Below is a joint statement from the three statewide law enforcement associations represented on the Police Deadly Force Encounters Working Group. The Police Deadly Force Encounters Working Group released its recommendations on Monday, February 24, 2020.
The three associations are: the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers’ Association. Collectively, the associations represent more than 300 municipal police chiefs, 87 county sheriffs and approximately 10,000 rank-and-file officers in Minnesota.
We are pleased the working group recommends: expanding resources and increasing awareness for officer mental health and wellness, training in de-escalation techniques, and the recruitment of more diverse officers to law enforcement agencies in our state.
These issues are major priorities for the policing profession and would certainly help law enforcement agencies in every Minnesota community maintain a high level of public safety services.
We are concerned about some of the recommendations, particularly as they relate to the due process of officers exonerated and the potential financial burden on agencies to implement some of the proposed training, technology and initiatives.
We do expect the process to continue beyond today. We are hopeful that legislation that is drafted or policies developed with the Minnesota POST Board or Department of Public Safety will be developed with our input.
We have always been – and will continue to be – willing to work with lawmakers, stakeholders and community groups to find new ways to make our state a safer place for everyone.
Minnesota Chiefs of Police
Association
Minnesota Sheriffs’
Association
Minnesota Police and Peace
Officers’ Association
Loading Comments