Welcome to the Saint Paul Police Historical Society!

Our mission statement is
“Committed to Preserving and Promoting
the History of Policing in Saint Paul, Minnesota.”

The Saint Paul, Minnesota Police Department's historical roots extend back to the mid-nineteenth century. At that time, the containment of crime and the maintenance of order became major issues of concern for the rapidly growing frontier community of Saint Paul. The appointment of William R. Miller to the office of City Marshall in 1854 heralded the birth of the Department.

Come inside our site to experience the rich and colorful history of both the city of Saint Paul and the Saint Paul Police Department. Check back often as we are trying to constantly update our site.

Please contact us if you have anything (information or historical items) to contribute to our cause. We appreciate hearing from you!

“Our history has the potential for providing insight for generations in the future.”
- Chief J. Mark Harrington

Officers dressed in different uniforms used
in the history of the Saint Paul Police Department
in front of the largest law enforcement time capsule in the USA
(Dedicated May 15, 2001)

From left to right:
Lucia Wroblewski, futuristic uniform
Pam Barragan, current bike cop uniform
Isaac Rinehart, current uniform since 1964
David Yang, current uniform since 1964
Kevin Reinke, green uniform 1931-1964
Craig Nelson, keystone cop uniform 1910-1931