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RELEASE: Statements from Clarence Castile, Rep. Rena Moran on Governor Dayton Recommending New Law Enforcement Training Fund Be Named in Memory of Philando Castile

Thursday, July 6, 2017

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ST. PAUL, MN – Today, Governor Mark Dayton today issued a letter to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board, requesting that its members name a new law enforcement training fund in memory of Philando Castile, who was tragically killed one year ago today. Governor Dayton has requested that the fund, which was enacted by the Legislature this year and is administered by the POST Board, be named the “Philando Castile Law Enforcement Training Fund.” He also named Clarence Castile, the uncle of Philando Castile, to the POST Board.

Governor Dayton’s request follows the same recommendation from the Governor’s Council on Law Enforcement and Community Relations. The Council, which is comprised of community leaders, law enforcement officers, and state lawmakers, this year recommended new investments in police training to enhance the safety of Minnesotans in every community, and the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve us. These new investments, totaling $12 million, passed with bipartisan support during the 2017 Legislative Session.

The following is a statement from Clarence Castile on today’s action:

“Times are going to change. Things are going to get better. We need to spend some dollars on civilian training as well as police training that focus on crisis intervention and management and de-escalation training to community folks, too. That entails learning how to comply with law enforcement. I know that will hurt some feelings to hear that, but I’d rather have feelings hurt than someone else losing their life.”

The following is a statement from State Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul) on today’s action:

“On the one year mark since Philando Castile was shot and killed, I think today is an important step in the healing process. Our community is still mourning the loss of Philando. I still hear stories about the positive contributions he made to the lives of so many kids and community members. I appreciate the Governor’s efforts to create a space for community law enforcement to be working with community members and improving safety for all Minnesotans. The appointment of Philando’s uncle, Clarence, to the POST Board is an important step to approach fixing the problems that brought us to this point, and I hope naming this fund after Philando will be a tribute to his legacy of improving community life for everyone.”

About the Philando Castile Law Enforcement Training Fund

The $12 million in funding for the “Philando Castile Law Enforcement Training Fund,” passed this session with bipartisan support, and was signed into law by Governor Dayton. It will provide additional resources for the POST Board to provide more training opportunities for law enforcement officials working with diverse communities. The 15-member POST Board will determine what standards and trainings will be implemented as a result of this new funding. This funding was originally proposed as part of the Preliminary Recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Law Enforcement and Community Relations.

About the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board

The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board is responsible for licensing law enforcement officials, establishing licensing and training requirements, and setting standards for law enforcement agencies and officers. The Board is composed of 15 members including state, city, and county law enforcement officials, as well as higher education and public representatives.

For more information about the POST Board, visit the Department of Public Safety website.

Rep. Rena Moran can be reached by email at Rep.Rena.Moran@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5158.

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