to oversee the permit and planning process.
Community Outreach:
The CEU receives and facilitates requests to the department for tours, speakers, or demonstrations from our community, including churches, schools, parent-teacher associations, civic groups, and individuals. The CEU will determine which unit or district is best suited to fulfill the request and notify that unit or district commander of the request for follow up.
Operations:
Time off for band or honor guard appearances
- If the member has a regular day off, s/he will not be compensated for the appearance.
- If the appearance is during a normally-scheduled shift and “in town”, members will be allowed four hours off-duty. “In town” is defined as the seven-county metro area. If the appearance is outside of the seven-county metro area it will be considered “detached duty”. The member’s supervisor will decide which tour will be marked as “in town” or “detached duty”.
- Rehearsals for band or honor guard members on tours I or II will be on the member’s own time. Members on tour III will be granted three hours off-duty.
Honor guard requests
- All honor guard requests must be submitted to the chief of police.
- Only the chief of police can approve an honor guard appearance.
- The CEU will notify all immediate supervisors when honor guard members will be called away from normal duty for an appearance.
- Every reasonable effort will be made to use on-duty members for the honor guard detail.
- Honor guard members may be eligible for overtime status.
- Any officer of the Saint Paul Police Department, regardless of rank, may apply for a position with the honor guard.
- The honor guard is authorized for 20 members.
- Honor guard equipment and uniforms will be purchased by community and volunteer services.
Ride-alongs
- All ride-along requests must be in writing and pre-approved by the chief of police or her/his designee. Ride-along requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance.
- Only district commanders or the watch commander may approve last minute ride-along requests. In this case, the district commander and/or watch commander will still attempt to contact the chief of police or her/his designee for confirmation, and in all cases, the request must still be in writing.
- The chief, assistant chief, or a deputy chief may authorize an unscheduled ride-along.
- The CEU will schedule approved ride-alongs.
- All participants (except assistant city attorneys required to participate as a condition of employment) must sign a waiver participating in a ride-along.
- Under no circumstances will participants ride along with relatives or significant others. The only exception is when the participant is also a certified law enforcement officer.
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Participants are allowed only one ride-along per calendar year, unless authorized by the chief of police or her/his designee. Any district or watch commander approving a last-minute request must determine if the person making the request has had a previous ride-along during the calendar year.
- Ride-alongs are allowed only in the three patrol districts and the traffic and accident unit. Ride-alongs may not be conducted in an investigative or specialty unit unless authorized by the chief or her/his designee.
- Ride-alongs are permitted on any day of the week (except holidays) and are open to all tours, but are limited to one per district per tour.
- Participants will not be permitted to wear any sayings, insignias, or emblems on their clothing and are not allowed to bring weapons, handcuffs, cameras, or recording equipment.
To schedule a ride-along, the CEU will forward a letter to the requester indicating the date for the ride-along and participant requirements. The CEU will notify the district commander of the ride-along assignment and its date and time. All ride-alongs will be picked up and dropped off in front of the police building at 367 Grove Street.
The assigned officer will meet the participant at the front desk. Before leaving for the ride-along, assigned officers must ensure that a participant waiver form is signed and submitted to the watch commander. Participants cannot go out on a ride-along without a signed waiver. A copy of this waiver will be forwarded to the community and volunteer services unit to complete the file.
Ride-alongs may be terminated at any time at the election of the participant. If an officer terminates a ride-along early, they must transmit in writing their reasons for terminating the engagement to the CEU. The community and volunteer services unit will make a copy of the officer’s written reasons for termination for the file and forward the original to the appropriate division commander.
Revised March 21, 2017
-
The conduct of each employee reflects on the department as a whole; therefore, the responsibility for achieving our community relations objectives is shared by all personnel.
Rationale:
The Saint Paul Police Department, recognizing that a viable and effective community relations program is an essential ingredient in achieving cohesive and harmonious interaction with the community, has established a community relations function.
Commitment to Community Relations:
- The department is committed to establishing close ties with and responding to the needs of the community.
- The department is strongly committed to correcting actions, practices and attitudes that may contribute to community tensions and grievances.
Responsibility:
The authority and responsibility for developing and coordinating the departments community-relations function is vested in the public information officer.
The role of district commanders is also vital and essential to the success of the departments community-relations efforts. District commanders are required to be actively involved in interaction with the district councils and all active community organizations within their jurisdictions. Additionally, during the exercise of their routine activities they shall become aware of areas of concern to community residents and of situations that could develop into problems affecting law enforcement in the community.
All department employees are encouraged to use community and volunteer services personnel as a primary resource when interacting with community groups and organizations.
Community Input for Police Policies:
Input from the community in the development or revision of department policies can help ensure that they reflect the needs of the community.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
As of January 1, 1990, no monetary compensation will be given to any employee involved in volunteer activities regardless of the relationship of these activities to department operations. Work schedule adjustments will be made in accordance with the current collective bargaining agreement.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
The volunteer Saint Paul Police Reserve is under the command and control of community and volunteer services.
The purpose of the Saint Paul Police Reserve is to augment the Saint Paul Department of Police with well-trained reserve officers to be utilized in non-law enforcement situations that (1) will be of such duration so as to deplete the regular patrol force on the street, or (2) the number of regular officers on duty is inadequate to cope with the situation.
Scope of Authority:
Since September 19, 1966, the Saint Paul Police Reserve, by authority of the chief of police, has been approved for utilization in limited situations for traffic and crowd control at civic events, natural and man-made disasters (major storms, floods, fires and accidents) and like happenings.
Reserve officer duties do not include enforcement of the general criminal laws of the state unless accompanied by a licensed peace officer. The reserve officer does not have powers of arrest or authorization to carry a firearm or other defensive weapons other than aerosol subject restraint (General Order 246.03: Aerosol Subject Restraint and General Order 150.04: Officer Response to Resistance and Aggression) while on duty.
Organization Structure:
- Coordinator of police reserve unit (police officer).
- Under the direction of a police reserve commander and sergeants.
- Reserve police personnel are authorized by assignments, the use of department resources (communications equipment, squads, etc).
- At all times reserve officers are subordinate to regular police officers and part of the rank structure under the police reserve commander and sergeants.
- The police reserve unit is authorized to maintain 125 active volunteers who will each work a minimum of 100 hours per year. An additional 25 inactive volunteers are authorized to be assigned by the unit head of Community and Volunteer Services where the total time contributed is less than 100 hours per year.
- The members of the police reserve unit will comply with all department rules and regulations while performing the duties of a reserve officer. The community and volunteer services unit will periodically send a current list of reserve officers and their phone numbers to the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
The department employs specialists in each patrol district responsible for reaching out to the community to provide advice and assistance in preventing crime.
Residential security survey program:
- Uniform premise survey forms shall be filled out at all surveys and a copy of said survey left with the concerned person.
- Ongoing consultation with departmental personnel to better enable the unit to respond to changing techniques in criminal activity.
- Develop and maintain an understanding of the latest security hardware, locks, and a rudimentary knowledge of alarm systems and related items to serve as a resource for the department, city offices and the community.
Literature drop program:
Utilize volunteers in an attempt to saturate a targeted area with crime prevention materials.
Special programs:
- Develop special programs on as needed basis with assistance from the research and development unit and/or investigative units.
- Upon request, provide presentations to interested civic, community, business and neighborhood groups on any subject relating to crime prevention
Community education program:
- National Night Out
- Crime Free Multi-Unit Housing
- Community/business and crime prevention seminars:
o Shoplifting detection
o Personal safety
o Robbery prevention
o Residential security measures
o Violence
o Gangs
o Graffiti
o Drugs
(See crime prevention General Orders 333.00: Community and Volunteer Services and 333.01: Community Relations).
Revised July 1, 2011
-
Operating under the authority of the chief of police and administered by head of community and volunteer services, the Saint Paul Police Department sponsors and maintains a police chaplaincy program. The police chaplain coordinator of the Saint Paul Police Department will act as liaison and coordinator of the police chaplain program and its personnel. Police chaplain personnel will function in that role only after approval of the Saint Paul Police Department. The mission of said program is both internal and external.
The internal mission of the Saint Paul Police Chaplain Program is to provide professional guidance to the chief of police and to the Saint Paul Police Department, and to promote the spiritual, religious, moral, corporate and personal well-being of members of the department, and when the situation so dictates, to be a force of reconciliation within the department.
The external mission of the Saint Paul Police Chaplain Program is to offer spiritual guidance and assistance to persons confronted with crisis experiences, and when the situation so dictates, to serve as instruments of reconciliation, easing stress-related situations involving the public, a tool of police community relations.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
- The chaplain shall conduct themselves at all times as a supporting aid of the law enforcement officers.
- The chaplain is not a law enforcement officer and shall at no time assume such a role. Their responsibility is to assist the law enforcement officer when asked to do so in matters within the chaplain realm. They shall not in any way interfere with the officer in the performance of their duties.
- The chaplain should have a basic knowledge of the duties of the law enforcement officer and seek to keep abreast of new procedures by attending recommended classes and training.
- A list of chaplains which includes their denomination and phone number(s) is available in the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
- The police chaplain is not to release any information on cases to any news media or the general public. All information secured should be held in confidence and used only for the benefit of person or persons involved.
- The police chaplain shall keep themselves informed of all policies and procedures as outlined in the police chaplain manual.
- The police chaplain shall stand ready to accept directions as they may be given by the law enforcement officer and shall be ready to aid in times of national and community emergency.
- A chaplain shall, while on duty, dress and conduct themselves in keeping with professional etiquette
- Personnel are authorized, by assignments, the use of department resources (communications equipment, squads, etc).
- Members will comply with all department rules and regulations while performing their duties. The chaplains will provide a schedule to the department and Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center.
- A chaplain shall, when called to the scene of a problem wait for directions from the officer.
- The chaplain is responsible to the officer in charge and shall not interfere in any way as they carry out their duties. If the officer has left the scene with the chaplain in charge, and the situation deteriorates so that the chaplain has reason to believe an illegal act may be committed, they shall again summon the officer.
- Chaplains will make themselves visible to all concerned but, will not offer suggestions relating to the performance of the officer’s duties.
- Chaplains representing clergymen will give such assistance as is appropriate to their function when requested by the officer in charge.
- All chaplains shall carry Saint Paul Police Department issued identification with respect to any assigned police department duty, purpose and authorization.
- The function of this program will be to have chaplains serve as instruments of reconciliation easing the difficult task of confrontation with the public -- hence benefiting both the police and public.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
The Saint Paul Police Human Resources Unit reports to the deputy chief of support services and administration.
Unit Functions:
• Maintain personnel files for both sworn and civilian employees.
• Maintain medical record files on every employee's injuries and special conditions.
• Provide cost analysis reports for special projects, task forces, and events.
• Release public data in personnel files when requested.
• Provide assistance in the functions of recruitment, classifications, wage determination, employee motivation and discipline.
• Review existing or propose new job specifications to ensure the sufficiency of cited job requirements and minimum qualifications.
• Maintain a management information system that identifies all permanent and temporary positions authorized by the department adopted budget. Publish a monthly report listing personnel assigned to each authorized position and any vacancies which exist. A position master file will be maintained by the human resources unit that reflects any additions, deletions or transfers occurring within the department.
• Coordinate the annual selection and recognition of the officer, detective and civilian employee of the year.
• Coordinate monthly commendation review board meetings.
• Liaison with City human resources.
• Process all new hires, promotions, transfers and separations.
• Assist employees with questions regarding leaves of absence, retirement, TASS, Employee Self Service, civil service rules, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Distribute performance evaluations.
• Track accommodations provided to employees as required by the American Disabilities Act.
• Issue ID and building access cards.
Revised August 17, 2017
-
The Saint Paul Police Training Unit under the direct supervision of a commander, reporting to the deputy chief of support services and administration, is responsible for providing all departmental training. This training shall be consistent with the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board requirements and reflect the department's training goals. It includes the training provided to both sworn and non-sworn personnel whether conducted internally or provided by outside sources.
Training Unit Functions:
- Administer, maintain, coordinate, plan, develop and conduct training programs for the Saint Paul Police Department and the professional development institute (PDI).
- Responsible for the staffing administration and operation of the police training facilities.
- Conduct or otherwise provides the recruit academy for all police officer candidates.
- Notify employees of required training and training that is available to department personnel; encourage continuing education for off-duty officers and publicize the availability of such programs.
- Prepare, maintain and distribute records reflecting the mandated P.O.S.T. training received by all department members.
- Assure that required training programs are attended; maintain attendance records and notify the appropriate division commander in case of unexcused absences.
- Conduct or otherwise provide for the presentation of in-service training, specialist training and other educational or training programs for all members of the department.
- Select and train instructors.
- Implement and evaluate departmental training programs.
- Review and approve all lesson plans to maintain consistency with department policy and to coordinate the department's overall training objectives.
- Perform other activities as directed by the deputy chief of support services and administration.
- Coordinate attendance at citywide training sessions offered through the City of Saint Paul Office of Human Resources.
Department Training Goals:
- Provide employees with job-related training that will enhance productivity, effectiveness and job satisfaction.
- Conduct in-service training in accordance with P.O.S.T. Board Continuing Education Criteria which meets licensing requirements and department needs as identified by the training advisory committee.
- Prepare and distribute training bulletins as required which emphasize or explain new, difficult or revised laws or department procedures.
- Provide specialized training to employees whose job assignments require such training.
Evaluations, Revisions and Updating of Training Programs:
The department is aware of the need to be dynamic and flexible in its training requirements and programs to ensure that its officers are always properly and adequately prepared to meet ever-changing legal and operational requirements.
The training unit staff will seek to identify any problems connected with the department's training facilities, materials, equipment and schedules. Written critiques of training programs and instructors performance shall be completed by employees receiving training and shall be maintained and utilized by the deputy chief of support services and administration to affect appropriate revisions.
Resources for Training Program Development:
The training unit is responsible for the identification of resources which may be used to develop training programs. The unit should use all available resources in training program development including, but not limited to:
- Department inspection reports.
- Staff reports and/or meetings.
- Consultation with field personnel and field observations.
- Training evaluations.
- Participation and approval by the chief of police.
- Problems or deficiencies identified in internal affairs unit investigative reports as recognized and summarized by the office of internal affairs commander.
Attendance Requirements -- Training:
Attendance during recruit orientation and designated in-service training sessions is mandatory. Daily attendance rosters will be maintained by the training staff.
Employees attending training sessions must sign in to be credited with attendance and/or to gain P.O.S.T. credit.
