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.
The Saint Paul Police Historical Society created a Wall of Honor
to recognize all officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
The 2019 SPPD 57th Annual Memorial Day Service
was held Wednesday, May 15 at Noon in Mears Park
View the 2019 Memorial Day Service HERE
Over a 24 month period the Saint Paul Police Historical Society worked on a special
project to provide a lasting memorial to honor Saint Paul's fallen officers. Research
was conducted on each of the officers killed in the line of duty, and designs were
considered. Authorization was obtained from the Police Department and the City of
Saint Paul. Through the efforts of project director, retired officer Timothy R.
Bradley, assisted by retired forensic artist Paul D. Johnson and the entire Historical
Society membership, a Saint Paul Police Wall of Honor was erected in the lobby of
the downtown police headquarters. The dedication took place on Thursday,
September 26, 2013. All was done through public donations. Not one tax dollar was
expended in the undertaking.
Anyone interested in Saint Paul's history of policing and wanting to join the
Saint Paul Police Historical Society is encouraged to click on the
"Membership" tab at the top of this page for additional information, and to
download an application form. You too, could take part in projects such as
the aforementioned Wall of Honor.
Learn more about this very important project here
The dedication took place on Thursday, September 26, 2013,
when the memorial bell tolled 32 times to honor
those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
(View the dedication below)
