Chief

CHIEF OF POLICE AXEL HENRY

Axel Henry joined the Saint Paul Police Department in 1998, after serving three years with the Roseville Police Department. Over his past 28 years of service in Saint Paul, he has held a variety of leadership roles within the department and has more than 20 years of experience as a trainer and use of force expert. In November 2022, Chief Henry was named the 42nd Saint Paul Chief of Police.

Chief Henry spearheaded the City’s body-worn camera program, designed and led the Blue-Print for Safety Program, and was a key lead in the department’s ASPIRE program which prides itself on prevention and intervention when connecting with our most at risk community members. 

Chief Henry holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting, and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of St. Thomas. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Command College at FBI Quantico and University of Virginia Master’s Program, and the Wilder Foundation’s James P. Shannon Leadership Institute.

ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE

Paul Ford joined the Saint Paul Police Department in 1998 after serving nearly two years with the Mankato Police Department. Over his past 25 years of service in Saint Paul, he has served as a patrol officer, sergeant, DEA Task Force Officer, commander in the Western District & Canine Unit, and as executive officer to an assistant chief. He also served as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division where he worked in support of the department’s efforts to address gun violence in our city.  

Assistant Chief Ford was appointed by Governor Dayton as the law enforcement representative on the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission from 2011-2017, served as President of the Minnesota Police and Peace officers Association from 2012-2016 and currently is the Police and Fire Trustee on the Public Employees Retirement Association Board of Trustees.

Assistant Chief Ford is a proud East-sider and Harding graduate. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of St. Thomas.

Contact Assistant Chief Ford
Email: Paul.Ford@stpaul.gov
Phone: 651-266-5500

DEPUTY CHIEF OF SUPPORT SERVICES 

Deputy Chief Kurt Hallstrom oversees the support and administrative functions in the department. Under his command are Technology Development & Implementation, Video Management, Human Resources, Forensic Services Unit, Property & Evidence, Impound Lot, Fleet, Backgrounds Unit, Special Operations Unit, SWAT, and Mobile Field Force.

Contact Deputy Chief Hallstrom
Email: Kurt.Hallstrom@stpaul.gov
Phone: 651-266-5500

DEPUTY CHIEF OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Deputy Chief Shari Falkowski oversees the Community Engagement Division which includes Training, Community Partnerships, our Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Unit, Recruitment, Youth Outreach, Health & Wellness, and Employee Assistance Program.

Contact Deputy Chief Falkowski
Email: Shari.Falkowski@stpaul.gov 
Phone: 651-266-5500

DEPUTY CHIEF OF MAJOR CRIMES

Deputy Chief Jeff Stiff oversees the major crime investigation functions in the department. Under his command are Family and Sexual Violence, Homicide & Robbery, Special Investigations, Gangs, Narcotics & Vice, and ASPIRE.

Contact Deputy Chief Stiff
Email: Jeff.Stiff@stpaul.gov
Phone: 651-266-5500

DEPUTY CHIEF OF OPERATIONS

Deputy Chief Tim Flynn oversees the operations functions in the department. Under his command are the three patrol districts (Central, East, West), Watch Commander, and Canine Unit.

Contact Deputy Chief Flynn
Email: Tim.Flynn@stpaul.gov
Phone: 651-266-5500