Absences for illness or emergencies require notice to the training unit staff in advance of the commencement of the training session. Personnel required to make a court appearance or other temporary absence from class will notify training staff for the absence and times.
Personnel scheduled to attend training sessions are expected to arrive on time or be subject to disciplinary action.
If attendees are absent from training sessions which are P.O.S.T. mandated or fail to meet the minimum training hours required they must make arrangements for rescheduling make-up sessions through their supervisor. Failure to do so may result in loss of police officer license.
Records of training sessions successfully completed by department personnel are maintained by the training unit.
External Resources and Cooperative Training:
The training unit utilizes training resources available through public and private organizations, locally and nationwide, to broaden or enhance its training curriculum.
These resources may be employed to augment internal instruction or to provide an independent training topic.
Additionally, the Saint Paul Police Department Training Unit conducts and encourages cooperative training with other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies on an international level. The training unit maintains records of this extensive training activity.
Updated January 14, 2019
-
Scope
This travel policy applies to all SPPD employees who travel on city business for distances of 100 miles or more one way from Saint Paul or for those who travel and stay overnight outside of the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area on city business. Travel at City expense is permitted to accomplish work-related business, training and professional development. All travel must serve a public purpose and be directly related to the functions of the City.
City Employee and Appointed Official Authorization
Authorizing supervisors are responsible to ensure, prior to approval of any travel, that funds are available in a City Council approved budget. Employees must submit a Travel Training Approval Form for approval prior to making any travel arrangements or expenditures. The Travel Approval Form must include the budget code and dollar amount. Upon approval, the Executive Assistant in the Assistant Chief’s Office must contact the Office of Financial Services to obtain a Travel authorization number (T#) which must be used as the authority for payments related to the travel claim.
Travel Time and Extended Stays
The authorizing official or his/her designee will be responsible for determining the appropriate number of days allowed for travel. The number of days allowed are determined based on the actual start and end times of the conference. The maximum time allowed for travel will be the day prior to the start of the conference until the day after the conference or meeting concludes, unless costs for travel can be reduced by an extended stay. Every effort will be made to bring the employee home the day the training or conference ends. Employees are not required to make an extended stay in order to reduce the price of an airline ticket. However, if an individual chooses to stay over an extra night to obtain a reduced airfare, the savings must total more than the daily per diem for lodging and meals, as defined in this policy. Employee’s time will be based on their regular work schedule and no comp time or overtime will be approved. Any excess travel time falling within the normally-scheduled work week will be at the employee’s expense.
Transportation
Transportation expenses incurred for travel by any means will be reimbursed according to the method of travel up to the amount of airfare available when the travel was approved (which should be at least 30 days in advance) as indicated by the City’s travel agency or another reputable travel reservation service, such as http://www.delta.com or www.travelocity.com. This documentation must be provided with the Travel Expense Claim Form when not traveling by air.
By Air: Airline reservations should be made at least 30 days, or as far in advance as possible, in order to take advantage of reduced fares. Travel by air will be reimbursed for the lowest cost airfare available for one person traveling from the boarding port to the port of destination and return. The employee or official is responsible for the cost of cancellation of non-refundable ticketing, lost tickets or reissue/change of ticket if done at the traveler’s request.
Employee or Official’s Personal Vehicle: Travel by an employee’s personal vehicle will be reimbursed for mileage as taken from a trip planning service, such as MapQuest.com or the American Automobile Association (AAA), from the employee’s personal residence or worksite to the hotel or motel where the employee will be staying or the conference or meeting location, whichever is the shortest distance, not to exceed the cost of airfare. The rate per mile for reimbursement shall be determined by the City’s Administrative Code Chapter 33 - Reimbursement for Car Expense and/or the appropriate bargaining unit contract. This covers all expenses traveling to and from the destination. If more than one employee rides in the vehicle, only the owner of the vehicle will be reimbursed for vehicle travel. The employee will be responsible for all fines and damage or liability due to an accident. The employee has the option of using a department gas card in lieu of mileage reimbursement.
City-Owned Vehicle: The employee’s use of a city-owned vehicle must be approved in advance. If the vehicle will be going out of state, insurance must be obtained through the City’s Risk Management Service. Request forms can be obtained from the Assistant Chief’s office.
By Bus or Train: Travel by commercial bus or train will be reimbursed, up to the amount of airfare, to and from the destination.
Taxi: Taxi fare will be reimbursed for transportation between the employee’s home and the airport (or vice-versa), and from the destination airport to the place of lodging or to the meeting site (or vice-versa). Airport shuttles, vans or courtesy cars should be used if they are reasonably available. The public purpose for any other taxi fares must be explained. Taxi service to and from a restaurant will not be reimbursed unless there is no restaurant easily accessible from conference center or hotel. Itemized receipts are required for such transportation costs, and fares in excess of $15.00.
Automobile Rental: No reimbursement will be made for expenses of automobile rental unless there is prior approval by the Chief. The reimbursement rate for authorized automobile rental shall be the actual costs for up to an intermediate size vehicle. Only official business-related use of a rental automobile will be reimbursed. Any personal use of a rented vehicle must be reported by the employee and a prorated portion of the total cost deducted from the bill and paid by the employee or official. The employee will be responsible for all fines, damage or liability due to an accident. The employee’s personal automobile insurance policy is primary and must include both no-fault and liability coverage. No reimbursement will be made to the employee for additional insurance coverage provided by the rental company. Only gas used for official purpose may be reimbursed. Gas used for side trips and/or sightseeing must be paid by the traveler.
Parking
Parking expense incurred at the final destination place of lodging is reimbursable when traveling by a personal or rental automobile. Airport parking expense can be reimbursed up to the amount of taxi fare to and from the employee’s home to airport, whichever is less. Itemized receipts for parking expenses are required for reimbursement.
Lodging
Lodging expense will be reimbursed for the actual amount paid for a single standard room at the conference hotel or at the United States General Services Administration (GSA) maximum lodging rate for the destination city. Any additional costs incurred if accompanied by a non city employee will be at the employee’s expense. A two-person room rate will be reduced to a single person room rate if one of the persons staying in the room is not a city employee. If an employee is attending a conference, reimbursement will be made for the single (one person) room rate, at the conference facility. A conference facility is either directly at the site of the conference or listed in the brochure as a conference hotel or within close proximity of the conference location. Lodging expense incurred en route to a final destination will not be reimbursed unless specifically approved by the Chief. Itemized receipts are required for all lodging expenses.
Meals
Reimbursement for meals will be made based on GSA per diem Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) rate for the destination city or the closest comparable destination. Meal expense will be prorated for part days as listed on the GSA webpage. Tips and sales tax are included in the GSA M&IE rate. Acceptable tips are no more than 20% of the food cost. If actual expenses exceed the applicable M&IE per diem rate, the excess amount is a personal expense of the traveler. Meal expenses incurred en route to a destination will not be reimbursed unless the travel exceeds six hours in duration and the expense is specifically approved by the Chief. Meals included as part of the conference, meeting and/or hotel lodging will not be reimbursed. The daily per diem will be reduced according to the GSA M&IE breakdown. The City will use the GSA per diem rates effective on January 1, of any given year, for the entire calendar year. The use of the GSA M&IE rate will prevent travel expense payments from becoming taxable income to employees and will minimize the City’s administrative costs for managing travel expenses. Only nonalcoholic beverages purchased with a meal are reimbursable. No reimbursement will be made for alcoholic beverages or snack items.
Airline or Hotel Benefits
Minnesota law (Chapter 15.435) provides that whenever public funds are used to pay for airline travel by elected officials or public employees, any credits, frequent flyer miles or other benefits, including compensation for denied boarding, issued by an airline to an individual passenger must accrue to the public body (the city) financing the travel. In the event the issuing airline will not honor a transfer or assignment of any credit or benefit, the individual passenger (city employee or official) shall report in writing the receipt of the credit or benefit to the Office of Financial Services within 90 days of receipt of the benefit or credit. Some lodging facilities also provide a free night of lodging or specified discount after a number of days paid. Such benefits are the property of the city and must also be reported to the Office of Financial Services within 90 days of receipt. The Office of Financial Services will maintain the information provided by city employees on the amount of city-paid frequent flyer miles or similar non-transferable benefits for review by the State Auditor.
Travel Expense Claim Form
A Travel Expense Claim Form must be completed, signed by the employee and submitted to the Assistant Chief’s Office with all required original itemized receipts. It shall be the Chief or his/her designee’s responsibility to review and sign the Travel Expense Claim Form consistent with this policy. The Travel Expense Claim Form must be submitted to the Office of Financial Services within 15 working days of the employee’s return from travel. Expenses on the Travel Expense Claim Form must be only for the employee whose name appears on the form. Reimbursable expenses for other traveling city employees or officials must be submitted on separate forms. Failure to submit the required forms and receipts within 15 days of return could be grounds for disciplinary action against the employee up to and including discharge.
The following original itemized receipts (a canceled check or credit card invoice [i.e., monthly statement] are not acceptable receipts) must be submitted with the Travel Expense Claim Form along with a copy of the Travel Approval Form:
- Airline, other transportation carrier ticket or electronic ticketing documentation showing the fare paid, date, time and destination (staff should indicate whether the fare was charged to a personal credit card or the City’s procurement card);
- Receipts for bag fees (documents traveled for each leg of the journey, to and from the destination);
- Receipt or copy of the registration form for any conference or meeting registration fee, even if paid by the city in advance;
- Itemized original lodging receipt;
- Taxicab, shuttle van, airport limo or auto rental receipts;
- Parking receipts
- Receipts for any other authorized expenses.
If travel/training is being paid for from grant funding it is the responsibility of the person traveling to identify what receipts are required as part of the grant agreement. Failure to properly identify the grant requirements prior to travel may result in discipline.
Travel Advances
Travel advances are not an option. If travel causes undue monetary hardship, arrangements can be made to prepay everything except for ground transportation and meals.
City Procurement (Credit) Card
As a general rule, employees should not be issued a City of Saint Paul procurement credit card for travel. Arrangements can be made through the Assistant Chief’s office to prepay some expenses. All travel expenses made using the procurement card must be documented by itemized receipts.
Miscellaneous
- Supplies and other expenses will be reimbursed if necessary to the trip; however, the employee must provide itemized receipts and justification for such expenditures, if separate from conference fees.
- Internet fees are reimbursable only if required to conduct City business and approved in advance by the Chief of Police.
- Reimbursement may be made for laundry expenses if the travel is more than four days.
- Reimbursement for highway or bridge toll fees paid by the traveler will be made when the employee is authorized to travel by either personal vehicle, city-owned vehicle or rented vehicle. Receipts are required for reimbursement.
- No reimbursement will be made for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, traveler’s checks, snacks or beverages not with a meal, or ATM fees.
This policy does not allow reimbursement for travel related expenses of non-City employees or officials. A separate City Council resolution is needed to establish the authority and public purpose of any non-employee paid travel.
Expenditures for items not listed in the Travel Policy are not reimbursable.
Revised March 27, 2018
-
The physical fitness coordinator is responsible for the operation of the gym and is directly responsible to the head of the training unit.
Physical Fitness Coordinator Responsibilities:
- Provide reports and maintain records relating to the physical fitness program.
- Schedule and annually test sworn members of the department as well as parking enforcement officers and community liaison officers.
- Provide exercise programs to help employees improve their fitness.
- Counsel and educate employees on an individual or group basis on health concerns such as weight loss, cardiovascular risk factors and strength training.
- Instruct physical fitness activities such as running, weight lifting, and group fitness classes.
- Schedule officers for exercise stress tests with the program physician according to the programs protocol. Determine if stress tests are indicated more frequently based on the individuals coronary risk factors.
- Keep current on new fitness and health innovations/information.
- Maintain equipment in fitness facility.
- Provide testing and physical training to academy recruits.
- Provide CPR class to employees.
- Design and implement various health/fitness promotions to motivate employees to better health.
Hours of Operation and Physical Fitness Personnel:
- 24-hours a day unless otherwise posted on the gym door.
- Physical fitness personnel staff the gym facility in varying hours Monday through Friday.
Participants of Police Gym:
- Only employees of the police department, employees immediate families, police reserve officers, police explorers, police chaplains, and persons authorized by the chief of police may use the gymnasium and its equipment.
- No person under 12 years of age will be permitted to be in the gym or use the facilities.
- Family members of employees must be accompanied by the employee unless prior arrangements have been made with the coordinator. A family member is defined as the spouse or significant other, or child who is currently residing at the same residence as the employee.
- Guests will be allowed access to the gym and its facilities only after receiving written permission from the chief of police. Copies of this permission form shall be kept on file in the gym office and the watch commanders office.
Rules of the Gymnasium:
- All participants shall be familiarized with each piece of equipment, by the coordinator or designee, prior to using the facilities.
- Each participant will sign in on the log sheet provided, before using the facilities.
- After using the facilities, participants will return all the equipment to its proper location.
- Participants shall wear proper gym attire while using the gym facilities.
- All gym privileges will be suspended when the facilities are used for training programs and/or special events.
All participants shall adhere to the rules and regulations of the gym. Misuse of the facilities shall be cause for disciplinary action or termination of guest privileges.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
The Saint Paul Police Professional Development Institute (PDI) is a specialized function within the training unit. Its purpose is to provide specialized, cost-effective, quality training for outside law enforcement agencies and low-cost training opportunities for department personnel. It is coordinated by a training unit staff member.
Coordinator Responsibilities:
- Develop curriculum for specialized training programs, both management and skills, to be marketed to outside law enforcement agencies.
- Conduct periodic surveys to determine any special training needs in the law enforcement community.
- Assist chiefs, sheriffs, training coordinators, etc., with an analysis of their departmental training needs.
- Market PDI course offerings via brochure development, announcements etc.
- Serve as facilitator for specialized in-house instructors.
- Analyze current trends in police training for possible application in PDI courses.
- Negotiate instructor fees, tuition costs and coordinate all contractual agreements.
- Maintain all records and prepare an annual budget relating to PDI courses.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
The Saint Paul Police Target Range is supervised by the range sergeant, who reports to the training unit commander.
The range sergeant is responsible for:
- Scheduling for range staff
- Supervising the range master and range officers
- Facilitate the development of the courses of fire and required levels of proficiency to be approved by the unit commander.
- Preparing an annual budget for approval by the unit commander
- Facilitating the ordering approved supplies for the range
- Insuring the indoor and outdoor range facilities and equipment are properly maintained
The range master is responsible for:
- Developing and implementing programs for training in-service and recruit officers.
- Coordinating firearm classroom instruction.
