Below are the divisions that make up the police department.
Administration
This division carries out policies and procedures as directed by the city manager and city council. It also performs all administrative duties, including budgeting, contract administration, training, recruiting, internal investigations and computer applications.
Behavioral health unit
The behavioral health unit was formed to address behavioral health incidents in our community. The unit includes two patrol-based officers and a social worker from Hennepin County. By working with the community to achieve better outcomes, the unit aims to reduce the number of behavioral health-related calls and better serve the community as a whole.
Community outreach
The department’s community outreach efforts include a number of special programs and strategies to strengthen community support and reduce the likelihood of crime. It has one sworn police officer assigned to community outreach. The community outreach officer coordinates citywide programs such as neighborhood watch, National Night Out and the Crime Free Multi-Housing program.
Dispatch
When a resident calls 911, the call is connected to the police department’s public safety answering point (PSAP). The PSAP is a communications center that provides 911 and non-emergency dispatching services for police, fire and emergency medical services. Dispatchers are on duty every day of the year, 24 hours per day.
Investigations
The role of the investigations division is to provide criminal investigative services, support patrol functions, complete pre-employment background investigations, and conduct checks for various city licensing requirements. The division is comprised of a group of specially assigned officers, including investigators and drug task force officers, and coordinates in many areas with police community outreach.
Patrol
St. Louis Park is divided into four patrol districts. Patrol officers work a combination of 10-, 11- and 12-hour shifts, usually patrolling one district during a shift. The shifts overlap to provide more comprehensive coverage during shift changes and provide extra resources during peak periods of activity. This schedule configuration also allows officers time to engage the community in addressing crime and quality-of-life issues. Patrol also has a few community service officers, sometimes called CSOs or cadets. These are temporary, non-benefit-earning employees who are pursuing a career in law enforcement. They provide support services to the department.
Records
The records division collects, processes, distributes and maintains all St. Louis Park Police Department records, in accordance with federal and state data practices laws and records retention requirements. It also provides support for the City Attorney's Office and the Minnesota State Patrol.