SAINT PAUL – Last Thursday, information about harassment restraining orders (HROs) in the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s database became available to law enforcement for the first time. Previously, law enforcement could only access orders for protection, which require a much higher threshold for victims to receive than HROs.
“After experiencing the hurt causing them to file for a Harassment Restraining Order, victims of violence already have a heavy lift on their shoulders. Uncertainty about how police may approach a potential situation should be the least of their worries,” said state Rep. John Lesch (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the Minnesota House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Division. “Law enforcement having knowledge of an HRO filing is a tool that will keep people safe, and I’m committed to working with advocates, public safety personnel, and others to strengthen protections for victims and survivors of harassment, stalking, domestic violence, and other reprehensible behaviors in our communities.”
Last week, after the Minnesota Court of Appeals struck down the state’s stalking-by-telephone law, Rep. Lesch announced plans to establish new solutions protecting victims and ensuring accountability for those who threaten or intimidate others.