- Scheduling range training hours for police officers to be presented to the commander for approval.
- Assisting with ordering supplies as directed by the range sergeant.
- Insuring all department weapons and equipment assigned to the range are properly maintained and inventoried.
- Assisting in maintaining indoor and outdoor range facilities and equipment.
- Maintaining records of all firearms training of department personnel.
- Testing and evaluating weapons and ammunition.
- Keeping records and inventory of all department firearms.
- The range master will work with the range sergeant to develop courses of fire and required levels of proficiency to be presented to the unit commander for approval.
- Range staff have the authority to enforce all rules and regulations as posted and are necessary. Safety is one of the prime considerations.
- No person shall use the indoor or outdoor target range without having designated police department range personnel present. The only exception to this regulation would be when the user possesses a written authorization prior to using either facility from the training commander.
Revised August 3, 2018
-
The Saint Paul Police Background Unit is established as a staff function of the Support Services and Administration Division and is managed by the division executive along with the manager of the Human Resources Unit. This function conducts employment background investigations when the department plans to hire employees. This function may also be called to conduct employment backgrounds for other city agencies. Proper fees and expenses are forwarded to the department by the appropriate outside agency.
Background investigations are conducted in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, Chapter 181, 626.87, Minnesota Rule 6700.0700, Minimum Selection Standards, Board of Peace Officers Standards and Training: Training and Licensing.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Operations Division is responsible for the enforcement of criminal laws, detection and apprehension of criminals, recovery of stolen and lost property, deterrence of crime and the delivery of innumerable services for the welfare and safety of the community.
The criminal investigative function of the Operations Division has the responsibility for follow-up investigations of felonies, gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors that fall within its jurisdiction for the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- An officer’s primary responsibility is to connect law enforcement resources to the needs of the citizens of the community. Officers are the first-line in building trust and nurturing legitimacy between the police and the community. An officer shall make every effort to not only act as an enforcement agent but also as a resource to the community and its citizens.
- Conduct preliminary investigations to include but not be limited to locating victims, witnesses and suspects in criminal incidents/calls for service, processing crime scenes, and record incidents/investigations through written reports.
- Determine through preliminary investigations and follow up whether incidents should be recommended to the appropriate investigative unit(s) for further investigation.
- Respond to calls for service
- Regulate citizen conduct and control crowds as required.
- Make all preliminary traffic/crash investigations.
- Control traffic and enforce traffic laws.
- Patrol the streets and business sections of the City to suppress criminal activity and detect hazardous conditions.
- Assist in emergencies such as fires, floods, and other natural disasters.
- Render first-aid to sick and injured persons.
- Make inspections of business, industrial and recreational facilities as well as the properties of the city.
- Perform other work as required or directed by the Chief of Police or their designee.
- Enforce the laws of the United States, the State of Minnesota, and the City of Saint Paul and effects arrests or issues citations when transgressions occur.
Respond to police calls for service of an emergency and non-emergency nature twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
Under the administrative direction of the Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief of the Operations Division has executive charge of patrol and investigative personnel and their activities under their command. The duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Report directly to the Assistant Chief of Police and submit oral and written reports to them on activities, plans and problems.
- Direct and control units assigned to the Operations Division on a 24-hour basis.
- Develop long-range plans with the unit heads for the effective delivery of services provided by their units.
- Develop budgets which represent the financial resources needed by units in the Operations Division to accomplish their goals and objectives during the budget cycle.
- Develop realistic performance standards for personnel within the Operations Division and evaluate the results produced by those individuals on a continual basis.
- Stay abreast of unit plans and programs and submit reports to the Chief of Police that assess the effectiveness of those activities in the community and the Department.
- Provide administrative guidance to develop members assigned to the Operations Division by delegating authority and responsible assignments at every opportunity.
- Responsible for the efficiency of and discipline of all employees in the Operations Division.
- Coordinate unit planning efforts and review plans and proposals submitted by staff.
- Delegate administrative tasks to the unit heads for the purpose of developing managerial skill and potential.
- Investigate complaints about service or personnel within the Operations Division.
- Decide on discipline, transfers, assignments and make recommendations for dismissal of personnel within the Operations Division.
- Direct and complete performance reviews on personnel in the Operations Division and assure uniformity of the ratings among the units within the Operations Division.
- Meet and confer with business, civic, fraternal, religious, political leaders to keep abreast of community interests and trends.
- Conduct staff meetings to exchange information and to facilitate planning efforts of all assigned units affecting the delivery of service and long-range planning for the Department.
- Oversee the activities of Division employees performing diverse functions in support of the Police Department’s mission.
- Ensure the provision of essential services to the community, other city agencies and the members of the Saint Paul Police Department.
- Respond directly to the community, other parties having complaints or information about the quality of services from Operations Division personnel.
Assume the duties of the Chief of Police when designated.
Updated January 14, 2019
-
The Saint Paul Police Department has geographically divided the City of Saint Paul into three districts to provide more effective and efficient service to the City and its community. The districts are divided by means of geographical boundaries. Within these boundaries, each neighborhood beat has been identified by means of a numerical designation. These neighborhood beats form the basis for the deployment of the officers assigned to each district. The officers are assigned to neighborhood beats to ensure efficient/effective delivery of law enforcement services.
A primary and secondary squad is identified for each neighborhood beat thereby, affixing accountability for the delivery of police services. The availability of district personnel is assessed on a daily basis to provide the most complete coverage of all the district’s neighborhood beats. The district beat boundaries are periodically reviewed to address any significant changes in the demand for police services.
Districts are designated as Eastern, Western and Central and are responsible for the uniform patrol function in the district's areas on a 24-hour basis. The districts are also responsible for police-community relations, crime prevention, problem properties, and vice control functions which are within their scope.
Updated January 14, 2019
-
Neighborhood policing identifies with geographic areas within each district which are referred to as beats. Beats incorporate well-defined neighborhoods within Saint Paul into police service areas. A complement of police officers and one supervisor are assigned primary responsibility for each beat. The officers and supervisors have duties outside the service area as calls for service and other police activity demands. However, the supervisor is ultimately responsible for coordinating community-oriented policing activities within the assigned beat. Neighborhood policing brings residents of the neighborhood, business owners and operators in that neighborhood, and the police officers closer together to work on common issues that affect the quality of life and the public safety in that neighborhood. Neighborhood members should recognize and know by name the officers in their beat. Officers should identify problems and take proactive measures to solve public safety related issues with community support and assistance.
One basic tenet of neighborhood policing is to provide the officers with a specific area that they are primarily responsible to police in a community-oriented and problem-solving mode. Thus officers can take pride in their activities, projects, and successes to the betterment of the quality of life in their beat. There are many tools available for the officers to continue the Saint Paul Police Departments tradition of service to the public. First, consider these definitions of the programs and structure of the police department which exist to assist officers in their community-oriented policing activities:
- District: approximately one-third of the city's area.
- Neighborhood: smaller geographic area defined by the community that has like issues. The area that a resident or business identifies with (i.e., Payne-Phalen, Dayton's Bluff, etc.)
- Beat: geographic area that a police squad is assigned to patrol (as defined in CAD system).
- Substation: a subset of the district. This office accommodates a number of officers and one or more supervisors. The police personnel assigned use the office for roll calls, meetings, etc.
- Storefront Office: a small office located within a service area where one or more officers come and go. Volunteers may staff this office, as well. This is smaller than a substation and has fewer officers assigned to it.
- Service Area: a combination of neighborhoods which have an assignment of police personnel as primary service providers.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
The district senior commander is responsible for all district police activity in the geographic area designated as a district area and is under the immediate direction of the deputy chief of patrol operations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for police services within a district area on a 24-hour basis.
- Responsible for the on-duty activity of district personnel assigned to their command.
- Instruct members of their command in their duties and responsibilities.
- Initiate district planning to provide a high level of community satisfaction with the delivery of police service.
- Implement, oversee, and budget initiatives and projects.
- Responsible for training subordinates and having an interest in their career development.
Updated January 14, 2019
-
Under the direction of a district chief, district commanders are responsible for supervising the daily operations of the district’s delivery of police services.
Commanders of investigative units within the Saint Paul Police Department Operations Division shall report directly to their respective district chief and shall have complete responsibility for the operation of their specific unit.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Represent the department/district in the field and in the absence of the district chief, assume the district chief’s duties, when assigned.
· Supervise major crime scenes, public safety incidents and other events.
· Supervise beat sergeants and assist with problems in those areas.
· Coordinate special events within the district and liaison with other elements within the department and the community.
· Attend community/block club meetings as necessary to assist in resolution of problems and to maintain community involvement.
· Schedule patrol and investigative sergeants, supervise their performance and prepare their performance appraisals.
· Monitor overall personnel performance standards and evaluate personnel through performance evaluation review.
· Conduct internal affairs investigations, receive, record, and disseminate internal affairs unit complaints; review responses and prepare dispositions as well as assisting with discipline and personnel matters as required.
· Inform district chief of problems, activities, and personnel matters.
· Insure proper use of departmental equipment, office space and fleet inventory.
· Oversee the district patrol rifle, shotgun, and in squad car camera security and inventory procedures.
· Oversee the distribution of subpoenas to officers and sergeants and ensure return receipt of distribution to the records unit and inspection unit.
· Oversee non-sworn personnel, e.g., clerical staff.
· Implement, oversee, and budget special programs, initiatives, or projects.
· Continually examine the district’s functions and procedures to determine if they meet the goals, objectives, and mission of the department/district.
· Inform other districts, investigative units, and law enforcement agencies of criminal activities and trends.
· Review reports and monitor district crime activity.
· Identify training, equipment, and staffing needs.
· Communicate policy and procedures to district personnel.
· Oversee the District Code Enforcement.
· Oversee crime prevention activities.
· Supervise activities of district investigators.
Effective February 9, 2024
-
Under the direction of a district commander, a district supervisor is responsible for supervising police operations in the district area or shift to which s/he is assigned.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the efficiency, discipline, and appearance of officers under her/his command. (Sergeants shall lead by example, setting high standards of professionalism, performance, and accountability).
- Communicate policy and procedures to subordinates.
- Responsible for training subordinates and having an interest in their career development. This training shall not be limited to roll calls.
- Prepare daily squad deployment to meet service demands.
- Inspect officers uniform and equipment to ensure the good appearance and proper working order.
- Inspect the work place facilities to include, but not limited to; the roll call room, equipment and locker rooms, and parking facilities. All work areas are to be in compliance with department regulations. Deficiencies shall be corrected.
- Responsible for the adherence to General Orders 479.00: Electronic Control Device Usage Procedures and 246.05: Electronic Control Device related directly to her/his tasks and the tasks of subordinates.
- Monthly inspection of department-issued patrol rifles and shotguns, including examining serial numbers of each weapon and ensuring that all weapons, magazines, and ammunition are accounted for and secured when not in use. The sergeant shall report to the unit commander any discrepancies.
- Monthly inspection of squad car maintenance, in squad car camera, laptop and other equipment.
- Distribute subpoenas per department policy to subordinates and return receipt verifications to the records unit and inspection unit.
- Make proper notifications when no watch commander is working.
- Responsible for the efficient handling of all calls directed to officers under her/his supervision.
- Confer frequently with the district commander regarding the crime conditions and service delivery in her/his assigned area.
- Conduct follow-up interviews with citizens requesting police service to ascertain the efficiency and effectiveness of officers.
- Ensure radio messages directed to her/his assigned area are acknowledged by officers and a prompt response policy is followed.
- Investigate reports of officers not performing their assignments, failure to respond to radio calls, or reports of improper police performance.
- Meet regularly during her/his tour of duty with officers to review reports for completeness and legibility, determine if a follow-up investigation is necessary and signs off on all reports.
- Initiate district planning efforts with officers to address specific problems and develop solutions.
- Maintain records of officers performance, to assist in completing regular or follow-up performance evaluation reports.
- Report changes of assignments of personnel to the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center during the tour of duty.
- Investigate any reports of injuries to officers and damage to or loss of department equipment, property or vehicles under his/her command.
- Attend community and civic meetings which may impact the delivery of police service in her/his assigned area.
- Inspect the daily activity logs of officers.
- Respond to headquarters periodically during tour of duty to deliver reports and pick-up district correspondence or delegate this.
- Respond to the following incidents in her/his area:
o Crashes involving department vehicles (General Order 640.06: Crashes Involving Department Vehicles).
o Incidents resulting in the serious injury of department personnel.
o Robbery in progress.
o Bomb search scenes where a bomb or suspicious object is located (General Order 463.13: Bombs and Suspicious Objects).
o Bomb search scenes where large numbers of people must be evacuated (General Order 463.14: Evacuation and Ventilation).
o The end of squad-pursuit scenes (General Order 443.15 Command and Control).
o Homicides, unusual or suspicious death scenes (General Order 365.00: Homicide and Robbery Unit).
o Emergency assistance needed by the Ramsey County Jail (General Order 409.07: Emergency Assistance at Ramsey County Jail).
o Traffic crash scenes where an individual sustained an injury that may result in death or great bodily harm.
o Any situation that may require the summoning of the special weapons and tactics (S.W.A.T.) team, e.g. hostages, barricaded suspect, snipers (General Order 405.00: Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.)Team.
o Any situation where three or more squads are needed for crowd control, e.g. strike scenes, protests, marches.
o Bomb blast scenes, before and after (General Order 463.16: Security at Explosion Scenes).
o Missing person search efforts that involve three or more squads.
o Emergency or unusual incidents in her/his area to assess the need for additional commitment of police resources.
- Routine police incidents to observe and assist officers and to assess their performance abilities.
- Inspect department vehicles assigned to the district and/or other units to ensure the compliance with departmental regulations.
- Will gather information from available sources on criminal activity, hazards, and potential hazards within the district area. This information will be retained and given out at roll call. All such information will be kept in the district, accessible to district members.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
General Duties:
Saint Paul police officers are vitally important to the department's diplomatic mission within the city. Not only does the police officer represent the department, but also the government of the City of Saint Paul. It is important to maintain a professional demeanor while fulfilling the important role of a neighborhood problem solver. Police officers are encouraged to take initiative and proactively seek out problems and develop solutions to support living conditions within the City of Saint Paul. Police officers are expected to proactively solve problems rather than merely react to the harmful consequences of problems.
A police officer is responsible for providing services within the City of Saint Paul. An officer shall direct their best effort toward the intelligent, courteous, compassionate, and efficient accomplishment of the goals and mission of the department. The officer shall be vigilant for violations of laws and ordinances and shall take reasonable action.
