St. Paul City Council Approves Coleman's Pick For Police Chief

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The St. Paul City Council has unanimously approved Mayor Chris Coleman's pick for the city's next police chief.

Council members voted Wednesday to approve Todd Axtell, the current assistant chief of operations, as the new police chief who will manage the department's budget of nearly $110 million and oversee its more than 700 employees. He's scheduled to be sworn in Thursday.

Axtell says his immediate goals are to reduce gun violence, diversify the police department and improve community engagement.

Axtell's 27-year career with the department started in 1989 as a patrol officer in the city's eastern district. He quickly rose through the ranks under the mentorship of his predecessors, including Chief Thomas Smith, who retired May 10.

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