State of Minnesota Archives: on Crime
Chris Coleman:
Audit police response to alleged officer misconduct
The national dialogue about policing, particularly in communities of color, has put our officers under intense scrutiny. And because we are focused on equity, we haven't run from that conversation. One concern raised by the community during the past
year and a half is the practice and structure of the Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission (PCIARC)--which examines incidents of alleged officer misconduct and makes a disciplinary recommendation to the Chief of Police.
After an audit of the PCIARC & numerous community conversations, the City Council is pursuing a set of administrative changes in the immediate short term and I will make further recommendations for city ordinance changes by the end of the summer.
We don't always get it right. But we do so much more right here in Saint Paul. Under the leadership of Chief Smith and with hundreds of committed uniformed officers, our department is setting the national standard for true community policing.
Source: 2016 State of the City address: St. Paul Minnesota
Apr 19, 2016
Heather Johnson:
Don't punish victimless crimes like prostitution & gambling
I shall fight against any efforts to pass legislation and regulation of victimless crimes. Such "crimes" include speeding, drinking, no seat belts, drug use, prostitution, gambling, no helmets, or any other crime where no harm
is brought against another human or group of humans. All consensual acts, free from fraud, force, and coercion belong to the consenting individuals involved and do not fall into the domain of politics or government.
Source: 2014 Minnesota Senate campaign website, "Platform"
Jul 31, 2014
Ilhan Omar:
Current penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect on
speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton:I do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.Legislative Outcome:Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; State Rep. Ilhan Omar voted NO; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 8, 2018
Jason Lewis:
Don't second-guess the actions of police officers
Solving Social Unrest: While everyone supports equal justice for all, the violence in our cities and the attacks on law enforcement must stop. My wife was a St. Paul police officer for 7 years and my father-in-law is a retired police officer.
Consequently, I am keenly aware of the day-to-day pressures facing law enforcement--not the least of which includes split-second life and death decisions.
I do not think it's appropriate for those who have little understanding of such situations to second-guess the actions of police officers until all the evidence is in from a complete investigation.
Nor do I believe local leaders should be injecting race into elections for political expediency.
Source: 2016 Minnesota House campaign website JasonLewis2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Jason Lewis:
End overcriminalization: focus on high risk offenders
Criminal justice reform is also needed and I support bipartisan legislation recently introduced by Reps. James Sensenbrenner and Bobby Scott.
The Safe, Accountable, Fair and Effective Justice Act seeks to streamline our federal justice system focusing on high risk offenders and making certain federal overcriminalization
(there are now 4,500 federal crimes on the books) doesn't ensnare entire communities by putting first time nonviolent offenders in jail.
Congress should assist local agencies in making certain that 'equal application of the law' as well as the unequivocal support of law enforcement combine to afford every community the safety and security it deserves.
Source: 2016 Minnesota House campaign website JasonLewis2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Jason Lewis:
Public order is not a privilege, it is a right
We are going to have some very bad consequences across the state if we continue down this perilous path of undercutting law enforcement and public order. Let me be clear about this: public order is not a privilege, it is a right. The need for public
order is why government was established in the first place, and it is what makes the liberties granted to us in the Constitution possible. As we descend into this free-for-all mob rule, we are undercutting the very function of government.
Source: 2020 Minnesota Senate campaign website LewisForMN.com
Jul 8, 2020
Jason Lewis:
Without public order, the mob will control the neighborhood
abandoned. This is the greatest abdication of responsibility I've seen in my lifetime, and the Democrats that control these cities have a lot to answer to. Without public order, the mob will control the neighborhood and with it your freedom.
For those calling to defund the police look no further than our own communities to see the consequences of anarchy. As rioters were destroying businesses, the police were given orders to stand down. This is what it looks like when public order is
Source: 2020 Minnesota Senate campaign website LewisForMN.com
Jul 8, 2020
Jim Abeler:
Supports use of deadly force in self-defense
Jim Abeler voted Yea (Concurrence Vote) on HF 1467 (Passed House, 85-47)Legislative title:Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense
Legislative summary:Vote to expand provisions authorizing use of deadly force in
self-defense. Highlights:
- Authorizes an individual to use deadly force to resist or prevent any of the following from occurring:
- The commission of a felony in the individual's dwelling;
- The commission of an offense that will expose an
individual to substantial injury or death; or
- The commission of a felony that includes the threatened use of physical force or a deadly weapon.