The police officer shall report promptly for duty, at the designated hour and place, for roll call, assignment, and inspection.
Police officers may be assigned to attend special events, community meetings, parades, or given other special assignments. It is the officer's responsibility to understand their duties. When in doubt, the officer should ask their supervisor for clarification. All inquiries should follow the chain of command.
Quality of Life Conditions:
- Police officers shall take notice of conditions that may endanger the health, safety, or convenience of the public or negatively impact livability in the city. Officers shall immediately take initiative and address undesirable conditions.
- When the removal of an undesirable condition is the responsibility of another agency, or another agency is required to enforce ordinances, the officer shall immediately notify the responsible agency.
Police Officer Initiatives and Traits:
- Police officers should seek out training and experience to enhance their skills and job performance, and take the initiative to understand the laws, ordinances, and department policy and procedures.
- Police officers should make every effort to know the geography, notable citizens, and crime trends within their assigned district. This knowledge will enhance the proactive patrol of an area and improve the officers' problem-solving ability. Sometimes, police officers can solve a neighborhood problem by engaging other resources- including residents, schools, businesses, and other government agencies.
- Police officers handle a wide range of problems, of which many are not criminal in nature, but may involve the community policing strategies. A strong community values police involvement in non-criminal issues and recognizes the contributions police officers can make in solving these quality-life concerns.
- Electronic devices like cell phones and laptops greatly enhance police service. However, discretion must be used so technology does not interfere with proactive patrol, minimize observation skills, or negatively impact driving skills.
- Whenever resistance is encountered, and regardless of the type of physical force employed by the police officer or whether or not injury is sustained by the suspect, the officer will complete an incident report when force is used (General Order 246.00: Officer Response to Resistance and Aggression).
- Police officers should treat all persons in a respectful and professional manner. The use of profanity serves no purpose and is prohibited.
- Testifying in court is one of the basic functions of a police officer. Officers shall respond to court subpoenas and court notices as required and Court Notification Procedures set out by this department (General Order 453.00: Court Notification Procedures).
- Police officers shall take property that has been lost, stolen, or abandoned into police custody.
- Police officers shall carefully investigate suspicious activities and give all complaints their attention. They shall take police action in those cases which come under the jurisdiction of the police department and educate interested parties about laws or ordinances relative to the complaint. If the legal remedy of the complaint lies outside the jurisdiction of the police department, officers shall advise the complainant accordingly and refer them to the proper authority.
- Upon sight, or receipt of information from any source of an unusual or serious crash, crime, or other occurrence requiring police attention, an officer shall immediately respond and take action. Officers shall conduct a preliminary investigation and submit reports, as required.
- Officers shall not do anything that might interfere with an investigation or destroy evidence at crime scenes. The first arriving patrol officer will be in charge until relieved.
The first duty of a police officer at the scene of a crime is to protect the scene, exclude all unauthorized persons, and detain all witnesses and/or potential suspects for interviewing.
- Witnesses to a crime(s) or incident(s) play an important role during an investigation and shall not be subjected to a detention or otherwise seized, solely because they are a witness to a crime, regardless of the crime severity, except pursuant to a warrant or order of the court.
- Witnesses can be instrumental in uncovering the truth and solving crimes, so officers should attempt to obtain their voluntary cooperation to make a statement to investigators.
- Witnesses shall not be compelled to provide identification to officers solely because they have witnessed a crime(s) or incident(s).
- Officers shall document all witness identifications and statements received during their investigation.
- Officers may detain individuals when reasonable articulable suspicion exists, or if they have been involved in a criminal offense.
- Whenever a preliminary investigation reveals a detained party is no longer under suspicious of criminal activity, their detention must immediately cease. Officers should then make the party aware that their cooperation is voluntary, and that they are free to leave.
13. Unless done to improve public safety or if directed to do so by the supervisor in charge, officers shall not touch or permit others to touch anything in such a manner that latent fingerprints, DNA or other valuable evidence might be destroyed.
Services for the Safety of Motorists and Pedestrians:
To ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, officers shall be watchful for hazards within the city. Officers shall take appropriate action to reduce the hazard, or to contact the proper authority or agency to cause the hazard to be corrected.
In cases of a stalled or stranded motorist causing a traffic hazard or obstruction, the situation shall be resolved by towing the vehicle or allowing the motorist to arrange for a private tow. Officers may transport the driver of a stalled vehicle to a place of shelter where the motorist can obtain assistance. Under no circumstances shall the officer transport a party out of the city without prior approval of a supervisor.
Procedures documented under General Orders 446.00: Fire Procedures and 401.00: Medical Emergency shall be followed during incidents involving fire or medical emergency.
Temporary Assignment to Investigative Units:
Officers may be temporarily assigned to assist various investigative units.
Effective December 22, 2023
-
Purpose:
The City of Saint Paul has one of the largest skyway systems in the nation. It is comprised of 2 ½ miles of skyway system that connects approximately 40 square blocks of downtown Saint Paul and provides indoor comfort to more than 100,000 people who use the system on a daily basis. Currently the downtown area is a fully functioning community containing three basic elements:
- The residential community.
- A work force for more than 600 businesses.
- A cross section of all elements including shoppers, clients, juveniles, business people, etc.
The Downtown Beat was established to provide greater specialized service to the residents, visitors and business in the downtown area. Specifically, Downtown Beat officers are dedicated to working with the downtown community to identify problems and collaborate on implementing solutions that produce meaningful results for the community.
Downtown Beat personnel are part of the Central District. Downtown Beat personnel will report to the downtown skyway office for their assignment.
Duties:
All police functions applicable to the area, including but not limited to:
- Maintain regular contact with businesses in the area and provide swift action with thorough follow up to complaints.
- Assist with voice pages and calls for service in their assigned areas.
- Maintain visibility, availability and be responsible to the community.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
(See General Order 455.00: Building Security)
The Front Desk is located in the Griffin Building and is staffed by an employee of the Police Department. The desk officer’s primary purpose is to assist visitors of the Police Department in acquiring desired information. Desk officers will always extend every courtesy to visitors and strive to project a positive attitude that bears favorably upon the department.
The front desk will be staffed on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week.
Functions:
- [Redacted]
- Ask preliminary questions and seek basic information for walk-in visitors. Items such as case numbers, who the investigator is assigned to their case and a phone number should be given to visitors. Desk officers should inquire if there has been an original report; if not, the desk officer shall make a report, or redirect to Teleserve and if the visitor still wants to visit a specific unit, the desk officer should direct the visitor to the proper office if it is open.
- Assist the public with information and directions.
- Call the Predatory Offender Unit to notify them about a predatory offender requiring updates or registration needs. If Predatory Offender Unit personnel are not available, a change of address packet should be given to the predatory offender and a call to the Predatory Offender Unit or on-call representative should be made by the front desk officer.
- Receives and forwards administrative messages:
- Sick-return information.
- Prepare tour maps.
- Log house-watch program.
- Complete miscellaneous errands for Central District sergeants.
- Complete forms for entering stolen property information into the National Crime and Information Center (N.C.I.C.) system.
- Deliver copies of same to records and RCECC data.
Monitors the CCTV per Department policy (General Order 480.00 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
Updated January 14, 2019
-
Investigative and all other units within operations division shall report through the chain of command to their respective districts senior commander.
The investigator and commanders duties are listed under General Order 360.20: Investigative Unit Commanders Duties and 360.30: Investigative Unit Personnel.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
Purpose:
Since 1991, the Public Housing Agency (PHA) and the City of Saint Paul Police Department have collaborated to provide the community policing program known as A Community Outreach Program (ACOP) to create a drug-free and crime-free environment and to provide for the safety and protection of residents, employees, and visitors in public housing developments.
Scope:
The ACOP community-oriented team consists of both officers and community liaison officers (CLOs). ACOP efforts are focused primarily on the four Saint Paul Public Housing sites of McDonough, Mt. Airy, Roosevelt and Dunedin. The ACOP office is located directly in a family housing site.
Objectives:
- Improve the working relationship between the public housing communities and the police department.
- Expand the police services provided to public housing residents by utilizing various types of patrol methods, to include squad, bike and foot patrol.
ACOP Officers:
ACOP officers perform all the duties of police officers. They patrol public housing neighborhoods, respond to calls for service, and interact with residents and property managers.
In addition to regular duties, ACOP police officers perform numerous tasks designed to allow them a proactive approach to crime prevention and control. They routinely attend resident council meetings, coach local athletic teams, and provide leadership for various community groups and other youth activities. ACOP police officers are selected especially for their ability to provide positive role models for area youths. Their activities aim to empower the residents of our public housing communities.
CLO -- Community Liaison Officers (A.C.O.P. Interpreters):
Interpreters are trained to provide assistance to the residents of the four public housing areas in English, Lao, Hmong, Thai, Somali, Spanish, and other languages as available. They serve in the main office from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The ACOP interpreters provide an invaluable service to our public housing residents. Through their language skills, they provide an effective conduit to the police for people of diverse origins and backgrounds.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
The Canine Unit is supervised by a Commander who reports to the deputy chief of the Operations Division.
The Canine Unit assigns one canine to each of its officers. The primary purpose of a police canine is to support the line officer and enhance officer safety. As such, the Canine Unit aims to have canine units patrolling the City twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Canine Unit officer’s duty assignments are city-wide.
Canine officers are expected to perform all the duties of a district officer with the exception of transporting individuals in the back of their squad.
In addition to providing the line officer support to enhance officer safety, the canine is to be used as a locating tool to conduct functions including but not limited to:
- Suspect tracks
- Building searches
- Open area searches
- Evidence searches
- Narcotics searches
- Explosives searches
Other duties as assigned
Canine officers will regularly conduct public demonstrations to promote the use and understanding of how canines function as a law enforcement tool.
Kenneling or Housing Police Canines
Officers assigned to the Canine Unit will be allowed to keep their assigned police canines at home with them while off-duty.
A canine may be housed in an enclosed area approved by the Canine Unit supervisor, at the canine officer’s home. When the canine is kept at the assigned officer’s home, the officer will ensure that the canine is either in a secured area, a secured kennel, or under the officer’s direct control at all times.
Squad Heat Alarms
All Canine Unit squad cars will have a properly functioning, department-approved heat alarm system installed. The heat alarm system must be turned on whenever a canine is inside a squad car. If the system malfunctions, the squad car must be immediately taken out of service and a spare canine squad car shall be used until the system is repaired. Per Code of Federal Regulations Section 9 CFR 3.15, canine squad cars must maintain a temperature between 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit while the canine is in the vehicle.
Updated June 18, 2019
-
(See 600.00 section general orders for detailed Traffic Enforcement Unit information)
The primary responsibility for traffic related services and traffic law enforcement rests with the Operations Division. The degree and level of specialization within the Unit will vary from time to time depending on the level of available resources and identified needs. Additionally, specific functions may be assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Unit in an effort to promote effective crime reduction, enhance safe driving practices, and strengthen community partnerships.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit may be reassigned if the need for a specialized traffic unit no longer exists.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit shall have primary responsibility for planning, analysis, inspection, and coordination of the department’s traffic services program.
Unit Organization:
The Unit is supervised by a Sergeant and commanded by the Senior Commander of the Citywide Services Division.
Functions:
- Development and coordination of the Department’s selective enforcement program, to include specialized DUI, seat belt, and speed enforcement efforts.
- Operation of speed measuring devices (radar, laser, etc.).
- Liaison with local traffic safety groups.
- Other functions as assigned.
Revised June 8, 2017
-
The purpose of the Saint Paul Police Department Traffic and Accident Investigation Unit is to perform technical investigation of all fatal and serious injury crashes, crashes involving department vehicles, hit and run crashes and follow-up investigation on felony and gross misdemeanor arrests or other traffic related cases as required.
Specific Duties Include:
- Timely response to serious crash scenes when required (listed above).
- Thorough investigation of fatal and serious injury crashes for evidence of criminal negligence or other violations.
- Investigation of hit and run crashes in order to identify the driver, secure criminal prosecution, where possible, and assist the injured or aggrieved party in gaining civil restitution.
- Case preparation for prosecutorial review and assistance at trial.
- Review of crash reports for quality control in terms of completeness, accuracy, legibility, and compliance with Department policy.
- Provide information to operations personnel regarding unusual occurrence or crash trends for enforcement action and/or preventative measures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Revised June 8, 2017
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Parking Enforcement Unit is supervised by a sergeant who reports to the Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Unit commander in the Community Engagement Division. The purpose of the unit is to augment the department’s enforcement effort in regard to all parking regulations and to expedite the safe movement of traffic elements. Such personnel are authorized to issue parking citations and to order the movement or towing of vehicles found to be in violation, in accordance with department policy and procedure. It will be the responsibility of parking enforcement officers to:
- Enforce all statutory and ordinance parking regulations to include the towing and
- Issue citations to vehicles for violations of parking regulations.
- Patrol an assigned area of the city by foot and/or motorized vehicle.
- Testify in court relative to the issuance of parking citations.
- Assist at special events and civic functions such as parades, etc., in enforcing parking regulations and providing information to civilians needing assistance.
Perform related duties as required.
Revised January 19, 2022
-
The watch commander is the staff officer responsible for the monitoring of street activities during a specific tour. The watch commander is supervised by the deputy chief of operations. Their authority is subordinate to persons of higher rank and to persons of equal rank responsible for a particular event or incident.
The primary function of watch commander is one of inspection, review, and to notify the appropriate person to be responsible for events which arise.
Functions:
- Review arrests to ensure the validity of charges, elements and arrest procedures.
- Receive complaints from the public about police service and remedies the issue through a district supervisor or reports to the appropriate unit for further investigation.
- Receive telephone inquiries from the public on matters of a police nature that cannot be satisfactorily addressed by another element of the department.
- Serve as liaison with judges and attorneys seeking the release of clients and causes notification of the investigative unit when the release of a felony suspect is ordered prior to formal charging.
- Inspect the headquarters building complex periodically to ensure physical security.
- Monitor ongoing activities and notifies the appropriate district commander, unit heads, assistant chief or deputy chiefs when necessary to investigate or resolve the respective issue.
- Handle routine media inquiries.
- Perform administrative tasks related to the function of the watch commanders office.
- Schedule personnel to work the office during holiday, vacation, overtime, or other required watch commander relief:
o Maintain current acting watch commander relief list.
o Notify personnel assigned to relief duty.
Updated January 14, 2019
-
Each unit is led by a commander or senior commander who reports to the deputy chief of the Major Crimes Division.
Revised November 17, 2020
-
Purpose:
To ensure a productive and effective process for collecting, testing and tracking all SANE kits. Standardization of SANE Kit procedures will ensure that critical evidence is being tested.
