Police Accountability & Trial Update

Dear Neighbors,

Police reform and accountability has yet again taken a central focus with renewed efforts to make positive change and safer communities across the state in light of Daunte Wright’s tragic death at the hands of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter. He should be alive today.

As you may recall, last summer, after the murder of George Floyd, we passed a number of reforms on police accountability, including a prohibition on “warrior training,” a ban on chokeholds, and requiring the duty to intercede when officers observe one of their colleagues engaging in misconduct. These measures were a compromise with the GOP-led Senate and were always meant to be only a first step. We were, however, unable to reach consensus on many critical reforms such as enhanced citizen oversight and strengthening the police officer misconduct database.

Since then, the House DFL has had 18 hearings in the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee to discuss and vet police accountability legislation. Some of those proposals have been included in this year’s omnibus Public Safety bill. These include measures to allow local governments to establish civilian oversight councils to oversee law enforcement, a ban on altering, erasing, or destroying body camera recordings, prohibiting peace officers from affiliating with white supremacist groups, and funding community organizations working to prevent crime.

Since the killing of Daunte Wright additional proposals have been introduced including limiting the reasons for which you can be pulled over by police and giving the Minnesota Attorney General prosecutorial jurisdiction over all cases of officer-involved deaths.

Other bills I’m hopeful to see advance include significant limitations on the use of “no-knock” warrants, a study on how Minnesota can move forward with requiring officers to carry liability insurance, and an “early warning” system for the POST Board to identify officers with concerning behavioral records. I’m hopeful that progress can be made on the liability insurance issue after the recent state Supreme Court decision finding that the city of St. Paul could not be sued for the actions of a police officer when he was off-duty working as a security guard.

However, none of these efforts will become law without Republican Senators willing to sit at the table, listen to our communities, and commit to keeping everyone, without exception, safe. To date the Senate has not had any hearings on police reform proposals. Senate Majority Leader Gazelka said just this week that the Senate would take its time in considering proposals and was unlikely to agree to any changes this legislative session. Just today a GOP House member said that we had done all the police reforms we needed to last year and that we shouldn’t act any further now to see if those reforms work. We deserve a public safety system that holds police officers accountable, increases transparency, keeps everyone safe, and serves justice.

Update on Chauvin Trial

With closing remarks anticipated from the Defense and Prosecution on Monday, many in our South Minneapolis community are on high alert- especially with the increased presence of law enforcement and the National Guard. I realize this is contributing to the trauma many neighbors are feeling, most especially our BIPOC neighbors and allies. At the same time other neighbors are welcoming of this security presence after the fear they experienced last summer.

My Minneapolis delegation colleagues and I have been in frequent communication with the City of Minneapolis, State Patrol, Department of Public Safety, and Governor Walz to ensure First Amendment rights are protected and prioritized, our mom and pop shop businesses are secure, and local amenities are accessible. We have shared the concerns of many neighbors questioning the need and effectiveness of the National Guard presence, as well as some of the strategy and tactics being used. More meetings are already planned.

That said with the trial coming to its conclusion and closing arguments coming Monday the Operation Safety Net plan is to increase Guard and law enforcement presence and visibility. Neighbors may well see increased security presence in the coming days and an additional increase once the jury has completed its deliberations. While Operation Safety Net establishes a joint command for all the jurisdictions involved in each city it is that city’s elected officials and police chief who are the final decision makers.

I am available to help with any questions or to relay any input you have back to the City and State. Contact me anytime at rep.jim.davnie@house.mn or 651-296-0173.

Stay vigilant, practice self-care, and love your neighbors. We are stronger together.

Sincerely,

Jim Davnie

State Representative