- Expands the definition of a "dwelling" to include: overnight stopping accommodation of any kind; a motor
vehicle; a watercraft; a motor home
- An individual is presumed to have a reasonable belief that there is an imminent threat of substantial injury or death if another individual has entered or is attempting to enter a dwelling unlawfully.
Source: Minnesota House voting records (Votesmart synopses)
Feb 29, 2012
Jim Abeler:
Major overhaul needed for sex offender laws
Minnesota must make it easier for sex offenders to finish a treatment program that for most has resulted in indefinite state custody, and should try to get politics out of the screening process, a task force said. The 22-member panel recommended a major
overhaul of the state's sex offender laws.Of the 698 people now enrolled [as juveniles], 52 have never been convicted of an adult crime. "No person should be civilly committed based solely on behavior that occurred while that person was a juvenile,"
the report said. If the Legislature fails to fix the program it risk having it dismantled by a federal judge. Gov. Mark Dayton has halted the provisional release of offenders until the Legislature has a chance to act.
Rep. Jim Abeler, a Republican
who also served on the task force, said those who believe changes are necessary--he counted himself in that group--might have to push forward even if it's divisive. "If we can't reach a truce, that doesn't mean the problem then goes away," Abeler said.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Dec 2, 2013
Jim Newberger:
Let's connect a new prison by rail to North Minneapolis
During last night's marathon debate over the state transportation bill, Democrats tried to fund a study looking at extending the North Star Commuter rail line to St. Cloud, like it was originally intended. Rep. Jim Newberger is not a fan of the rail
line, so he grabbed the mic to rain truth bombs all over the Democrat's proposal to connect two major cities via mass transit: "If you're going to connect a large metro area to a prison there are going to be some concerns, and I would be lying if I said
there wasn't."What exactly, would those concerns be? How would that be any different than building a prison near a highway? It was Newberger's racist Freudian slip that took his logical fallacy up a notch: "Boy, wouldn't that be convenient, to have
that rail line going from the prison to North Minneapolis."
If you watch closely, you can pinpoint the exact moment when he realizes he shouldn't have said that. "Or uhhh, to any other section of our state," he says, followed by a smattering of boos.
Source: City Pages on 2018 Minnesota Senate race
Apr 22, 2015
Jim Newberger:
Stricter punishment reduces crime
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?
A: Support.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
Mar 15, 2018
Karen Housley:
Increase penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect on
speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton:I do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.Legislative Outcome:Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; State Sen. Karen Housley voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 14, 2018
Karin Housley:
Fight to end criminal elderly abuse in senior care homes
Sen. Karin Housley, chairwoman of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy committee, said the state must act swiftly to address what she termed "an emergency situation" involving criminal abuse in senior care homes that goes uninvestigated and
unpunished. "This must stop," Housley said in an interview. "When you hear these horrific stories of abuse, and hear reports of families waiting years for some resolution to an investigation, you realize that we need more resources in this area."
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune: 2017-8 Minnesota special election
Nov 16, 2017
Karin Housley:
Rehabilitative programs in prisons cut down on recidivism
Currently, the U.S. prison system incarcerates 2.2 million people, the largest prison population in the world and one populated by mostly nonviolent offenders, according to reports by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics.Citing her experience as a
state legislator with a high concentration of prisons in her district, Housley said much of the issue of incarceration comes down to broken individuals--people who come from dysfunctional backgrounds and lack the education to make positive changes in
their own lives.
By incorporating rehabilitative programs in these prisons, Housley said, more incarcerated individuals can return to being productive members of society, which in turn cuts down on recidivism.
"I really am in support of those programs. I know a lot of people aren't, but I am because if they're remorseful and they want to lead a productive life--besides, our workforce needs them," Housley said. "That's where we should focus our resources."
Source: Brainerd Dispatch: 2017-8 Minnesota Special Senate Election
Jul 31, 2018
Lori Swanson:
Warns citizens about new methods of phone scamming
AG Lori Swanson is warning of a wave of modern variants of traditional phone scams that are creating a surge in fraud and identity theft plaguing people across the United States. Swanson said innovations in technology--notably, software capable
of "caller ID spoofing"--enables scammers to mask their identities and locations in more sophisticated ways. By using these new tools, scammers impersonate local numbers or legitimate businesses, which allows them to target victims with relative ease.
