Scott Whiteford sworn in as City of St. Paul Park police chief; outlines policing priorities

Scott Whiteford was sworn in as police chief of the City of St. Paul Park at the council’s regular meeting on March 2, 2026. Whiteford, who addressed the council and assembled guests after taking the oath, described roughly 21 years of experience in policing and supervisory roles and said he plans to prioritize a department culture centered on community and professionalism.

"I come from 21 years of policing...including patrol sergeant, patrol commander, criminal investigation supervisor," Whiteford said, adding that he served on SWAT and crisis negotiation teams and has worked in emergency management and academic instruction. "Our mission...is enhancing the quality of life for this community. It's going to be done through excellence in policing. People first, mission always," he said.

Council members and several local public-safety leaders attended the ceremony. The presiding official named Cottage Grove public safety director Pete Kerner, Grey Cloud Town Board member Phil Dupree and a board member Polter, Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry, Stillwater Chief Brian Mueller and Washington County Commissioner Carla Bingham as among those present to show support.

Whiteford told the council he has a master's degree in public safety administration and completed leadership training at Northwestern University and the FBI's Executive Leadership Institute. He said he looks forward to working with officers and the community "to build the future culture and mission of this department that will serve this city for the next many generations."

The swearing-in was ceremonial at the March 2 meeting; the transcript does not record a council vote on his appointment during the session. After Whiteford spoke, the meeting continued with routine business, including public comment and the consent agenda.