Saint Paul Police Department records are official documents that include incident reports, arrest logs, investigation summaries, evidence inventories, and crime statistics. These records are managed by the city’s Records Unit at 367 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101. The unit operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding city holidays. Residents can request records in person or online. Standard printed copies cost $0.25 per page for up to 99 pages. Larger requests are billed at actual reproduction cost plus fees. Most standard requests are completed in three to five business days after payment. The Records Unit uses encrypted servers and biometric access controls to protect sensitive data. All records follow Minnesota’s Data Practices Act and federal privacy laws.
How to Request Saint Paul Police Department Records
To get Saint Paul Police Department records, start by deciding if you need a public or restricted file. Public records include incident reports, arrest summaries, and crime statistics. Restricted files may contain witness statements, juvenile records, or ongoing investigation details. For public records, visit the Records Unit in person at 367 Grove Street or use the online portal. Bring a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Fill out the request form completely. Pay the fee before processing begins. For online requests, create an account at the Saint Paul Data Practices Center. Upload your ID, verify your email, and submit the form. The system confirms receipt within 48 hours. Electronic copies arrive via secure download within five business days.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in service is available at the first-floor Customer Service window of the Records Unit. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff assist with form completion and fee collection. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card. After payment, staff begin processing. Simple requests may be ready the same day. Complex files take longer. The unit does not accept walk-in requests after 4 p.m. or on weekends. Plan visits early in the week to avoid delays.
Online Requests
The online system allows 24/7 submissions. Go to the Saint Paul Data Practices Center website. Register with your name, email, and phone number. Check your inbox for a verification link. Click it to activate your account. Log in and select “Request Police Records.” Choose the type of record needed. Upload a clear color scan of your ID. Fill in details like date, location, and case number if known. Submit the form and pay the fee online. You’ll get a confirmation number. Use it to track progress. Most electronic deliveries happen within five business days.
Types of Records Available from the Saint Paul Police Department
The Saint Paul Police Department maintains several record categories. Incident reports describe crimes like theft, assault, or vandalism. They include time, place, victim and suspect names (if known), and officer notes. Arrest records show booking details, charges, and release status. Evidence inventories list items collected during investigations. Investigative files contain detective notes, photos, and lab results. These are often restricted until cases close. Crime statistics summarize Part I offenses such as homicide, robbery, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. The department responds to about 300,000 service calls yearly and investigates roughly 13,000 serious crimes.
Incident and Accident Reports
Incident reports cover non-emergency events like property damage, noise complaints, or lost items. Accident reports document traffic collisions. Both are public unless part of an active case. Requestors must provide the date, location, and involved parties. Reports are free in PDF format online. Mailed hard copies take up to ten business days. For accidents, insurance companies often need certified copies. These cost extra and require notarization.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody, charges filed, and jail status. Booking photos (mugshots) are public unless sealed by court order. To get these, use the County Office portal or the Data Practices Center. Enter the person’s name or case number. Results appear as PDF summaries. Physical copies cost a small fee. Most are released within seven business days. Note: arrest does not mean guilt. Charges may be dropped or reduced later.
Crime Statistics and Data
Saint Paul crime data is published by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Since 2021, the state uses the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). This tracks detailed offense types like aggravated assault, cyber fraud, and hate crimes. Users can filter by year, precinct, or crime category. Data is downloadable as CSV files. Historical Uniform Crime Report (UCR) numbers are also available for comparison. The BCA site updates monthly. It helps researchers, journalists, and residents track safety trends.
Fees, Processing Times, and Payment Options
Saint Paul Police Department records have clear fee rules. Standard printed pages cost $0.25 each for up to 99 pages. Larger files are charged at actual cost plus handling fees. Online PDFs are free. Mailed copies cost extra for postage. Payments must be made before processing starts. Accepted methods include cash, check, money order, or credit card. Online payments use secure city portals. Processing times vary. Simple requests take three to five business days. Complex or large files may take longer. Rush service is not available. The unit does not refund fees if records are incomplete or missing.
Fee Breakdown Table
| Service | Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Printed report (1–99 pages) | $0.25 per page | 3–5 business days |
| Printed report (100+ pages) | Actual cost + fees | 5–10 business days |
| Online PDF | Free | Within 5 business days |
| Mailed hard copy | Free (standard mail) | 10 business days |
Privacy, Redactions, and Legal Restrictions
Not all Saint Paul Police Department records are fully public. Minnesota law requires redactions to protect privacy. Names of minors, victims of sexual crimes, and confidential informants are removed. Ongoing investigations may be withheld until closed. Medical information, Social Security numbers, and home addresses are also redacted. If a record is denied, the requester gets a written explanation. Appeals go to the Minnesota Department of Administration. The Records Unit follows strict protocols. Only authorized staff access sensitive files. Servers are encrypted. Biometric scanners control entry. These steps ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
What Gets Redacted?
