Minneapolis Review

Multiple proposals were introduced by House Republicans at the Capitol to improve public safety after the rise of violent crime in parts of the Twin Cities and other areas in Minnesota. 

The bills will focus on the rising crime in the Metro areas such as gang and drug trafficking. More officers and law enforcement tools will also be introduced to help stop crime. 

President of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis Lt. Bob Kroll attended the meeting.

“Rising crime puts a strain on our officers—these bills would aid law enforcement and prosecutors in responding to the drivers of crime, and starts an important discussion on how the legislature can support local law enforcement and push cities to prioritize public safety,” Kroll said. 

House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) also spoke in favor of the bills. 

“There’s been an alarming increase in violent crime on the light rail and in parts of the Twin Cities that is causing concern for residents, workers who commute there each day, and Minnesotans who travel to the cities for sporting events and concerts,” Daudt said. “Minnesotans deserve to feel safe in their communities no matter where they are—that’s why our caucus is bringing forward bills to help law enforcement combat gang violence, drug trafficking, and violent crime.”

Two thirds of Minneapolis neighborhoods had an increase in crime in 2019, the Star Tribune reported. Crimes committed on the Metro Transit Light Rail went up and homicides in St. Paul. Other drug related crimes have been increasing as well. 

Rep. Marion O'Neill (R-Buffalo) proposed a bill which would increase the penalties for gang members that use weapons for crime. 

Another bill, proposed by Rep. Raul Novoty (R-Elk River), would increase the funding for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for gang and drug crimes. 

Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) introduced a bill that said law enforcement would need to be installed near regional or statewide sport facilities. 

A bill to increase law enforcement and install cameras in the metro stations was introduced by Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville). This bill would also increase the amount of officers for the Metro Transit police. 

Rep. Matt Grossell (R-Clearbrook) proposed a bill that would make disarming officers prohibited in cities. 

Rep. Brian Johnson (R-Cambridge) said these bills will help the House Republicans decrease the amount of crime happening in the community. 

“House Republicans are committed to combating violent crime and promoting safety in our communities,” Johnson said. “The numbers are real: violent crime is rising, and Minnesotans from all over the state have been contacting their legislators raising concerns and asking what their public officials are doing about it. We hope that Democrats will join us in these efforts and show Minnesotans that fighting crime is a bipartisan priority.”