The City of Saint Paul is composed of many different communities, each with its own life style and each with its own individual crime problems. The metropolitan nature of the city is manifested by the diverse ethnic and sociological background of its people. However, all persons in each area of the city have in common the need for the protection which is afforded by fair and impartial law enforcement.
Additionally, as a person moves throughout the city, they must be able to expect a similar police response to behavior wherever it occurs. Where the law is not evenly enforced there follows a reduction in respect for the law and a resistance to its enforcement.
In order to respond to varying law enforcement needs in the different parts of the city, the department must have flexibility in deployment and methods of enforcement; however, enforcement policies will be formulated on a citywide basis, and applied uniformly in all areas.
Implicit in uniform enforcement of the law is the element of evenhandedness in its application. The amount of force used or the method employed to secure compliance with the law or to make arrests is governed by the particular situation. Similar circumstances require similar treatment in all areas of the city and for all groups and individuals.
To ensure equal treatment in similar circumstances, an officer must be alert to situations where, because of a language barrier or for some other reason, s/he may be called upon to display additional patience and understanding in dealing with what might otherwise appear to be a lack of response.