375.00 Vice Unit

The Saint Paul Police Department Vice Unit commander is responsible for the administration and coordination of the unit. They are accountable to the Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes and Investigations division and subject to the general duties of unit heads. Unit personnel are accountable to the unit head for the performance of their duties consistent with the general duties of investigators.

Vice Enforcement:

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General Investigative Procedures:

Information related to organized criminal activity and vice activity is received proactively and reactively. Proactive information is obtained through the use of (Redacted) self-initiated investigations. Reactive information is generated from police reports, citizen reports, reports from outside law enforcement agencies and anonymous sources. Vice personnel should promptly investigate all reported vice activity through the use of the following procedures:

Interview complainants, witnesses, reporting officers and individuals suspected of criminal activity seeking information, statements, admissions, and confessions.
Consult and communicate with other law enforcement officers, both within and outside the Saint Paul Police Department.
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Officers must prepare and execute search warrants based upon probable cause and belief of criminal activity gleaned from the sources identified above.
Officers may render assistance to other law enforcement officers and agencies seeking to reduce and suppress criminal activity, with preapproval of the unit commander.
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The vice unit may release information to the public through the media and public meetings to gain support and encourage reporting of illegal activities.
The vice unit will investigate liquor licensing infractions, prepare cases of violations and make appropriate recommendations to the City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI).
The vice unit will conduct investigations related to legal and illegal gambling activities as governed by state law and city ordinance. Gambling infractions within the control of licensed businesses will be presented to DSI for appropriate civil penalties against business licenses.
Vice unit staff conduct investigations related to domestic and international human trafficking in conjunction with the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. Human trafficking includes sex trafficking and forced labor investigations.

Updated February 1, 2019