Periodically in the course of duty, it is necessary for officers of this department to take action when damage to property or personal injury to citizens may occur. To minimize the anxiety of a citizen who does not know whether or not they will be compensated, and to forestall delays and inconveniences in communicating with the city, procedures have been developed for the citizen to follow in filing a claim:
1. When personal injury to a citizen occurs during an officer’s performance of duty, the officer will document by writing a report and supplement with photographs, video, audio taped statements, identify witnesses and video, etc. as appropriate.
2. If citizens are involved in any crash with a city vehicle the officer(s) investigating will complete a MNCrash (state crash report) report only, unless there are specific circumstances requiring an original RMS report.These circumstances are:
- A fatality occurred
- Someone is transported by ambulance from the scene (not just checked out at the scene and released)
- An arrest is made
In these specific circumstances, the officer will complete both a MNCrash (state crash report) report and an original RMS report.
3. Investigating officers should inform any citizen desiring to file a claim against the city that they will need to contact the Saint Paul City Clerk (310 City Hall, 15 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102) to obtain a Notice of Claim Form. The form is also available from the city’s website. All claims against the city must be filed within 180 days of the accident.
4. Officers will not advise the citizen that the city will assume responsibility or liability for any injury or damage.
5. Officers may contact the city’s claims manager and provide any information relevant to the crash or incident they feel relevant.Contacting the claims manager when an officer may be responsible for damages will help expedite the reimbursement process to the citizen.
Saint Paul Police officers are charged under city ordinance to report any damage to city property (street signs, signal poles, etc.). Additionally, officers will fully investigate injuries to citizens suffered on city property (falling on icy sidewalk, tripping on curb, etc.), and note on the reports “Copy to City Attorney and City Claims Manager.”
Revised February 26, 2020