Procedures:
Collection
- All SANE kits that are recovered with a Saint Paul Police Department case number must be sent to the MN BCA for laboratory testing, NO exceptions. SANE kits that hospitals collect in cases involving a victim who does not want to involve the police will remain with the hospital. If there is no case number, the SPPD will not recover the SANE kit.
- Upon the initial review of each case, the assigned investigator will ensure that all evidence has been recovered and turned into the property room.
- If a SANE kit was not recovered by the officer who took the original report, the investigator assigned to the case will either recover it in person or assign an officer to recover the kit.
- All SANE kits must be picked up from the respective hospital within 7 business days. All evidence recovery is documented in RMS with a supplement report entitled, “Chain of Custody”.
Submission to BCA
- Within 14 business days, all SANE kits will be delivered to the MN BCA for testing.
- Weekly: SPPD property room employees will send an email to FSVU Clerical staff each week to notify the unit about kits that have been turned in for testing. The email will contain the case numbers of SANE kits turned into the property room during the previous week. Sex Crimes investigators will ensure these kits are checked out of the property room and transported by a sworn officer from the Sexual Violence Unit to the MN BCA for laboratory processing. An RMS supplement report documenting the “chain of custody” for SANE kits is required.
- SANE kits will be submitted with the email address “CI-StPaul_SPPD-SexCrimesUnit,”, and include the date and case number. Each member of Sex Crimes will have access to this email. Using this email ensures all BCA results are tracked within the Sex Crimes Unit. If an individual investigator’s email address is used and that investigator is transferred, separates from the department or retires, the BCA lab results could potentially not be acted on in a timely manner.
After the BCA has tested the contents of the SANE kit, the SANE kit box and any contents not tested by the BCA will be returned to the SPPD Property room by SPPD Sexual Violence Unit personnel. In certain circumstances after testing is completed, the BCA may choose to ship a SANE kit directly to the Saint Paul police Department Property Room by a shipping Company such as UPS, FEDEX or U.S. Mail. Upon receipt of the SANE kit box, the Sexual Violence Unit personnel doing the recovery will make a photocopy of the box being of no evidentiary value and will be destroyed (see the applicable Evidence Retention Policy and General Order 235.50). If it is determined the SANE kit box contains evidence that is to be retained the SANE kit and contents will be entered as “held for evidence” by the investigator assigned to the case. A RMS supplement report will be required documenting the “chain of custody.”
Follow-up by Sex Crimes Personnel
Monthly: Sex Crimes investigators will meet with SANE kit coordinators from Saint Paul hospitals to ensure all CSC kits are being handled and recovered according to SPPD Sexual Violence Unit protocols and policies. Hospitals outside of Saint Paul will be contacted on a case-by-case basis.
Revised June 18, 2019
-
Under the administrative direction of the assistant chief of police, the deputy chief of major crimes has executive charge of the personnel and units under their command.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Report directly to the assistant chief of police and submit oral and written reports to the chief on activities, plans and problems.
- Direct and control units assigned to the major crimes division on a 24-hour basis.
- Develop long-range plans with the unit heads for the effective delivery of services provided by their units.
- Develop budgets for the financial resources needed by units in the division to accomplish their goals and objectives during the budget cycle.
- Develop realistic performance standards for personnel within the division and evaluate the results produced by those individuals on a continuous basis.
- Stay abreast of unit plans and programs and submit reports to the assistant chief of police that assess the effectiveness of those activities in the community and department.
- Provide administrative guidance to develop members assigned to the division by delegating authority and responsible assignments at every opportunity.
- Manage the efficiency and discipline of all employees in the division.
- Coordinate unit planning efforts and review plans and proposals submitted by staff.
- Delegate administrative tasks to the unit heads commanders for the purpose of developing managerial skill and potential.
- Investigate complaints about service or personnel within the division.
- Recommend discipline, transfers, assignments and make recommendations for dismissal of personnel within the division.
- Direct and complete performance reviews on personnel in the division and assures consistent ratings among the units within the division.
- Meet and confer with business, civic, fraternal, religious and political leaders to keep abreast of community interests and trends.
- Conduct staff meetings to exchange information and to facilitate planning efforts of all assigned units affecting the delivery of service and long-range planning for the department.
- Oversee the activities of division employees performing diverse functions in support of the police department mission.
- Ensure the provision of essential services to the citizens, other city agencies and the members of the Saint Paul Police Department.
- Respond directly to citizens and other interested parties having complaints or information about the quality of services from division personnel.
- Assume the duties of the chief of police when designated.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
Commanders of investigative units within the Saint Paul Police Department Major Crimes Division shall report directly to the deputy chief of the major crimes division and shall have complete responsibility for the operation of their specific unit.
Commander Duties:
- Commanders shall lead by example, setting high standards for professionalism and accountability.
- Commanding officers should continually look to those subordinates needing training and experience with various cases in order to enhance their professional development.
- Responsible for the clearance of a specific class of crimes by the arrest of the perpetrator, the successful prosecution of criminal cases, and the recovery of stolen property and its return to rightful owners.
- Supplement direct supervision of their personnel by analyzing the reports of individual investigators. Commanders are responsible to operate their unit efficiently and to maintain close cooperation and professional relations between their unit and other department units.
- Responsible for the successful completion of the investigation of all crimes that are assigned to their unit. Commanders shall require their subordinates to exert their best efforts in the investigation of such crimes and clearance by arrest.
- Responsible for the complete, accurate, and prompt preparation of reports by their subordinates.
- Instruct the personnel under their command in the collection, identification, and preservation of evidence. Commanders must ensure that there is an appropriate chain of custody of all evidence and that this chain of custody can be established in court through officer testimony and department records.
- Ensure the investigative workload is equitably distributed among individual investigators and according to investigative acumen, skills and demonstrated proficiencies commensurate with specific case requirements to ensure assignment of the most qualified investigator.
- Make regular checks on the activities and efficiency of the investigators assigned to their unit and make recommendations where necessary.
- Hold regular meetings with their subordinates to discuss current problems and conditions affecting their unit and formulate plans and procedures designed to increase their effectiveness.
- Manage resources and investigations by analyzing statistical data and be well versed in crime patterns and trends as appropriate to the unit’s functions.
- Require investigators to give special attention to professional criminals and to use every legal means to convict them of their offenses and to suppress their criminal activities.
- Ensure that officers in their command comply with all department rules, regulations and procedures.
- Prepare service ratings, vacation schedules and work schedules for the members of their unit.
- Maintain good relations with the public.
- Respond to community concerns and speak at community forums as required.
- Make certain the reports submitted by investigators contain the names of members of the uniformed force or others who give assistance.
- Assist other jurisdictions and maintain proper relations with outside law enforcement agencies.
- Review requests by investigators under their command for polygraph examinations.
- Manage the appearance of personnel under their command according to department standards.
- Train subordinates and take an interest in the career development of those in their command.
- Manage resources and investigations by analytical methods to determine crime patterns and trends.
- Manage investigations to ensure to avoid conflict with other units.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
General Duties:
- Keep the unit commander informed of all matters coming to their knowledge relating to the interest of the department. Investigative unit personnel must use their best efforts in the prevention and suppression of crime, and in the detection and apprehension of criminals.
- Give diligent, efficient, and prompt attention to the investigation of crimes assigned to them and utilize all agencies at hand and elsewhere for the clearance of crimes by the arrest of the offender and the recovery of stolen property. Investigative unit personnel are responsible for proper and complete preparation of assigned cases for court.
- Familiarize themselves with criminals, their practices, haunts, associates, and acquaint themselves with the various modus operandi used by criminals in the commission of their crimes.
- Conform strictly to the rules and regulations and procedures of the department.
- Perform and complete all duties as assigned to them by their commander.
- Cooperate with all other department personnel, units and divisions, along with all other agencies within the guidelines of the department.
- Keep the assigned unit commander informed on the progress of their investigations. Investigative unit personnel shall report the need for further guidance when further progress seems impossible.
- When a case has been assigned to an investigator, they shall interview the complainant, and consult with the complainant from time to time regarding the progress of the case, until it has been closed.
- Investigators shall submit a written report of their action on each case on which they have performed any work.
- Report to their commander at the beginning of the tour and as required during their tour of duty.
- Investigative unit personnel have a duty of investigators to render assistance, to other members of the department, but they shall not interfere with or work independently upon any case, unless by the direction of their commander.
- After a suspect is arrested in a case, the investigator is responsible for preparing the case for prosecution. They shall submit a summary of all facts relating to the crime and the arrest. There shall be included a brief resume of the testimony to be offered by each person who should be subpoenaed.
- An investigator will be responsible for maintaining a “working file” on each case assigned to her/him. This file will contain copies of all reports, statements, lab examination results, or any other information pertaining to that case. The unit head or a designee shall have accessibility to these working files. When the case is closed or pended the entire working file will be sent to the records unit. The records unit will then be responsible for these files until such time as the case may be reopened, microfilmed, and/or purged.
- When an investigator develops evidence in the furtherance of their investigations, that evidence must be submitted to the property room via the Evidence Manager.
- Investigators will ensure that police department data is submitted to the records unit for processing, scanning, and storage.
- Investigators will not store evidence in their home units or at their desks.Evidence must be submitted to the property room as soon as practicable or returned to the custody of the property room when analysis is complete.
- Investigators will communicate with the district roll calls in their respective areas of responsibility regularly, to exchange criminal intelligence information, crime statistics, crime trends and other relevant information.
- Investigators will prepare and issue pickup for suspects and provide officer safety information for other units, officers, and agencies when necessary to assist the investigator with their case.
Investigators shall coordinate efforts with other investigative units to avoid conflict.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
Function:
The Saint Paul Police Department Family Violence Unit (F.V.U.) is headed by a commander who reports to the deputy chief of major crimes and investigations.
The F.V.U. has two sections: Family Violence investigating all cases of physical abuse that are interfamilial in nature, involving victims who are over 18 years of age, and Elder Abuse investigations. Spouse and former spouse, parents with a child in common, persons who reside or previously resided together, persons in a significant or sexual relationship, and persons related by blood are all examples of interfamilial (domestic) relationships.
The Saint Paul Police Department has adopted the Blueprint for Safety protocol when responding to incidents of domestic violence. The Blueprint for Safety is a model that was created to link the city's criminal justice agencies together in a coherent, philosophically sound domestic violence intervention model. The Blueprint is anchored in six foundational principles that we have identified as essential characteristics of intervention that maximize safety for victims of domestic violence and hold offenders accountable while offering them opportunities to change.
Six Principles
- Adhere to an interagency approach and collective intervention goals
- Build attention to the context and severity of abuse into each intervention
- Recognize that most domestic violence is a patterned crime requiring continuing engagement with victims and offenders
- Establish sure and swift consequences for continued abuse
- Use the power of the criminal justice system to send messages of help and accountability
- Act in ways that reduce unintended consequences and the disparity of impact on victims and offenders
The F.V.U. does not handle cases of babysitters, and daycare operators, or cases that involve orders for protection, restraining orders, harassment orders, or no contact orders where there is no interfamilial relationship.
Revised September 30, 2019
-
Minnesota Statute 626.557 mandates that law enforcement professionals who have knowledge of the abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult or have reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult is being or has been abused or neglected shall immediately notify the Department of Human Services common entry point per Minnesota Statute 626.557 Subd. 4.
The crimes against the elderly unit is charged with the responsibility of investigating all reported cases of abuse or neglect involving victims over the age of 65 and involving vulnerable adults. The investigators are under the direction of the F.V.U. commander.
Upon receiving a report involving victims meeting the above criteria, investigators assigned to the crimes against the elderly unit will notify the Department of Human Services common entry point and investigate these crimes or assign to the proper investigative unit. The investigators may work in conjunction with other units, local, county, state and federal agencies while conducting their investigations.
Revised September 30, 2019
-
Arson investigations are part of the Crimes Against Property Unit (CAPROP) within the Major Crimes Division. A commander will supervise these investigations and report to the Deputy Chief of Major Crimes. Investigators within the CAPROP Unit assigned to complete arson investigations will work cooperatively with the St. Paul Fire Department Investigation Unit.
CAPROP investigators may receive basic fire origin and cause training. This specialized training will allow investigators to better understand reports generated by fire investigators and assist at fire scenes, as necessary.
Responsibilities of investigators assigned to arson related crimes:
- Investigate fires which have been determined, by the St. Paul Fire Department, to be intentional, a criminal act, or suspicious
- Investigate and determine a crime has been committed, determine motives, identify suspects, and present cases for criminal charging
- Transfer reports, documents, and digital evidence from the St. Paul Fire Department into secure police databases
- Transfer physical evidence turned over to the St. Paul Police Department which has been recovered by the St. Paul Fire Department, while maintaining the chain of custody
- Coordinate forensic testing on physical evidence turned over to the St. Paul Police Department
- May respond to fire scenes when a death has occurred or when a death may result
- May respond to assist fire investigators during a large-scale incident
- Refer non-criminal incendiary fire cases (e.g. child play or mental health crisis) to appropriate resources
- Investigate false fire alarm reports and fire alarm tampering
Updated June 25, 2021
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Auto Theft Unit is led by a commander who reports to the deputy chief of the Major Crimes Division.
The Auto Theft Unit is responsible for the investigation of all reported cases involving stolen motor vehicles or attempted stolen motor vehicles. This includes the apprehension of suspects and submission for prosecution of offenders as well as the recovery and return of such vehicles to their rightful owner.
Investigators will maintain working case files as necessary to their functions as authorized by the unit head.
Updated November 17, 2020
-
Upon the receipt of a call alleging a motor vehicle theft the officer will:
- Contact Ramsey County Emergency Communication Center (RCECC) data channel to determine if the vehicle may have been towed by a private contractor or repossessed.
- Prepare an original report.
- Enter the property as stolen using the Evidence Manger.
- Upon the completion of the call by the field units, place necessary administrative data on the complaint memo and forward to the records unit.
- Contact RCECC data for entering the vehicle as a stolen in the NCIC system.
Notification of RCECC:
Upon receipt of a stolen auto call from the RCECC or on tour notification from a citizen, the officer will proceed to the location of the call or the alleged theft location and prepare a report following the procedure as set forth in the report writing manual, even when the car was recovered at the same time.
If the auto has been stolen, the officer preparing the auto theft report will notify the RCECC of the theft promptly by phone, giving the following information to be entered into NCIC:
- License number of the car
- Year and type
- Serial number, VIN
- Make, year, model, and color
- Record owner s address, phone number
- Location of theft
- Complaint number
Stolen vehicle information and the notification of RCECC about the stolen auto information must be documented in an original police report.
