Examining Changes in Law Enforcement Practices
Police reform is the process of changing the policies, procedures, and practices of law enforcement agencies to improve their effectiveness, accountability, and fairness. It can encompass various issues, including using force, community engagement, training, recruitment, and transparency.
The goal of police reform is to create a police force that is more effective at preventing and solving crimes. The force should also be accountable to the communities it serves and treat all individuals with fairness and respect. Police reform can take many forms, including changes to legislation, policies, and procedures and training and education for police officers.
How Minnesota’s Policing Laws and Policies Have Changed
Much has changed in Minnesota since May 26, 2020. When George Floyd was murdered and protests erupted in Minneapolis and throughout the United States, the police were called on to change their policies.
These changes don’t just affect how officers handle restraints in situations like Floyd’s. Policies were changed regarding how the police manage crowds and protesters as well as their relationships with their communities. New policies have been put into place to build trust and ensure accountability for law enforcement.
Here are some highlights from our team of experienced attorneys.
Police Accountability Measures
On July 23, 2020, Governor Tim Walz signed into law The Minnesota Police Accountability Act. This legislation is designed to reduce deadly force encounters (encounters in which an officer kills someone).
Laws on the use of deadly force by police have since been amended several times, affecting things such as:
- Changing the threshold for police use of deadly force.
- Establishing a separate, independent investigations unit for police-involved deadly force cases at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
- Strengthening the role of the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Board.
New laws have also specified updates to police policies. They now need to require:
- Other officers to intervene in excessive force situations.
- Officers to report the illegal use of force.
- Officers to consider less deadly measures before applying deadly force.
Officer Training Requirements
Changes in Minnesota laws have implemented Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training. This training is data-driven and created in partnership with Georgetown University Law Center. Since March 2022, it has been part of the curriculum at the MPD Academy.
ABLE training uses role-playing scenarios similar to officers’ everyday experiences. It gives them the skills to intervene successfully when another officer is about to use excessive force.
Community Policing Initiatives: Policing and Free Speech in Minnesota
The First Amendment to The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights in Article 1 of the Minnesota Constitution support the people’s fundamental right to free speech and to assemble peacefully.
Minnesota policies have also been updated to incorporate the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) model for crowd management and First Amendment activities. Officers are directed to apply the appropriate level of consideration to protect life, property and vital facilities while maintaining public peace.
Officers cannot harass, intimidate, discriminate against or unreasonably interfere with people who are lawfully exercising their rights. If they do, they could face legal and professional consequences.
When an Encounter With Police Raises Questions, Get Legal Help
Police reform is an ongoing issue in many jurisdictions, and it is constantly evolving in response to changing circumstances and public sentiment. Some of the factors that drive the need for police reform include concerns about police use of force, bias and discrimination, and the lack of trust between police and communities.
There are many organizations and advocacy groups that are working to promote police reform, and there are a wide range of perspectives on what constitutes effective police reform. It’s important to engage in ongoing dialogue and to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders in order to develop and implement police reform that is sustainable and effective.
If you have questions about police actions and whether they were legal, talking to a lawyer is the best way to get answers. Contact our Elk River law firm by calling us at 763-241-0477 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