Source: Twin Cities Pioneer Press on 2018 Minnesota Governor race
May 9, 2018
Mark Dayton:
More resources for local law enforcement & COPS
I will fight to provide local law enforcement the resources needed to prevent and control crime. I support increased federal funding for law enforcement for programs
such as COPS and other federal initiatives that expand the presence of community police on our streets.
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire
Jul 2, 2000
Mark Dayton:
Current penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect on
speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton:I do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.Legislative Outcome:Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 19, 2018
Michelle Benson:
Defunding the police would make us less safe
Prioritize Public Safety: Every single Minnesotan deserves to feel safe in their community. Defunding the police would make us less safe.
Properly funded public safety officials, prosecutors holding criminals accountable, and judges who follow sentencing guidelines must work together to protect our families.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
Michelle Benson:
Increase penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:
- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect
on speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton: do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; State Sen. Michelle Benson voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 14, 2018
Michelle Fischbach:
Increase penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect on
speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton:I do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.Legislative Outcome:Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; State Sen. Michelle Fischbach voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 14, 2018
Mike Murphy:
Increase rehabilitation for human trafficking victims
As governor, Mike will push for a human trafficking task force in cooperation with federal resources to bring awareness of human trafficking in Minnesota and track down and imprison offenders. Mike will also push the
Minnesota legislature to increase rehabilitation assistance for victims beyond the age of 24. There should not be an age cutoff for victims who desperately need assistance recovering and assimilating back to society.
Source: 2022 Minnesota governor campaign website MikeMurphyForMN.com
Feb 16, 2021
Mike Murphy:
Fully support our Law Enforcement; put an end to the chaos
Minnesota should be one of the safest states in the country. It's not. Since the riots in 2020, our cities have been left vulnerable. As the Democrats struggle to make up their minds,
I will fully support our Law Enforcement, and ensure they have enough funding to keep our communities safe and secure. We must put an end to the chaos.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Gubernatorial website MikeMurphyForMN.com
Feb 11, 2022
Mike Murphy:
No more looting; we're going to shoot back
Murphy said much of the motivation for his campaign stems from the riots in Minnesota that erupted after the murder of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police. The candidate said that starts with being vocal about supporting police and
cracking down on violent criminals he thinks have been treated too softly by courts. "We have to let the criminals know that you're going to be in jail," Mr. Murphy said. "No more looting. We're going to shoot back. We're going to come after you."
Source: Washington Times on 2022 Minnesota Gubernatorial race
Oct 12, 2021
Paul Gazelka:
Provide more resources to have more police on the streets
I would provide more resources to have more police on the streets. If Minneapolis doesn't do it, I would put more money into Hennepin County, if they would be willing to. That was something that we worked on. I would work with the
Highway Patrol to use them in whatever way they thought was best to provide safety, because the governor can do that. And there are places that maybe the National Guard needs to help as well.
Source: Grand Forks Herald on 2022 Minnesota Gubernatorial race
Sep 28, 2021
Paul Gazelka:
Increase penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:
- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect
on speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton: do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; State Sen. Paul Gazelka voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 14, 2018
Paula Overby:
Oppose "tough on crime": it promotes autocracy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?A: Oppose--There is no evidence to support the narrative that deterrents reduce crime. We have the highest rate of incarceration in the entire world and yet we remain
one of the most violent societies among the economically advantaged nations. Get tough on crime is a political narrative that empowers leadership and promotes the kind of autocracy toward which we are steadily advancing.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
May 13, 2018
Rebecca Otto:
Establish security practices for crime evidence
The Metro Gang Strike Force started with a good idea: bring members of various law enforcement agencies together to combat gang activity in a single unit. But FBI and state investigations discovered that members of the unit had been taking home property
they seized during their police operations.Rebecca Otto learned that the Strike Force had no internal controls for their seized property. They didn't even have a lock on the door of their property and evidence room. Without a set of policies and
procedures for managing their property and evidences rooms, the chain of custody of evidence can be called into question, and bad guys could go free, while innocents could go to jail.
Rebecca decided to survey the hundreds of other law enforcement
agencies in Minnesota about their property and evidence rooms in order to develop a best practices review for their use. She produced a landmark report on best practices in property and evidence rooms that has since become a well-used guide.
