However, to remain in a role where my leadership is actively disregarded, and my contributions continually minimized, would be a disservice to both me and the department I worked so hard to build.”

Police Chief Jessica Danberg

The St. Paul Park Police Chief is retiring.
Approved at the May 5 Council meeting, St. Paul Park Police Chief Jessica Danberg turned in a letter announcing her retirement, approved in the consent agenda. Danberg laid out the reasons for her resignation in a letter submitted in explanation.

Dear Mayor Franke and City Administrator Walsh,
It is with a heavy, yet resolute, heart that I am retiring from my position as Chief of Police for the City of St. Paul Park Police Department, effective May 31 , 2025.
This decision comes after nearly a decade of dedicated service in this role, and over 26 years in law enforcement. It is not one I make lightly, but rather as the result of ongoing and substantiated concerns that I can no longer overlook in good conscience.
When I accepted the role of Chief of Police with the City of St. Paul Park in February 2016, following 18 years with the Inver Grove Heights Police Department, including time served as the department’s first female sergeant, I brought with me a strong commitment to ethical, community-based policing and leadership excellence. Throughout my tenure with St. Paul Park, I have worked tirelessly to elevate the department, even amid challenging and under-resourced conditions.
I am proud to have led the department through some of its most trying periods, including times when staffing was unsustainably low. I remained hands-on, covering shifts, mentoring officers, and helping rebuild stability. Today, the St. Paul Park Police Department is the most diverse in its history, an achievement that reflects my values and vision for equitable and effective policing.
To be effective in a role as critical as the Chief of Police, one must have the support of both the City Council and the Mayor. It has become increasingly clear that such support has not been extended to me. The council meeting held on Monday, April 21st made that particularly evident.
In August 2024, I submitted my first formal compensation review since acquiring this position eight years ago. It was neither acknowledged nor followed up on. While I received a raise, the adjustment falls significantly below what is commensurate with my experience, responsibilities, and comparable roles in the region. For example, I am currently compensated $2.40 per hour less than a Chief of another city in Washington County despite having a Master’s degree, more years of leadership experience, and managing a department with higher call volume and complexity.
The salary adjustment approved reflects a concerning trend in the marketplace for Police Chiefs. This, unfortunately, is not an isolated experience—it is one of several instances during my time with the City that speak to a larger issue of gender inequity and undervaluation of leadership by women.
Additionally, I must address the actions of some council members I believe compromised the integrity of this department. These include public defamation, and efforts to outsource police services without proper consultation with myself or the department. These behaviors are deeply troubling, not just to me, but to the officers I lead and the community we serve. The actions of council members have negatively impacted the morale of the officers in the department.
I have consistently prioritized duty over self and remained silent longer than I should have, hoping my performance and integrity would speak louder than politics. However, to remain in a role where my leadership is actively disregarded, and my contributions continually minimized, would be a disservice to both me and the department I worked so hard to build.
I would like to take this time to express my eternal gratitude to the incredible community I served and the amazing officers I worked alongside. I remain immensely proud of the officers I’ve trained, mentored, and led. I am willing to assist during the transitional period, if requested, to ensure continuity for the department and the community.
To ensure continuity and stability during this transition, I respectfully recommend Sergeant Elgin be considered to serve as Interim Chief of Police. Sgt. Elgin has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, sound judgement, and a commitment to the mission and values of this department. His knowledge and rapport with the officers, City staff, and the community make him well- equipped to guide the agency during the search process for a permanent replacement.
My hope is this transition serves as a catalyst for reflection—on the culture of leadership, the treatment of public servants, and the values we claim to uphold as a city. I sincerely wish the department, and its future leadership, continued success, support, and respect they deserve.
Sincerely, Jessica Danberg

The April 21 council meeting saw discussion amongst council and staff after a request for a cost of living pay increase, which was approved. Chief Danberg’s retirement follows the recent resignations of St. Paul Park City Administrator Kevin Walsh and City Finance Director Melody Santana-Marty, Walsh leaving July 31 and Santana-Marty’s resignation effective April 23.
The city administrator oversees city employees including the police chief.
The firm David Drown and Associates is leading the search for a new city administrator, the city approving a proposal from MGT to hire a new finance director and approved an interim agreement for Finance Manager at the April 21 council meeting.
Meeting most recently on Monday, May 19, the council officially swore in four new officers, Mayor Keith Franke administering the oath to Officers Amber Kittleson, Carlos Yanes, Angelo Nelson, and Sara Thifius, leading those assembled in applause for the officers.