The reporting officer will decide and instruct RCECC whether the vehicle should be broadcast as a stolen or as a stop and identify in the case of a breach of trust. Under questionable cases, or cases lacking information, the auto theft unit will verify if a vehicle is to be considered a stolen auto. Sufficient information for a broadcast via radio and electronic methods would be year, color, model, and license number. Officers will prepare an original report even if the complaint is lacking some information and instruct the complainant to contact the auto theft unit with the additional information.
Auto Theft- Notification of Registered Owners
In all cases when a stolen auto is recovered, the officer shall ensure that RCECC has attempted to contact the registered owner when a phone number is listed in the NCIC comments. Registered owners shall be given the option to recover their vehicle within a reasonable amount of time in lieu of automatic impoundment.
Auto Theft Recoveries-Towed to the Impound Lot:
A recovered stolen vehicle represents a crime scene and therefore will be processed by only sworn police officers or personnel from the forensic services unit.
Sworn police officer recovering stolen vehicles will:
- Thoroughly search all vehicles for suspect evidence, turning in all contraband, weapons, and valuables discovered.
- Enter the recovered vehicle in the Tow Manager prior to the vehicle reaching the impound lot.
- If the license plates have been removed from the recovered vehicle, officers will document the plates are stolen in the recovery report and notify RCECC of the stolen plates for NCIC entry.
- Notify the emergency communication center of the recovery identifying the recoveries by license number, make and model and location of recovery.
- If the auto is missing major parts (stripped) it will be towed to the impound lot and missing parts and damages noted in report.
- "Holds for auto theft should only be placed on a vehicle for evidentiary purposes other than fingerprinting and/or photographing that can t be taken care of on the street.
Auto Theft Recoveries - Arrests:
Sworn police officers recovering a stolen vehicle with suspect(s) will:
- Positively identify all occupants in the stolen vehicle whether or not they are taken into custody or arrested.
- Interview the occupants to ascertain their knowledge of the stolen vehicle, including the driver's identity, any knowledge of the vehicle being stolen and other pertinent information to assist the investigator.
- Note in their report occupants' positions in the vehicle.
Auto Theft Recoveries - Turned Over to the Owner:
A recovered stolen vehicle represents a crime scene and therefore will be processed by only sworn police officers or personnel from the Forensic Services Unit.
Sworn police officers recovering stolen vehicles to be turned over to the owner at the scene of the recovery will:
- Thoroughly search all vehicles for suspect evidence, turning in all contraband, weapons, and valuables discovered.
- Enter the recovered vehicle as recovered and turned over to the owner in the Evidence Manager.
- If the license plates have been removed from the recovered vehicle, officers will document the plates are stolen in the recovery report and notify RCECC of the stolen plates for NCIC entry.
- Notify the emergency communication center of the recovery identifying the auto by license number, make and model and location of recovery.
RCECC:
The officer will notify the RCECC so their personnel can broadcast a cancellation and call a contract tow company for the vehicle if it is not turned over to the owner.
Recoveries Out of City:
Upon receipt of information about a Saint Paul stolen vehicle recovered out of city, the investigator will write a supplemental report that includes:
- Administrative data.
- The date and the location of the recovery.
- The agency that made the recovery.
- If the vehicle has been impounded, if so, where.
- The condition of the vehicle.
- If any arrest has been made, juvenile or adult.
- The name of the authority authorizing the cancellations.
Auto Theft Unit:
The auto theft unit will prepare a supplement report and note these changes in RMS, when necessary, when any change is made not already documented in the case status of an auto theft incident. (See General Order 439.01: Property and Evidence Procedures and General Order 445.00: Towing and Storage Procedures/Authority)
Updated February 1, 2019
-
I. Purpose and Definitions
II. Breach of Trust with Contract or Agreement
III. Breach of Trust without Contract or Agreement
IV. Reporting
V. Investigation
VI. Recovery of the Vehicle
I. Purpose and Definitions
The purpose of this policy is to assist officers and provide direction when they encounter a vehicle reported as a breach of trust or respond to a citizen reporting a breach of trust vehicle.
Definitions:
- Breach of Trust: A term used for a motor vehicle which refers to breaking the rules of trust, a contract, an obligation, or a person taking advantage of the vehicle given to them for a period of time. It can also refer to an owner allowing a person to borrow or periodically control their vehicle resulting in the person stealing, not returning, or inappropriately using the vehicle.
- Owner: A person with controlling interest in a motor vehicle, to include the registered owner of the vehicle or the company representative with controlling authority.
II. Breach of Trust with a Contract or Agreement
A breach of trust can occur when a business has a contract or agreement with the person who took possession of the vehicle. Examples of these situations are below:
- An auto dealer allows a vehicle to be test driven, and it is not returned
- An agency, company, or private party formally rents a vehicle, and the renter does not return the vehicle within the agreed time
- An employee has a business vehicle in the field and does not return it to the business
A business or owner must report the breach of trust at the time the contract or agreement is breached. When an officer encounters a breach of trust with a contract or agreement, the officer must instruct the business or owner they need to demonstrate they have exhausted all efforts to reacquire the vehicle for 30 days.
III. Breach of Trust without a Contract or Agreement
A breach of trust can also occur without a contract or agreement. Examples of these situations are below:
- A vehicle is loaned to another person(s) for a certain length of time, and the vehicle is not returned as expected
- A vehicle is missing, and the person suspected of having the vehicle was previously allowed to use the vehicle; however, in this specific situation or time, they were not granted permission by the owner
IV. Reporting
In each of the above examples, whether a contract or agreement is involved, an original breach of trust report may be taken. This report will be classified with a NIBRS offense of False Pretense/Swindle and the corresponding statute is 609.52 s2(a)(17), which is the theft of a motor vehicle statute. The officer will contact the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center (RCECC) Data Channel and request the vehicle to be entered via the CAD system as a breach of trust for 30 days. The vehicle will not be entered as a stolen vehicle into the national system (NCIC) during these first 30 days.
The officer must advise the owner of the following:
- The vehicle's license plates, and vehicle identification number (VIN) will be entered into the CAD system as a breach of trust, but it will be entered into the national system.
- If the vehicle is located parked or stopped by police, it may be towed, and the owner is responsible for all related expenses.
- The owner must contact the Crimes Against Property Unit (CAPROP) after 30 days to have the investigation furthered.
- The owner must contact the RCECC or the CAPROP Unit if the vehicle has been returned or located without police assistance. When this occurs, a supplemental report will be written to document the circumstances surrounding the return or locating of the vehicle. The assigned officer or investigator must also contact the RCECC Data Channel and request to have the vehicle removed from the CAD System.
V. Investigation
When the owner of a vehicle involved in a breach of trust, whether a contract or agreement is involved, contacts the CAPROP Unit after 30 days, the assigned investigator may request the RCECC Data Channel to enter the vehicle into NCIC as stolen if it has not yet been returned or located.
When the breach of trust involves a contract or agreement, the assigned investigator will ask the business or owner to provide the contract, if applicable, and the steps taken to reacquire the vehicle.
All steps of the investigation must be documented in a supplemental report, under the original case number.
VI. Recovery of the Vehicle
When an officer stops or locates a breach of trust vehicle, the officer shall first confirm, through RCECC Data, the vehicle is still listed as a breach of trust. If applicable, officers should positively identify, but not arrest, the driver and other occupants, unless there are additional crimes that lead to an arrest. Officers will also attempt to notify the owner and request the vehicle be picked up from the stop location. If officers are unable to contact the owner, the vehicle will be towed to the impound lot, with no investigative holds, unless warranted by other circumstances, i.e., used in another crime. The officer must contact the RCECC Data Channel to ensure the vehicle has been removed from the Ramsey County CAD System and/or NCIC. A supplemental report will be written documenting the recovery information.
Updated April 15, 2022
-
Worthless Documents:
Worthless documents include the following: non-sufficient funds (NSF) checks, account closed checks or no account checks, counterfeit checks, refer to maker of checks, forgery, offering a forged check, and financial transaction card fraud.
General:
Officers should make a report in the case of:
- NSF, account closed, refer to maker, stop payment or worthless electronic checks received within city limits that exceed $1,500 in a single transaction.
- Counterfeit checks, altered checks, forged checks, fraudulent or stolen checks, checking account opened using fraudulent information and any situation where an arrest is made.
Offering a Forged Check:
A check is not an instrument of credit. It is a conditional promissory note of payment, or a savings account with special provisions. Successful prosecution requires the account holder to sign an affidavit of forgery which dishonors the check and creates the crime of offering a forged check. Furthermore, the check must be accepted in person within the corporate limits of the City of Saint Paul. The individual or merchant who accepts the check is the victim and must be able to identify the person who offered the check. The officer should write an offense report.
Financial Transaction Card Fraud:
The person who accepts the credit card must be able to identify the suspect or prosecution is precluded. This should be noted in the offense report. An affidavit of forgery is required for each transaction since each transaction is a separate crime and the original affidavit is turned in with the worthless document report.
The elements of the crime of financial transaction card fraud require that the charge card is lost or stolen; the owner did not authorize the use of the card or account number; and the suspect is the person who made the charge. In either case, the suspect is booked and a new picture and fingerprint card is created. The suspect of the misdemeanor crime is then tagged and released, while the suspect in a gross misdemeanor or felony case is jailed.
Forgery:
An aggravated forgery occurs when the suspect alters or falsely makes, with the intent to defraud, any writing or object other than a check or financial transaction card; with the intent to defraud, makes, engraves, possesses or transfers a plate or instrument to create a writing, check, or financial transaction card; or with the intent to defraud, utters or possesses any forged writing or object other than a check or financial transaction card.
All other acts of forgery involve the intentional use, destruction, altering, possessing, misplacing, falsely making, or mutilating writings or objects in an act intending to injure or defraud another person. The report is entitled forgery and may include, for example, such items as a forged birth certificate, a forged marriage license, or a false college transcript or diploma. For successful prosecution, the victim must be able to identify the suspect presenting or possessing the forged object or writing.
Counterfeit Currency:
Write an offense report describing the circumstances of recovery, follow proper cash handling procedures (General Order 439.06: Money Storage) and turn the currency in as evidence.
Embezzlement:
The officer will write a police report documenting the basics of the crime. The fraud and forgery unit will review the report and contact the complainant.
Bank Fraud:
A suspect will use artificial means to inflate his/her bank account, usually by depositing fraudulent checks then making a series of withdrawals via ATM or teller.
Checks used are often from accounts opened for fraudulent purposes, checks from closed accounts, or checks stolen or taken in burglaries. The best indicator of a bank fraud is the dollar loss to the bank.
Evidence:
Turn any checks, documents, affidavits, sales slips, counterfeit currency, and security tapes provided as evidence shall be turned into the property room during business hours. Outside of business hours such evidence shall be turned into a property locker following procedures for turning in evidence/property.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
Function:
The Saint Paul Police Department Homicide and Robbery Unit is headed by a senior commander who reports to the deputy chief of the major crimes division. The Homicide and Robbery unit is charged with responsibility for the investigation of all reported cases of assault, homicides, robberies and other related crimes including attempts for the purpose of apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators thereof. This unit will additionally investigate:
- Kidnapping: when the victim is 18 years or older and there are no criminal sexual conduct allegations
- Impersonations of a peace officer
- Abduction when the victim is 18 years or older and there are no criminal sexual conduct allegations
- Suicide attempts
- Riot
- Bigamy
- Coercion
- Assaults on departmental personnel
- Death investigations including homicide, suspicious, suicide and child deaths
- Critical Incidents
- Robbery
- Cold Cases
- Harassment, stalking and terroristic threats (non-domestic)
- Unlawful possession of tear gas and/or electronic control devices
- Drive-by shooting and other offenses involving the intentional or accidental discharge of a firearm (with an identified victim)
- Unlawful possession of bullet proof vest
- Obstruction of Legal Process
- All non-domestic assaults
Preliminary Homicide Scene Procedures
First Officers at the Scene:
The first officers at the scene largely determine the success or failure of the subsequent investigation. Evidence which is destroyed through thoughtlessness or carelessness can never be brought back again and thereafter the task of reconstruction may be impossible.
Remember – only the necessary number of police personnel should conduct the initial investigation. The least number of personnel permitted into the crime scene area the better, including medical personnel.
- Ascertain that the victim is dead.
- Give medical aid if there is any doubt.
- Should the victim have to be moved, make mental note of the position of the body and the immediate area around same to include any objects that are present so you can document in your police report.
- Be accurate and methodical in all you do. Do not lose your composure.
- Make written notes for your report regarding:
- How call received (radio, telephone, citizen)
- Time call received and time you arrived at scene
- The weather conditions
- Who was present at scene upon your arrival
- Everything that you observe, to include reactions
- Document ICC or Body Worn Camera
- Protecting the scene:
- First officer at the scene shall request a district supervisor to come to the scene.
- The officer will then find a position at a reasonable location at or near the scene to keep unauthorized persons, including other police personnel away from the crime scene.
- The officer assigned to guard the crime scene will record in a report the names of all persons entering the scene. This officer will be responsible to start a Crime Scene Sign-in (PM 607-10R). This form requires all personnel entering the scene to provide the following information: printed name and signature, their agency and unit assignment, the time of entry and exit, and the reason for entry into the crime scene.
- The officer will advise the supervisor of the situation.
Supervisor at Scene:
The supervisor, on arrival, is in charge of the scene, and is responsible for the continued protection and preservation of the scene.
- Notify the watch commander and advise of the situation. When no watch commander is on duty, the supervisor will contact the on-call chief.
- The supervisor will take charge of protecting the crime scene until Homicide Unit and/or Forensic Services Unit personnel arrive to take charge.
- The supervisor will ensure all ICC and Body Worn Camera evidence is preserved and uploaded when practical.
Homicide Unit or Forensic Services Unit Personnel:
- Upon arrival at the crime scene by an investigator or Forensic Services Unit member, they will assume control and responsibility for the crime scene itself and the continued investigation.
- All other police personnel will take their orders from the investigator or Forensic Services Unit personnel until excused from the scene.
General:
The Homicide Unit investigator in charge of the scene, in consultation with the on-call chief and public information officer, will determine when and what information will be given out. All police personnel shall refrain from discussing anything pertaining to the crime or crime scene with unauthorized persons (press, spectators, etc.). The public information officer will field calls from the media. (See General Order 235.60: News Media)
No one will enter the crime scene without approval from the officer-in-charge and will only enter after having signed the crime scene log sheet.
