Establishment of the Police Department

One of the first actions of the 1887 Common Council was establishing a police department. Ordinance No. 1, passed March 22, 1887, officially created this department, naming the mayor as chief executive with authority to appoint officers.

On April 16, the Council confirmed appointments of C.F. Rhodes, Timothy Sweeney, James S. Callan, and C.H. Cummings. Rhodes, who had prior experience under the Township of West St. Paul, was likely the first chief. Officers worked out of a small shack on Central Avenue.

Growth and Challenges

By June 1887, a police station costing $488.00 was completed. Officers were equipped with uniforms and a ball and chain. Cummings became the first formally recognized Chief of Police, with the force growing to five members that summer.

Instability plagued the early force due to political interference, frequent staff changes, and minimal infrastructure. By 1890, police services in South Park diminished, and activities were centralized at the new city hall.

City Jail and Charter Revisions

The city jail was located at city hall with Patrick J. Keating as the first jailer. Charter revisions in 1891 improved policing oversight and clarified officer responsibilities. That same year, P.J. Gibbons was named Chief of Police.

Turnover and Political Influence

From 1891 to 1901, frequent leadership changes continued. Chiefs were often political appointees and sometimes lacked experience. Despite hardships, police services expanded, including installation of time clocks in 1905 and extended patrol routes during harsh winters.

Emergence of Stability

By the early 1900s, policing improved. Officers lit gaslights and served multi-functional roles. Lawsuits in 1910 for unpaid wages highlighted persistent financial struggles. Frank Challberg brought stability as Chief from 1911 to 1919.

Modernization and Challenges

The 1920s saw the introduction of a municipal court, motorcycle patrols, and a dedicated police switchboard. Still, prohibition and political interference caused instability. Chief Truman Alcorn (1923–1933) oversaw significant improvements and public services such as ambulance use.

The 1933 Robbery

A brazen robbery on August 30, 1933, resulted in the death of Officer Leo Pavlak and the wounding of Officer John Yeamen. The suspects, believed to be from the Barker/Karpis gang, escaped. The machine gun used in the crime was recovered by the FBI in 1935.

Legacy and Professionalization

Following the robbery, policing evolved with Civil Service protections in 1936. Chief Louis Fuller (1947–1962) professionalized the department and started youth programs. His successors—Chiefs Ketcham, Jensen, and others—continued these improvements, transforming the department into a modern law enforcement agency.

Honoring the Past

The evolution of the South St. Paul Police Department reflects dedication, resilience, and a commitment to public safety. From its humble beginnings to a full-service modern department, it remains a vital part of the community’s legacy.

The above copyrighted excerpts are from the 1987 South St. Paul Centennial History and are reprinted here with the permission of the South St. Paul Historical Society.