| Important Questions When was the School Patrol started?
 The School Police Program was organized by the Departments of Education and Police of the City of Saint Paul in 1920. Inspector Gus Barfuss was assigned to organize the School Police. Sergeant Frank Hetznecker and motorcycle policeman George Pepin were later assigned to assist him. Sergeant, later Insector, Hetznecker was instrumental in the organization of the School Police and served as Superintendent of he School Police from 1921 until his retirement in 1950.
Officials from the Saint Paul Police Department and Department of
Education approached Father Byrne, the Superintendent of the
Archdiocese School system, and outlined the proposed program. Father Byrne
indicated that the Archdiocese schools would participate in the
program.
After much planning and organization the program became a
reality when on February 21,1921, the first School Police Crossing was
made at Summit Avenue and KelloggBoulevard.
This crossing was made by the School Police of the Cathedral School,
organized by Sister M. Carmella Hanggi, the Principal of the school and
a strong proponent of the program. This is believed to have been the
first School Patrol crossing in the world.
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Are schools required to operate a School Patrol Program?
School Patrol is not required under Minnesota Statutes and is a
voluntary action on the part of the School District or nonpublic
School. All Saint Paul Public Schools and most nonpublic schools
operate School Patrol programs. While public schools are expected to
operate a School Patrol Program the School District cannot require a
nonpublic school to offer school patrol. The School District will not
provide transportation if a nonpublic school chooses not to operate a
school patrol program. |
Are School Patrols allowed to control traffic?
Minnesota Statutes authorize School Patrol members to stop traffic at intersections. Patrol members do direct traffic, but rather take control of an intersection using the Patrol Flag and direct students to cross when all traffic has stopped for the Patrol flags.
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How does the School Patrol operate?
School Patrol lines extend across streets with significant traffic volume along the safest walking route to and from public and nonpublic schools. The Patrol lines may extend to a point near the attendance area or one mile transportation boundary or may terminate earlier if there are no additional streets with significant traffic volume.
Patrols may operate using the convoy system in which the Patrol Lines start at the farthest crossing from a school and walk together crossing all streets between the start of the line and school, or the Patrol may use the corner system in Patrols man intersections with significant traffic volume for a specific period of time.
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Will the School Patrol walk my son to and from my home?
The School Patrol assists students in crossing streets. The Patrol does not walk students to their individual homes.
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Where can I obtain information on School Patrol lines and crossings.
Each school has a School Patrol supervisor. Information on School Patrol lines and crossings may be obtained from the building Patrol supervisor of the principal.
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Who supervises the Patrols.
The administration of the School Police Program is the responsibility of the Transportation Department. Primary supervision and training is provided by the building School Patrol supervisor. More intensve training and on street supervision is provided by the School Patrol Coordinator who is a Saint Paul Police officer working under a contract between the Police Department and the Transportation Department. Additional suprvision is provided by Transportation Department Safety Supervisors.
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Where does the School Patrol obtain equipment?
School Patrol equipment, including flags, badges, vests, ponchos, hats, hot chocolate mix, etc. are provided without charge by the Transportation Department.
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In there still a School Patrol Parade and Picnic
 The annual School Patrol Parade is held each spring in downtown Saint Paul. Parents are welcome to view the parade in downtown. Information on the parade route may be obtained from the school. Following the parade the Patrol members are bused to Como Park for the annual Patrol picnic. The Winter Carnival Vulcans provide fire truck rides and join the Winter Carnival Royalty in a program for the Patrol membes.
The food and transportation to the Patrol Picnic is funded by the Transportation Department. The prizes, including bikes, boom boxes, televisions, CD players, etc. are funded by the Fraternal Order of Police Saint Paul Lodge No. 1 and the Saint Paul Police Federation. Volunteer assistance in presenting the picnic is provided by the 3M retirees organization. Saint Paul Police motorcycle and horse units, the State Patrol helicopter, and units from the Saint Paul Fire Department attend the picnic.
 Additional Information
Click for additional information on the Saint Paul School Patrol Program
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