All personnel entering crime scene will prepare a written report detailing why they were there, what they did, and what they observed.
Further information can be found in the Saint Paul Police Department Manual, section 423.00, “Preliminary Field Investigations.”
Effective January 6, 2023
-
The Forensic Services Unit (FSU) is committed to performing unbiased forensic analysis which is accurate, precise, reliable, and timely. The FSU is accredited by ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and is dedicated to meeting the requirements of international standard ISO/IEC 17020 and the additional requirements of the accrediting body ANAB.
The FSU is staffed with a combination of civilian professionals and police specialists and is led by a Forensic Laboratory Manager who reports to the Deputy Chief of Support Services and Administration Division.
The FSU has adopted a quality system based on the International Standard ISO/IEC 17020 that:
- Produces a quality product in a timely manner;
- Utilizes documented procedures for FSU operations based upon validated testing methods;
- Maintains the integrity of both the samples tested and the documentation to support findings and professional judgments;
- Employs qualified and trained personnel to perform investigative activities;
- Ensures the quality of its investigative activities through a program of proficiency testing, monitoring employee testimony, maintenance of quality control data, and 100% peer review of reports;
- Focuses on continual improvement through the use of corrective and preventative actions;
- Evaluates effectiveness through the use of an internal audit process; and
Allows for periodic revisions as part of an annual management review.
Accredited Functions:
- Crime Scene Inspection (Crime Scene Search, Documentation, Evidence Collection, Latent Print Processing, Toolmark Collection, Impression Evidence Processing, and Presumptive Blood Testing)
- Latent print processing, comparison, and databasing
- Impression Evidence development and comparison
- DNA and trace evidence collection
- Firearm examination (Serial Number Restoration, Barrel Length Determination)
- Knife blade length determination
Measurements and Computer Aided Drawings
Additional Functions:
Forensic Services Unit Vehicles -- Special Purpose Vehicles:
The forensic services unit support vehicles contain supplies and equipment to be used at crime scene sites for processing crime scenes and for the documentation and collection of evidence. Only forensic services personnel are authorized and trained to use these vehicles.
The responsibility for the contents of the vehicles as it relates to crime scene processing rests with the forensic services unit laboratory manager or a designee. Mechanical maintenance of the vehicles is provided by the motor fleet unit. The vehicles must be operated by a forensic services unit employee with a valid driver’s license when used in its capacity as a support vehicle. Other authorized use of the vehicles is permitted by the motor fleet unit personnel for maintenance purposes or personnel working on the vehicles performing general maintenance. Any other use of the vehicles requires permission from the forensic laboratory manager, deputy chief of support services and administration division, assistant chief, or the chief of police.
Revised September 7, 2017
-
I. Function:
The Saint Paul Police Department Sexual Violence Unit is led by a commander who reports to the deputy chief of the Major Crimes Division.
The Sexual Violence Unit has three sections: sex crimes, predatory offender registrations and child abuse. The sex crimes section is charged with the responsibility of investigating all reported cases of criminal sexual conduct, indecent exposure, obscene phone calls, peeper, all other sexual offenses, and child abuse.
All employees will demonstrate a professional, victim-centered approach to sexual assaults and child abuse, proactively and protectively investigate these crimes, and coordinate with prosecution in a manner that helps restore victim dignity and autonomy. It is this agency’s goal to decrease victim distress, increase victim understanding of the criminal justice system and process, promote public safety, and hold offenders accountable to their criminal actions.
The unit commander will ensure investigators receive sex crime investigation training. The commander will also ensure Ramsey County Sexual Assault Protocols and related training are included in all Saint Paul Police Department police academy training and at in-service.
II. Definitions:
A. Consent: Words or overt actions indicating a freely given and present agreement to perform a particular sexual act. Consent does not include the existence of a prior or current social or sexual relationship between persons involved in the investigations.
(1) A person who is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless as defined by Minnesota Statute 609.341 cannot consent to a sexual act.
(2) Corroboration of the victim’s report to police is not required to demonstrate the absence of consent.
B. Child or Minor: A person under the age of 18.
C. SANE Examiner: The health care provider conducting a sexual assault medical forensic examination.
D. Sexual Assault: When a person engages in sexual contact or penetration with another, without all parties’ consent and full ability to understand and agree, as defined by Minnesota Statutes 609.342 to 609.3451.
E. Family and Household Member: Defined by Minnesota Statutes 518.B.01 Subd.2.b.; to include:
(1) spouses or former spouses;
(2) parents and children;
(3) persons related by blood;
(4) persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past;
(5) persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time;
(6) a man and woman if the woman is pregnant and the man is alleged to be the father, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time; and,
(7) persons involved or previously involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship.
F. Sexual Assault Nurse Examination (SANE): An examination of a sexual assault patient by a health care provider, ideally one who has specialized education and clinical experience in the collection of forensic evidence and treatment of these patients.
G. Victim Advocate: A Sexual Assault Counselor defined by Minn. Stat. 13.822 (2) and/or a Domestic Abuse Advocate as defined by Minn. Stat. 595.02, subd. 1(1) who provide confidential advocacy services to victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse.
H. Victim Centered: Investigative actions that prioritizes the safety, privacy, and well-being of the victim, aiming to create a supportive environment in which the victim’s rights are respected and in which they are treated with dignity and respect.
I. Vulnerable Adult: Any person 18 years of age or older who:
(1) is a resident inpatient of a facility as defined in Minn. Stat. 626.5572. Subd. 6;
(2) receives services at or from a facility required to be licensed to serve adults under sections 245A.01 to 245A.15, except that a person receiving outpatient services for treatment of chemical dependency or mental illness, or one who is committed as a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person under chapter 253B, is not considered a vulnerable adult unless the person meets the requirements of clause (4);
(3) receives services from a home care provider required to be licensed under sections 144A.43 to 144A.482; or from a person or organization that exclusively offers, provides, or arranges for personal care assistance services under the medical assistance program as authorized under sections 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, 256B.0651 to 256B.0654, and 256B.0659; or
(4) regardless of residence or whether any type of service is received, possesses a physical or mental infirmity or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction:
(i) that impairs the individual's ability to provide adequately for the individual's own care without assistance, including the provision of food, shelter, clothing, health care, or supervision; and
(ii) because of the dysfunction or infirmity and the need for assistance, the individual has an impaired ability to protect the individual from maltreatment.
J. Confidentiality: Officers should explain the victim's identifying information is not accessible to the public, as specified in Minn. Stat. section 13.82, subd. 17(b). Encourage ongoing victim cooperation with the investigative process but advised them they have the right to withdraw consent to additional investigation.
K. On My Terms: A sexual assault reporting program supervised by Ramsey County SOS - Sexual Violence Services. This program provides survivors of sexual assault more control over when and to whom their assault is reported. Persons over the age of 18 who are assaulted in Ramsey County are eligible for this program.
III. Criminal Sexual Conduct Investigations:
The Saint Paul Police Department is committed to a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach when investigating all incidents of sexual assault. The Saint Paul Police Department works in partnership with Ramsey County Sexual Assault Protocols.
Officers are to be mindful of the following protocols when responding to sexual assault:
A. Apply a trauma-informed approach during all interviews with victims and ensure they understand the investigative process you will lead them through.
B. Locate and secure the crime scene for processing and collection of evidence.
C. Evidence may include, but not be limited to, a surface or object where bodily fluids or other sources of DNA may be found.
D. Follow all evidence location and preservation protocols if the victim bathed after the assault.
E. Notify the Watch Commander, unit commander and the Sex Crimes commander after violent incidents or when public safety concern exists.
F. If an arrest is made, officers should immediately contact the Watch Commander or the Sex Crimes Unit to determine whether a medical forensic examination should be conducted on the suspect prior to booking.
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a qualification for forensic nurses who have received special training to conduct sexual assault evidentiary exams for rape victims.
A. Officers will explain the SANE exam, and its process to the victim.
B. If the victim consents to a SANE exam, the officer will accompany the victim to Regions Hospital (or hospital of the victim’s choosing) to meet with the sexual assault nurse.
C. Evidence will be collected by the SANE nurse from the victim. The SANE nurse will place the recovered evidence into a “CSC kit”.
D. If the victim gives indication that they may have ingested a “date rape” drug, such as GHB or Rohypnol, request the SANE nurse to collect a urine sample from the victim.
a. Use the DUI kit issued by the BCA for collection of a urine sample.
b. Both kits must be submitted into the property room using the Evidence Manager under the same case numbers and turned into the CSC refrigerator in the property room.
E. Submit all SANE exam evidence into the property room.
Victim Advocates play an important role in our investigative and support processes.
A. All sexual assault victims will be offered sexual assault victim/survivor advocacy services.
B. Access to a victim advocate should be offered to a sexual assault victim in cases when the reporting party declines a SANE exam.
C. NOTE: The Sexual Assault Victim Information consent form allows our department to share information with Ramsey County SOS- Sexual Violence Services.
Juvenile victims can be brought to Children’s Hospital or Midwest Children’s Resource Center (MCRC) for a more comprehensive child exam.
A. MCRC accepts children less than 13 years of age for all sexual assaults and those under the age of 18 years old if the crime is interfamilial or if the crime is committed by a person in authority.
IV. Sexual Assault Victim Interviews
Victims of sexual violence are better served when officers apply trauma informed interviewing techniques and strategies. Officers and investigators should consider the following when conducing victim interviews:
A. The presence of a victim’s advocate should be offered and encouraged during interviews involving sexual assault.
B. Conduct victim interviews in-person, whenever possible.
C. Let the victim share the details at their own pace.
D. Understand this trauma is a critical incident in the victim’s life. Victims may have trouble remembering incidents in a linear fashion and may recall and report details in the days and weeks following an assault.
E. After the initial interview, consider reaching out to the victim within a few days, after at least one sleep cycle, to ask if they remember any additional details.
F. Depending on the victim, additional interviews might be needed to gather additional information. Offer support from a victim advocate to help facilitate engagement with the investigative process and healing.
G. Some victims do remember details vividly and might want to be interviewed immediately. Beware, the behavior a victim presents during their statements should not distract an investigating officer from the evidentiary value of what is reported.
H. During initial and subsequent victim interviews, officers should note the following information as victims share it, recognizing that a victim may not be able to recall all the details of the assault during a particular interview.
1. Whether the suspect was known to the victim.
2. How long the victim knew the suspect.
3. The circumstances of their meeting and if there is any indication of the use of drugs or alcohol to facilitate the sexual assault.
4. The extent of their previous or current relationship.
5. Any behavioral changes that led the situation from one based on consent to one of submission, coercion, fear, or force.
6. Specific actions, statements, and/or thoughts of both victim and suspect immediately prior, during, and after assault.
7. Relevant communication through social media, email, text messages, or other witnesses who may have told the victim about what happened.
V. Child Abuse, Battering or Abandonment: (See General Order 437.02: Use of Detention and Arrest)
Officers responding to the call should obtain information necessary to complete an original incident report. Information should include:
1. A specific description of the child’s injuries or suspected injuries.
2. The victim’s account of what happened (if old enough to talk).
3. Statements or information obtained from possible witnesses, relevant information from others who know the family, or circumstances describing how the abuse was discovered and reported.
4. A summarization of any child protection worker’s child abuse statement or report. Written Child Protection reports should be noted in a police report and placed in evidence.
Photographs of injuries must be taken when injuries are visible or alleged but not visible. Photographs should also be taken of the scene whether evidence is present or not, or the cause of injury can be clarified.
Officers should always be mindful about whether a child victim needs medical attention. If a child needs medical attention, they should be taken to a medical facility, preferably Children’s Hospital and/or MCRC for a medical evaluation.
Placement
The officer can take the child into immediate custody (Minnesota Statute 260C.175) if the officer reasonably believes the child is in “surroundings or conditions which endanger the child’s health or welfare.” This decision should be based upon one or all of the following:
1. The police officer’s professional opinion based upon experience.
2. A physician’s report and recommendation.
3. Other professional information or advice.
When an officer decides to place a hold on a child under the age of 12, the child must be transported to Children’s Hospital emergency room for examination prior to placement in an emergency shelter home.
1. The officer will call the numbers posted in the emergency room for an available shelter home and complete a detention form.
2. The form will be placed into the Media Vault and/or sent to the Sexual Violence Unit. Sexual Violence Unit members will ensure the form is forwarded to Ramsey County Child Protection.
3. If the child to be placed is 13 years of age or older, a decision to place a hold on the child will be made by the Sexual Violence Unit, or watch commander, or on-duty supervisor if a commander is not available.
4. It is important that every effort is made to notify the parent or guardian when a child has been taken into custody. This effort should be noted in the report.
Effective September 20, 2024
-
Purpose:
It is the policy of this department to protect the public by cooperating with predatory offenders required to register and by disclosing appropriate information on their identity and residence within our community. This agency will decide what information to disclose and who to whom they should disclose the information based on:
The level of danger posed by the offender,
The offender's pattern of offending behavior,
Community safety concerns.
Authority:
Minnesota Statutes 243.166 — Predatory Offender Registration
Minnesota Statutes 244.052 — Community Notification (Prison)
Minnesota Statutes 244.053 — Community Notification (non-prison)
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 — MN Government Data Practices Act
Definitions:
Predatory Offender Registration and Community Notification: Minnesota law requires certain predatory offenders to register with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Predatory Offender Unit. The law also provides for community notification about certain adult predatory offenders who have been incarcerated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) or confined by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
Primary Residence: The mailing address of a registered offender’s dwelling. If the mailing address differs from the actual dwelling location, the primary address must include a specific description of the physical location of their dwelling. It is the offender’s responsibility to provide this location to law enforcement.
Secondary Residence: Any location where the person regularly stays or lives, other than the offender’s primary residence. This could include a vacation home, a relative’s house, or a place where the offender spends a significant amount of time. It is the offender’s responsibility to provide this location to law enforcement.
Offender Risk Levels: The type of community notification is directed by a level of risk assigned by the Department of Corrections. Three possible risk levels can be assigned to an offender. They are:
Level 1 – low risk of re-offending
Level 2 – moderate risk of re-offending
Level 3 – high risk of re-offending
Note: Some offenders who are required to register as predatory offenders are not assigned a risk level because their sentence was completed prior to predatory offender legislation or because they have not spent time in state or federal prison. These offenders are not subject to community notification.
Registration Processes
Out of State Registrants
If an offender is not registered in the state of Minnesota and is living in the City of Saint Paul, the offender is required to meet with a Saint Paul Police Officer and register as a predatory offender.
