Liquor:
Violation of any of the regulations contained in section 409.08 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code is a misdemeanor and will be regulated as provided by the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Patrol units are responsible for the detection of vice activity in their district. Generally, violation of liquor laws, rules and regulations are misdemeanors and when committed in the officer’s presence, arrests may be made. If an officer finds a licensed establishment (liquor and/or beer) violating laws or rules and regulations, the officer shall write a report and notify the vice unit.
Illicit Operations: (i.e., after hour)
If an officer suspects an illicit enterprise exists in her/his district, the officer shall write a report and notify the vice unit.
The officer should note the address, resident and suspected activity at the “after hours” location. Include hours of operation, number of patrons, and pertinent information.
Prostitution:
Any information concerning the activities of prostitutes or prostitution should be forwarded to the vice unit in report form.
Arrests for engaging in prostitution should be made when possible.
Prostitution Related Charges: Minnesota Statutes 609.321; 609.322; 609.324. Saint Paul Legislative Code 272.03: Loitering (for purposes of prostitution)
Pornography:
The difficult part of enforcing laws pertaining to pornography is the determination that something is obscene and the age of the victim. A police officer cannot make that determination; it requires an adversary hearing and decision by the court. Therefore, complaints received by an officer should be forwarded to the vice unit.
Gambling:
Due to the nature and complexity of criminal activity involved in this type of criminal enterprise, the Vice Unit will be the lead investigative unit and use other resources and partnerships as needed with other local, state and federal agencies.
If an officer suspects that illegal gambling is taking place on her/his beat will he/she take appropriate action and write a report. The vice unit will conduct follow-up investigation in the incident, if necessary.
Updated February 1, 2019