HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 10-13 Dayaton forms diverse panel to examine race, police policies STAR TRIBUNE
Dayton forms diverse panel to examine race, police policies -Star Tribune, 2016-10-13Page 1 of 4
Dayton forms diverse panel to
examine race, police policies
Governor says initiative is a step for improving trust
on all sides of the issue.
By RICARDO LOPEZ ricardo.lopez@startribune.com
Gov.
Mark
ELIZABETH FLORES • eflores@startribune.com Philando Castile’s mother, Valerie
Castile, and Uncle Clarence Castile, smiled as Gov. Mark Dayton announced the
new panel.
Dayton is creating a commission to improve policing in minority communities
around the state, a move that comes after two fatal police shootings of unarmed
black men in Minnesota over the last year and mounting criticism of law
enforcement across the country.
The commission is made up of law enforcement officials and a diverse range of
community groups, two sides that have recently clashed over the role of police
and use of force by law enforcement. The governor is asking the groups to craft
solutions to improve policing that can be implemented statewide.
“It is essential that Minnesota’s law
enforcement and criminal justice
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Dayton forms diverse panel to examine race, police policies -Star Tribune, 2016-10-13Page 2 of 4
systems work for all Minnesotans,
including both our law enforcement
officers and the communities they
bravely serve,” Dayton said. “This
council is an important first step to
ensuring greater trust, safety and
justice for all Minnesotans.”
States around the country have been
grappling with how to improve policing, balancing community criticism about
excessive force and the concerns of law enforcement agencies under increasing
political pressure to tamp down crime rates. Across the country, states have been
considering a range of measures to grant more rights to victims of police brutality,
roll back special protections for police accused of wrongdoing and allow greater
transparency of police disciplinary boards.
In Minnesota, recent police shootings of Jamar Clark and Philando Castile, two
unarmed black men, resulted in weeks of protests and clashes between police and
community activists. A July melee during a Castile protest on Interstate 94 resulted
in injuries to more than 20 St. Paul police officers.
In his executive order, Dayton asked the council to take a broad look at policing
practice and the criminal justice system, including sentencing reform and
prosecutor discretion. The panel will include faith leaders and one representative
from Black Lives Matter.
Dayton wants recommendations on how law enforcement groups recruit, train and
retain police officers. The council is modeled in part on a similar task force
convened by President Obama.
Co-chairs of the council are Fourth District Court Judge Pamela G. Alexander and
Grand Rapids Police Chief Scott Johnson.
Police chiefs react
Some police chiefs in Minnesota welcomed the formation of the council,
particularly the inclusion of so many diverse stakeholders.
“When I look at the group that the governor identified, it’s very clear that what he
wants, and what I’m sure we’re in store for is a really robust conversation about
policing,” Maplewood Police Chief Paul Schnell said.
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Dayton forms diverse panel to examine race, police policies -Star Tribune, 2016-10-13Page 3 of 4
Schnell heads a 52-person police department in a suburb that has grown
increasingly diverse. City officials have formed a similar advisory group that is
tackling many of the same issues Dayton’s council will be debating.
“Our communities are changing,” Schnell said . “These are the people that are
owning businesses, that are buying homes, working in this community — and we
better represent their interests. That means we come back and take a hard look at
things.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau said she hopes the council will reach out
to her department to learn about some of the efforts it has undertaken.
Minneapolis police have started using body cameras and began reviewing its use
of force policy last summer. The department has also announced policy changes
that include emphasizing de-escalation training and requiring that officers report
any potential misconduct.
Harteau expressed some concern about the size of the statewide group.
“The challenge will be prioritizing,” she said. “At this point, I’m not sure really what
impact this council will have on the Minneapolis Police Department because we’re
doing all the things I’ve seen so far that they’re looking at.”
Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges said that the city has labored to improve
community relations in recent years. “An intentional statewide conversation is an
important next step that I applaud,” Hodges said in a statement.
Community reaction
Faith leaders, who have played a prominent role in raising awareness of racial bias
in policing, welcomed their involvement.
“It is beyond timely — in fact, overdue — to recognize the impact of policing on
our communities, particularly communities of color,” said the Rev. Brian Herron,
pastor at Zion Baptist Church in Minneapolis, who will serve as the representative
for ISAIAH, a coalition of faith leaders. “The trauma caused by police bias and
police violence is very real and is the evidence that there is a demand for a
positive change in policing and community relations.”
Anthony Newby, executive director of the Minneapolis nonprofit Neighborhoods
Organizing for Change, expressed concerns that the council appears weighted too
heavily in favor of law enforcement.
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Dayton forms diverse panel to examine race, police policies -Star Tribune, 2016-10-13Page 4 of 4
“We’re supportive of the governor’s initiative to tackle a deep and sophisticated
problem,” Newby said. “More can be done to tip that balance in favor of broader
community-based solutions to the problem.”
He added: “Asking the police to police themselves is not a recipe for big, bold
systemic change.”
Dayton’s council will put together preliminary recommendations by Feb. 15, about
a month after the start of the 2017 legislative session. A final report is due June 30.
Ricardo Lopez • 651-925-5044
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