Police Department

Police Department
The Police Department has 51 sworn officers and 23 civilian personnel, including 11 dispatchers, 7 support staff, and 4 community service officers. Employees in the Police Department include sworn law enforcement officials, administrators, support staff and dispatchers.

The Police Department is responsible for:

• Enforcing motor vehicle laws
• Protecting lives and property from crime
• Preserving public order
• Apprehending criminals
• Collecting and preserving evidence
• Mediating conflicts
• Responding to medical emergencies and car accidents
• Preventing crime by identifying community problems, analyzing crime patterns and working with neighborhoods and community institutions to address concerns
• Maintaining criminal records and data.

Police Mission
Provide citizens with quality service, professional conduct and a safe environment in which to live, work and learn. The St. Louis Park Police Department is committed to an active partnership with our community as we work together to solve problems and prevent crime and disorder.

• We believe that service to the public is our reason for being, and we strive to deliver quality services in a highly professional and cost-effective manner.
• We believe that preventing crime and disorder is the best and most economical law enforcement solution
• We recognize our interdependent relationship with the community we serve, and we are continually sensitive to changing community needs.
• We believe that ethics and integrity are the foundation blocks of public trust and confidence, and that all meaningful relationships are built on these values.
• We believe that our employees are the department's greatest resource. As professionals, we continually strive to improve the quality of our skills.
• Our department's mission, values and goals are, at all times, in harmony with the mission, values and goals of the City of St. Louis Park.

Policing Strategies

COP Shops
St. Louis Park has three police substations or COP Shops at the locations listed below. Hours vary since the substations are primarily used by officers to write reports and meet with people who have made advance arrangements. Call (952) 924-2600 for more information.

Enhancing Road Safety in Minnesota

Primary Seat Belt Law — Effective June 9, 2009
Minnesota's seat belt law is a primary offense, meaning drivers and passengers in all seating positions must be buckled up or in the correct child restraint.

Law enforcement can stop motorists directly for seat belt violations. A seat belt ticket is $25 to more than $100.

Booster Seat Law — Effective July 1, 2009
Under Minnesota’s new booster seat law, a child can not use a seat belt alone until they are age 8 or reach4 feet 9 inches tall — whichever comes first. It is recommended to keep a child in a booster based on their height, rather than their age.

Boosters are seat lifts that help raise a child up so a seat belt its properly.

Kids that are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches aren't ready to use a seat belt alone. Poor belt it can contribute to death or serious injury. A sign a belt does not it properly is if it rubs against a child's neck, or the child tucks the belt behind their back.

Be sure to view the Bike Safety Video under the "News and Events" section of the police department page.

Police Officers
St. Louis Park has 51 sworn police officers who are professionals with college or advanced training in all aspects of law enforcement - human relations, first aid, crime prevention, etc. All officers have emergency medical training. If they are first on the scene, they will administer emergency medical treatment to stabilize the patient until a life-support unit arrives.

The chief of police is the highest ranking officer in the department, followed one deputy chief, three lieutenants and eight sergeants. The lieutenants oversee department operations, including patrol, support services, community outreach and special assignments. The sergeants provide first line supervision to a group of patrol officers and are also responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations of the department.

Home Safety Video
Preventing a Burglary
A burglar talks about how he picks his targets. Tips to make your home less likely to be selected for a break in.

Station Tours
Group tours of the police station can be arranged by contacting Community Service Officer Coordinator Eric Lincoln at (952) 924-2125.