The Bank of Trust
Featuring Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell
Episode #12 | 3 May 2022 | Watch | Listen | Subscribe
They are known as the “Twin Cities.” But when it comes to how some in the community view law enforcement, Minneapolis and St. Paul couldn’t be further apart. In 2020, America witnessed a tragedy unfold in Minneapolis, triggering weeks of riots and civil unrest. Just a few miles east, the St. Paul police chief refused to allow one incident be used to define our profession.
On this episode of the Blue View, National President Patrick Yoes is joined by Todd Axtell, Chief of Police for the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he leads an agency with 820 employees. As the oldest police department in the state, the St. Paul Police Department has become known for delivering trusted service with respect—every day, without exception.
Thanks to Chief Axtell’s “bank of trust” philosophy—one which views every call for service, conversation, and community interaction as an opportunity to make a deposit—the department has been able to maintain its stellar reputation and strengthen its ties despite the historic civil unrest, a global pandemic, and several high-profile crises.
Chief Todd Axtell has been honored to serve the citizens of Saint Paul since 1989. He has risen through the ranks within the Saint Paul Police Department and has served in patrol, investigative and administrative assignments.
Thanks to Chief Axtell’s “bank of trust” philosophy—which views every call for service, conversation, and community interaction as an opportunity to make a deposit—the department has been able to maintain its stellar reputation and strengthen its ties with the community through historic civil unrest, a global pandemic and several high-profile crises. The Saint Paul Police Department is known for delivering trusted service with respect—every day, without exception.
In June 2016, Chief Axtell was appointed as Saint Paul’s 41st Chief of Police. In his role as the department’s leader, Chief Axtell’s main priorities are:
- Addressing gun violence,
- Diversifying the police department at all ranks, and
- Reaching historic levels of community engagement by implementation of a new Community Engagement Unit.
Chief Axtell has a B.A. in criminal justice from Metropolitan State University and holds a Master’s Degree in police leadership, administration and education from the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He is a graduate of the 207th session of the FBI National Academy and the 47th session of the DEA’s Drug Unit Commanders’ Academy.
Law enforcement officers have one of the toughest and most dangerous jobs in the United States. The brave men and women of law enforcement are charged with the enormous responsibility of keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe.
Be sure to tune in to Blue View, a weekly podcast presented by the National Fraternal Order of Police, to hear from law enforcement experts, elected officials, and other notable leaders to gain insight into the issues and current events surrounding the law enforcement community. Each episode will leave you with a better understanding of what law enforcement officers face daily. Together, we can rebuild the trust between police officers and the communities they serve.
