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State Representative Michael Paymar
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4199
For more information contact: Joan Nichols 651-29X-XXXX
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Paymar Introduces Bill to Reform Gang & Drug Task Forces
ST. PAUL – State Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul), Chair of the Public Safety Finance Division authored a bill to reform the way multijurisdictional law enforcement agencies operate in combating gang activity. The bill was drafted after several hearings that came about as the result of a scandal within the Metro Gang Strike Force and critical reports by the Legislative Auditor and an independent investigation requested by the Department of Public Safety.
"It is important as we move forward, that the public has faith in law enforcement. The unfortunate behavior by some officers in the Metro Gang Strike Force and the failure of the Advisory Board charged with managing the Metro Gang Task Force requires the Legislature to ensure greater oversight," Rep. Paymar said.
Reforms in the bill establishes a certification process for multijurisdictional gang and drug task forces, provides greater authority over existing and new Gang and Drug Task Forces by the Department of Public Safety, authorizes law enforcement agencies to establish and maintain criminal gang investigative data systems with proper oversight, amends forfeiture reporting requirements and dissolves the Metro Gang Strike Force.
“The reforms in the bill provide a needed level of accountability for state Gang and Drug Strike Forces,” Rep. Paymar said. “The legislature held hearings held during the interim which provided opportunities to meet with and seek input from law enforcement, community leaders, legal experts and advocates. We should be able to confront gang activity in our neighborhoods without violating the civil rights of the citizenry.”
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