This initial registration process will be completed by the Predatory Offender Registration (POR) Unit.
The offender must meet in-person and complete a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) POR Form.
DNA will be collected (pursuant to Minnesota Statute 299C.105 Subd. 1) by the officer registering the offender.
Photographs will be taken by the registering officer.
The registration form, DNA, and photographs will be sent to the BCA.
In-State Registrant Change of Address
If an offender is already registered in Minnesota and is moving into or moving within the City of Saint Paul, the offender must come to the Saint Paul Police Department, meet with a Saint Paul Police Officer, and make necessary changes to their registration.
These changes are completed on a BCA Change of Information (COI) form.
Whether an in-state registrant or an out-of-state offender moving into Saint Paul, these processes and forms must be competed in person. Registrations of predatory offenders must include the following information:
1. Primary Residence
2. Secondary Residence
3. School attended, if applicable
4. Employment location, if applicable
5. Vehicles used by the registrant.
Registration paperwork will be forwarded to BCA by the POR unit.
Homeless Registrants
Homeless offenders living within the City of Saint Paul are required to register once per week. The offender will meet with a POR officer to complete and sign a one-page BCA Lack of Primary Address Form. This paperwork will be forwarded to the BCA.
Questions about the registration process may be answered by consulting the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)’s Predatory Offender Registration website at www.dps.state.mn.us/bca for detailed information, or by calling the Predatory Offender Unit (BCA-POR) at (651) 793-7070 or 1-888-234-1248.
Community Notification
The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) or the BCA will provide the department with information about sexual offenders moving into our community at least 14 days prior to release from prison or parole. The notification will be in the form of “Offender Fact Sheets.”
Saint Paul Police Department will not make community notifications concerning offenders placed at licensed half-way houses, healthcare facilities or residential treatment programs. This includes offenders under continued supervision of the Department of Corrections who are sentenced to community correction facilities or offenders under DOC supervision who are required to register on a weekly basis.
Levels of Risk / Notification Requirements: There are three levels of risk that offenders may be assigned by the DOC. Community notification must be planned within two weeks of a DOC notification received by the department.
Level One
Lowest risk level: Local law enforcement will be notified when an offender moves to the city as well as any victims within the city who have requested that information.
Level Two
Moderate risk level: Partial community notification is applicable to where a possible victim may be, based upon where the offender is living, working, or visiting.
Examples include:
Local home day cares/day care centers, schools, parks, and recreation centers that primarily serve individuals likely to be victimized by the offender.
Individuals likely to be victimized by the offender.
Law enforcement is required to notify these establishments, which is usually done by mailing out a letter however it can be done verbally, electronically, or by another method chosen at the discretion of the POR unit to meet the notification requirements.
Level Three
Highest risk level: Information on all level three offenders are public data to include:
name
birth date
physical description
photograph
offense information
and the block on which they are living
The DOC will publish level three offender information on a public website after they receive information from law enforcement about where the offender is living. Community notifications may occur by mail, an in-person community notifications, via phone message or electronically.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 244.052 subd. 4, an offender is not allowed to attend a community notification meeting when that offender is the subject of the meeting.
Homeless Notification Process:
If public notice for a Level 2 or 3 offender is required for a homeless registered offender, that notice should include as much specificity as possible concerning their location of dwelling. For example, “in the vicinity of (Street name) and (Street Name)”.
Unassigned Risk Levels
The POR unit may request the DOC to evaluate an out-of-state offender moving to Minnesota to determine if a risk level is needed. If a risk level is not applied, that offender should be treated in the notification process as a level two offender per Minnesota Statute 244.052 subd 3A (e).
Risk levels are assigned to registrants who are released from prison on or after January 1, 1997.
Juvenile offenders convicted of a predatory offense are not assigned a risk level.
Out of state offenders are not assigned a risk level by the police department.
Persons convicted of crime, who have not been subject to the prison system, are not assigned a risk level.
Data Practices:
Some level three POR data is public and available on the BCA POR Web site. Other information is private and to be used for law enforcement purposes only.
Effective August 30, 2024
-
Officers responding to a sexual assault that occurred outside of Saint Paul will make every attempt to connect the victim with the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Officers will consider the following:
- Taking the burden off of the victim by directly contacting the law enforcement agency where the incident occurred to facilitate connecting the victim with an officer from the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Staying with the victim until an officer from the agency where the incident occurred arrives.
- Coordinating with outside law enforcement and accompany the victim to the meet with the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- If an officer is unable to contact the outside law enforcement agency or circumstances exist that make it difficult for the victim to connect immediately with the appropriate law enforcement agency, S.P.P.D. officers will complete a sexual assault report titled CSC Assist Outside Agency (A.O.A.). This includes collecting evidence, medical releases and SANE exam. Reports and any evidence recovered will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow up investigation.
- If the victim is uncertain of the location where the sexual assault occurred S.P.P.D. officers will complete a sexual assault report. This includes collecting evidence, medical releases and SANE exam.
Adopted September 30, 2019
-
Officers responding to a sexual assault that occurred outside of Saint Paul will make every attempt to connect the victim with the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Officers will consider the following:
- Taking the burden off of the victim by directly contacting the law enforcement agency where the incident occurred to facilitate connecting the victim with an officer from the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Staying with the victim until an officer from the agency where the incident occurred arrives.
- Coordinating with outside law enforcement and accompany the victim to the meet with the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- If an officer is unable to contact the outside law enforcement agency or circumstances exist that make it difficult for the victim to connect immediately with the appropriate law enforcement agency, S.P.P.D. officers will complete a sexual assault report titled CSC Assist Outside Agency (A.O.A.). This includes collecting evidence, medical releases and SANE exam. Reports and any evidence recovered will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow up investigation.
If the victim is uncertain of the location where the sexual assault occurred S.P.P.D. officers will complete a sexual assault report. This includes collecting evidence, medical releases and SANE exam.
Upon assignment to the Sexual Violence Unit within 6 months investigators will complete Mn POST certified training specific to sexual assault investigations.
- Training which focuses on victim centered, trauma informed response to sexual assaults.
- Recognizing the symptoms of trauma.
- Asking sensory-based questions.
- Understanding the role trauma has played in a victim’s life.
- Responding to the needs and concerns of victim.
- Delivering services in a compassionate, sensitive and non-judgmental manner.
- Basic interview techniques.
Adopted September 30, 2019
-
Rescinded, 11.16.20
-
Also see General Order 435.00: Missing Persons
The Saint Paul Police Department Missing Persons Unit reports to the sergeant of the Human Trafficking Unit under the direction of the Narcotics/Vice Unit commander.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Responsible for attempting to locate persons reported to be missing, except where kidnapping or abduction is involved
· Investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of persons and to assist in the proper direction of efforts to locate them, in conjunction with Minnesota state statutes and department policies
· Initiate and coordinate teletype, radio and other messages pertaining to missing persons
· Notify the appropriate investigative unit if criminal activity is involved or suspected in the disappearance of a person and provide that unit with all information available
· Update cases at the 30, 60, and 365-day anniversary dates and document the updates in a supplemental report.
· Update and/or remove NCIC entries as needed.
· Keep current on state and federal laws related to missing persons/runaways.
Updated November 17, 2020
-
Purpose
The school police patrol coordinator is staffed by a police officer, who is under the authority of the Community Partnerships Unit commander. The school police patrol coordinator is responsible for school patrol operations for the Saint Paul Public School district personnel. The officer will assist the transportation department, principals, school staff and school patrol members to provide safe and efficient service to students of the City of Saint Paul.
Functions
· Coordinate the city’s school police program in cooperation with Saint Paul schools.
· Provide training of school patrol officers in general traffic safety and school crossing techniques.
· Assist assigned school staff in supervising school police operations by periodic inspection of crossing and bus operations.
· Assist school staff in determining safe routes.
· Investigation and charging of reported school crossing and school bus violations.
· Periodic inspection of school buses for proper equipment, operations, and loading in accordance with state statute and school district regulations.
· Provide information and referral to school staff on police services regarding general health and welfare issues involving school children.
· Coordinate with civic groups to secure ongoing support of the school police program.
· Coordinate with school transportation department personnel to determine and assess bus safety needs and/or all other related problems or requests.
General:
· Provide annual reports on school police patrol program activities
· Maintain records of requests and services provided.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Reviewed November 17, 2020
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Gang Unit commander reports to the Senior Commander of the Special Enforcement Group. Unit personnel are accountable to the unit commander for the performance of their duties. Gang and Gun Unit duty assignments are focused on crimes committed within the City of Saint Paul.
It shall be the responsibility of the Gang and Gun Unit to collaborate with city, county, or community-based advocacy groups to further their mission.
Rationale:
The Saint Paul Police Department recognizes the negative and pervasive influence violent street gangs and firearm violence has on the quality of life in our community. Addressing violent group related crimes and gun-related crimes are a social phenomenon requiring the combined resources of the City of Saint Paul, police officers, and our residents. The Gang and Gun Unit is designed to work cooperatively with these resources to prevent and respond to illegal activities in the City of Saint Paul.
Mission:
Prevention: Prevent young people of Saint Paul from entering a violent, street gang lifestyle.
Intervention: Locate confirmed gang members and provide them with alternatives to the gang lifestyle.
Apprehension: Locate and apprehend confirmed gang members who have committed a crime or are in the act of committing a crime.
Accountability: Present completed investigations to prosecutors for firearms and gang or group related crimes.
Function:
- Identify and monitor activities of confirmed gang members.
- Disseminate updated gang and gun information to the Operations Division.
- Locate, arrest, and present charges for violent offenders involving gang and gun crimes.
- Educate young people about the consequences for living a gang lifestyle.
- Provide opportunities and intervene in the lives of gang members to help them become productive members of the community.
Effective October 25, 2024
-
Narcotics Unit Function:
The Saint Paul Police Department Narcotics Unit will enforce existing laws pertaining to the abuse, possession, sale, and trafficking of controlled substances.
- Investigate cases involving drugs.
- Obtain, execute, and return search warrants.
- Interview suspects and others involved in controlled substance related crimes.
- Assist the districts on calls for service that involve controlled substances or suspected controlled substances.
- Provide guidance and assistance to other investigative units on cases involving suspected controlled substances.
- Develop and utilize informants.
- Assist other agencies on investigations involving controlled substances within the city.
- Liaison with federal law enforcement agencies and other partners for controlled substance related investigations.
- Perform presumptive drug testing for recovered suspected controlled substances when criminal charges are being sought for a violation of applicable controlled substance laws.
Only authorized and trained staff may conduct presumptive narcotics testing. Refer to G.O. 434.00: Controlled Substance Investigations.
Investigative Fund - Narcotics:
An investigative fund is established to facilitate undercover operations for cases involving controlled substances. Funds are to be managed by the unit commander (fund custodian) and are to be used judiciously for investigating, solving, and preventing controlled substance related crimes.
All funds are subject to audit by the police or city accountant and state auditor. The funds will be reimbursed at least quarterly and at year’s end.
The investigative funds and the amounts allotted are based on the size and volume of transactions. The unit commander is authorized to use the funds only up to the established value of the fund. Investigative funds may be advanced prior to the transaction. When a funds advance is given to an officer, the fund custodian must include in the cash box a request for advance equal to the amount removed. The cash on hand plus the advances and receipts must equal the established value of the fund.
The police department form (chit sheet) is to be used to protect department investigations from being put directly on the public record. This form will be used as a cross reference to the records which contain the detailed supporting documentation for the disbursement. (See General Order 477.00: Investigative Funds).
All use of investigative funds must adhere to the guidelines specified in G.O. 477.00: Investigative Funds.
Updated September 16, 2022
-
The Saint Paul Police Department Vice Unit commander is responsible for the administration and coordination of the unit. They are accountable to the Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes and Investigations division and subject to the general duties of unit heads. Unit personnel are accountable to the unit head for the performance of their duties consistent with the general duties of investigators.
Vice Enforcement:
Redacted
Redacted
Redacted
Redacted
General Investigative Procedures:
Information related to organized criminal activity and vice activity is received proactively and reactively. Proactive information is obtained through the use of (Redacted) self-initiated investigations. Reactive information is generated from police reports, citizen reports, reports from outside law enforcement agencies and anonymous sources. Vice personnel should promptly investigate all reported vice activity through the use of the following procedures:
- Interview complainants, witnesses, reporting officers and individuals suspected of criminal activity seeking information, statements, admissions, and confessions.
- Consult and communicate with other law enforcement officers, both within and outside the Saint Paul Police Department.
- <Redacted>
- <Redacted>
- <Redacted>
- Officers must prepare and execute search warrants based upon probable cause and belief of criminal activity gleaned from the sources identified above.
- Officers may render assistance to other law enforcement officers and agencies seeking to reduce and suppress criminal activity, with preapproval of the unit commander.
- <Redacted>
- <Redacted>
- <Redacted>
- <Redacted>
- The vice unit may release information to the public through the media and public meetings to gain support and encourage reporting of illegal activities.
- The vice unit will investigate liquor licensing infractions, prepare cases of violations and make appropriate recommendations to the City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI).
- The vice unit will conduct investigations related to legal and illegal gambling activities as governed by state law and city ordinance. Gambling infractions within the control of licensed businesses will be presented to DSI for appropriate civil penalties against business licenses.
Vice unit staff conduct investigations related to domestic and international human trafficking in conjunction with the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. Human trafficking includes sex trafficking and forced labor investigations.
Updated February 1, 2019
-
Due to the intimate knowledge of items purchased by pawn shops, second hand dealers or insurance companies, and the fact that the Automated Pawn System (APS) has regulatory control over such shops, APS personnel (sworn and non-sworn) shall not privately purchase any items from such shops and/or insurance companies.
Under the supervision of the crime against property unit commander, the APS manager:
- Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city's pawnshops.
- Initiating and assisting with investigations involving pawnshops and their clients.
- Working with out-of-city agencies on investigations involving the city's pawnshops and their clientele.
- Conducting on premise compliance checks to verify the accuracy of information provided to APS, as well as enforcing city ordinances pertaining to pawnshops.
- Monthly billing for APS fees collected by the pawnshops and the accounts payable related to participation in the APS.
- Supervising the APS jurisdiction administrator in the daily operations pertaining to the APS. Collecting and reporting data pertaining to the APS as needed.
- District investigators should work with the Automated Pawn System when stolen property is located in a pawn shop.
Revised July 1, 2011
-
Rescinded, 11.13.24
-
Rescinded, 11.13.24
-
Rescinded, 11.13.24