Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tim Nelson
St. Paul

St. Paul taps assistant police chief to head force

Todd Axtell
Assistant St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell has been picked for the 600-officer department's top job. Here, he speaks at a police chief candidate forum at Concordia University on May 31.
Tim Nelson | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman on Monday said he's chosen veteran police commander Todd Axtell as the next St. Paul police chief.

Axtell had been the assistant chief for operations under his predecessor Tom Smith, overseeing some of the department's largest operations since 2013. He was among five finalists named by a 32-member search committee last month to replace Smith.

A St. Paul police officer since 1989, Axtell has also commanded two of the city's three patrol districts, as well as specialized units such as vice, narcotics and support services. He also served as the executive officer to former chief Bill Finney during his second term.

Smith retired this spring. Coleman said he was looking for command presence, community connections and compassion in new chief, so he selected Axtell.

Axtell is already well known in the community for his work outside the department. he's on the board of the YWCA and Visit St. Paul, the city's convention and visitor's bureau.

He's also been on the board at Public Art St. Paul, the Midway Chamber of Commerce and Breaking Free, an organization dedicated to fighting sex trafficking.