Saint Paul Police Use of Force - City Policy Guide

Public Safety Minnesota 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota residents have rights and clear steps to review police use-of-force policies, file complaints, and seek remedies when encounters raise concern. Official department policies and the city code set procedures for reporting, investigation, and public records access; review the municipal resources listed below to confirm current text and filing addresses.[1]

Keep copies of incident details and witness contacts before you file a complaint.

Overview

This guide explains how Saint Paul handles police use of force at a municipal level, what residents can request under public records rules, how investigations proceed, and where to submit complaints. It covers civil and administrative remedies, typical enforcement outcomes, and practical steps to act quickly and document incidents.

Penalties & Enforcement

Sanctions for improper use of force are applied through internal discipline, criminal prosecution, and civil claims. Specific monetary fines for officers or daily penalties are not part of typical municipal police discipline and are not specified on the cited municipal code or department pages; discipline more commonly takes the form of written reprimands, suspension, demotion, or termination depending on the finding of misconduct.[2]

Disciplinary decisions are separate from criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
  • Internal disciplinary actions may include written reprimand, mandatory retraining, suspension without pay, demotion, or termination.
  • Criminal prosecution for unlawful force is handled by county or state prosecutors and follows state law and charging standards.
  • Residents may file complaints with the police department and request independent review where civilian oversight exists.
  • Civil remedies include federal civil-rights suits (e.g., 42 U.S.C. § 1983) or state tort claims; applicable fees or caps, if any, are governed by state law and are not specified on the cited municipal pages.

Applications & Forms

To initiate an internal complaint or public records request, use the police department complaint form or the city public records request portal when available; if a specific form number or fee is required it will be listed on the department pages or the city records page. If no department form is required, a signed written statement is usually sufficient to open an investigation.[1]

How investigations proceed

  • Report: Complaint intake and initial assessment to determine if the matter falls within internal review.
  • Investigation: Interviews, body-worn camera and other evidence collection, and review by internal affairs.
  • Adjudication: Findings issued and discipline applied if policy violations are found; criminal referrals sent to prosecutors when warranted.
  • Notification: Complainant and involved parties receive results and information about appeal routes.
You can request body-worn camera footage and related records under Minnesota data practices and local public records rules.

Action steps for residents

  • Document: Note date, time, location, officer names/badges, witness names, and take photos if safe.
  • File a complaint with the Saint Paul Police Department or civilian review body as soon as possible.
  • Request public records (reports, video) through the city public records portal.
  • Consider legal counsel for civil claims or to advise on criminal referral outcomes.

FAQ

How do I file a complaint about an officer?
Submit a written complaint to the Saint Paul Police Department or the city civilian review office; include incident details and any evidence you have.
Can I get body-worn camera footage?
Yes; request footage through the city public records process. Some redactions may apply under state law.
What happens after I file a complaint?
The department will assess jurisdiction, investigate if appropriate, notify you of the outcome, and apply discipline when policy violations are confirmed.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: gather dates, times, officer identifiers, witness names, and safe photos or notes.
  2. File a written complaint with the Saint Paul Police Department or civilian oversight office, attaching any evidence.
  3. Request public records for reports and video through the city public records portal to preserve evidence.
  4. If unsatisfied, file an appeal with the designated review body or consult an attorney about civil remedies.
  5. If you believe a crime occurred, contact county or state prosecutors to inquire about criminal referral procedures.
Act promptly: evidence and witness memories degrade over time, so file and request records quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Residents can file complaints and request records under city procedures.
  • Civilian oversight and internal investigations address policy violations; criminal and civil paths remain separate.

Help and Support / Resources

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