Over the past decade, the St. Paul Police Department has faced multiple incidents involving officer misconduct, including excessive use of force and civil rights violations. Notable cases include the fatal shooting of Cordale Handy in 2017, resulting in an $11.5 million jury award, and the 2016 assault on Frank Baker, leading to a $2 million settlement and a six-year prison sentence for Officer Palkowitsch. The department has also dealt with lawsuits alleging excessive force during arrests, such as the 2012 case involving Eric Ronnell Hightower. These incidents have prompted internal reviews, disciplinary actions, and policy changes aimed at addressing patterns of misconduct and improving accountability within the department.
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