- Names of juveniles
- Victim identities in sex crimes
- Witness contact details
- Social Security numbers
- Medical records
- Home addresses of officers or victims
Filing a Police Report in Saint Paul
Residents can file a police report online or by phone. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, dial 651-291-1111. The online system is available 24/7. It covers theft, vandalism, lost property, and minor accidents. Users enter the date, time, location, and event description. Upload photos or witness statements if possible. After submission, a PDF is generated instantly. Print it for free. A sealed hard copy arrives by mail in ten business days. This report can be used for insurance claims or court cases. Do not use the online system for crimes in progress or violent incidents.
When to Use Online Reporting
- Stolen items under $500
- Vandalism with no suspect
- Lost wallets or phones
- Minor car accidents with no injuries
- Noise complaints after the fact
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Saint Paul Police Department Records Unit is located at 367 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The unit is closed on city holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. For questions, call 651-266-7944 during business hours. Email requests go to records@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Allow two business days for replies. The main police website is www.stpaul.gov/departments/police. It links to reporting tools, crime maps, and contact forms. For arrest records, visit the Data Practices Center at www.stpaul.gov/data-practices.
Map to Records Unit
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Paul Police Department Records
Many people have questions about accessing police records in Saint Paul. Below are common concerns with clear, factual answers based on current city policies and Minnesota law. These responses reflect the most up-to-date procedures as of 2024.
Can I get a police report if I’m not listed on it?
Yes, but with limits. Minnesota law allows any person to request public police reports. You don’t need to be named in the report. However, you must provide valid photo ID and complete the request form. The Records Unit may redact private details like witness names or medical info. If the report involves an ongoing case, access may be delayed. Third parties like insurance companies or lawyers can also request reports with proper authorization. Always include a case number or date if known to speed up the search.
How long does it take to get arrest records?
Most arrest records are available within five business days after request approval. The process starts when you submit your form and ID through the Data Practices Center. The system checks your identity within 48 hours. Once cleared, staff pull the file and prepare it for release. Electronic copies are sent via secure download. Mailed copies take up to ten days. Rush service is not offered. If the record is sealed or under court order, you’ll be notified in writing. Always allow extra time during holidays or high-volume periods.
Are mugshots public record in Saint Paul?
Yes, booking photos (mugshots) are public unless restricted by law. They are available through the County Office portal or the Records Unit. You can search by name or booking date. Results show a PDF with the photo and basic details. Physical copies cost a small fee. Note: posting mugshots online may have legal risks. Minnesota prohibits using them for harassment or profit. Some sites charge to remove them, which is not required by law. The police department does not control third-party websites.
Can I correct errors in a police report?
You can request a correction if you spot a mistake. Contact the Records Unit by phone or email. Explain the error and provide proof, like a driver’s license or court document. The department reviews the claim within ten business days. If valid, they update the file and notify you. Minor typos are fixed quickly. Major changes, like wrong charges, may need court approval. The original report stays in the archive for transparency. A corrected version is added with a note explaining the change.
Do I need a lawyer to get police records?
No, a lawyer is not required. Any person can request Saint Paul Police Department records. Just register online or visit in person with ID. Lawyers often request bulk files for cases, but individuals have the same rights. If the record is denied, you can appeal without legal help. The Minnesota Data Practices Act protects public access. However, lawyers may help if the case involves litigation or complex redactions. For simple requests, staff assist free of charge.
Are crime statistics updated in real time?
No, crime stats are not live. The Saint Paul Police Department sends data to the Minnesota BCA monthly. The BCA Crime Data Explorer updates around the 15th of each month. It includes incidents from the prior month. For example, March data appears in April. The NIBRS system tracks detailed offense types. Historical UCR data is also archived. Researchers can download CSV files for analysis. For urgent crime trends, contact the department’s public information officer. They may share preliminary numbers not yet published.
What if my request is denied?
If your request is denied, you’ll get a letter explaining why. Common reasons include active investigations, privacy laws, or missing ID. You can appeal within 30 days. Send a written appeal to the Records Unit manager. Include your request number and reason for appeal. The city has 15 days to respond. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Administration. They review data practices statewide. Most denials are due to redaction needs, not full refusal. Always ask for a partial copy if the full file is restricted.
Saint Paul Police Department records are managed with transparency and security. The Records Unit ensures public access while protecting privacy. Use the online portal for fast service. Visit in person for complex requests. Always bring ID and pay fees upfront. For updates, check the official city website or call during office hours. The department serves over 800 staff and 620 sworn officers across 50 square miles. It handles 300,000 calls yearly and investigates 13,000 serious crimes. Records support safety, justice, and community trust.