St. Paul saw a decrease in some crimes in 2024, but gun violence was an obstacle that police leaders expect to continue into this year.
Police Chief Axel Henry said his department is also monitoring how President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which include mass deportations, will play out after his January 20 inauguration. St. Paul police will continue building trust with immigrant communities so they feel comfortable reporting crimes, Henry said.
Looking back at the past year and outlining goals for the new year, Henry identified gun violence as a key issue.
“We just have too many people settling their problems with firearms,” he said.
Reverend Richard Pittman, president of the St. Paul chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), said gun violence is also a top concern for community members.
Most pressing issues
Henry said the department has made strides in reducing crimes such as carjackings and auto thefts, but substantially reducing homicide numbers was a challenge last year.