Source: Minnesota State Auditor campaign website RebeccaOtto.com
Nov 1, 2014
Rebecca Otto:
Shut down traffic ticket diversions with alternative penalty
Some local law enforcement agencies had begun offering traffic diversion programs that worked outside the uniform Minnesota traffic system. In lieu of state traffic tickets, drivers were given the option to pay a smaller fine & take a safe driving class
or watch an 8-minute online video, and local law enforcement kept the money. The State Auditor's Office had long noted that, though popular, these programs were not authorized by state law.Under Rebecca's leadership, a special review highlighted how
and why the programs were not in compliance with existing Minnesota law, and illustrated some of the financial and safety problems they posed.
The small number of police and county sheriff departments that were using the programs liked the money they
generated and argued that the State Auditor was wrong and that the law was ambiguous, but in 2014 a judge agreed with Rebecca's position and ruled that the programs were not authorized by state law. As a result, most of the programs have been shut down.
Source: Minnesota State Auditor campaign website RebeccaOtto.com
Nov 1, 2014
Scott Jensen:
Increase penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect on
speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton:I do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.Legislative Outcome:Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; State Sen. Scott Jensen voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 14, 2018
Scott Jensen:
Increasing number of officers will restore law and order
Dr. Scott Jensen believes we need to support our law enforcement and call for violent criminals to be caught, convicted, and imprisoned. Tim Walz and out-of-touch Democrat leaders in our cities blame the police; Dr. Scott Jensen knows
we need more cops, not less. He will seek to increase the number of officers, which will restore law and order to our broken cities.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website DrScottJensen.com
Dec 30, 2021
Tina Liebling:
Officers should control situation without deadly force
Our diversity is our strength, but Minnesota's gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity are holding us back. Peaceful civil disobedience has often been the catalyst that moves society toward justice. We don't need additional penalties or threats to those
who step forward to make change. The right to protest--and sometimes even to get arrested for it--strengthens our democracy.The well-publicized police killings of African American people and the killings of police officers have torn the bandage off
an old and festering wound. We must create a culture and system that allow for fair and just treatment of all Minnesotans. Law enforcement officers have a tough job, but they must always be held to high and clear standards and accountable to the public.
We need a new standard for law enforcement's use of force--as exists in some other countries. Officers should be expected to control a situation without using deadly force except as a last resort.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
Tina Liebling:
More treatment courts; lower barriers to re-entry after jail
Too many inmates have substance abuse disorder or other mental health issues that would be better treated in another setting. Treatment courts are a step in the right direction, and we must encourage and fund these initiatives.
We also need to make sure that people who have been through the justice system can find a path back to a productive life. Lack of housing, lack of needed treatment, and lack of employment are barriers to reentry that must be addressed.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
Tina Liebling:
Current penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect on
speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton:I do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.Legislative Outcome:Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; State Rep. Tina Liebling voted NO; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 8, 2018
Tina Liebling:
Increase penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect on
speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton:I do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.Legislative Outcome:Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; State Rep. Matt Dean voted YES; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 8, 2018
Tina Smith:
Supports comprehensive police-reform legislation
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Tina Smith: Yes. Supports comprehensive police-reform legislation that would end practices such as choke holds and no-knock warrants.
Jason Lewis: No. Has objected to some of the calls for police reform, saying they are going too far.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Minnesota Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Tom Emmer:
Establish the death penalty in Minnesota
Emmer indicates support of the following principles regarding crime.- Establish the death penalty in Minnesota.
- Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
-
Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
- Support state and local law enforcement officials enforcing federal immigration laws.
- Support hate crime legislation.
Source: Minnesota Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Walter Mondale:
Gideon brief established right to attorney
Mondale, as attorney general, filed a brief on behalf of a Florida man named Clarence Gideon who couldn't afford a defense attorney. At the time, states were not required to provide attorneys to poor defendants charged with serious crimes.
As a result of Mondale's brief, defendants charged with serious crimes in both federal and state courts are provided attorneys if they cannot afford one. The Gideon case is required reading for all first year law students.
Source: Minnesota Public Radio interview with Elizabeth Stawicki
May 17, 2001
Royce White:
Will fight for the necessary funding and training for police
I reject the notion that crime is either acceptable or a necessary part of the community's life. Our police are tasked with the most difficult of society's assignments, and their pay is not equal to the skills necessary to protect both the victim
and the victimizer. As your Senator, I will fight for the necessary funding and training so that our police become the pride of our community.
Source: 2024 Minnesota Senate campaign website RoyceWhite.us
Jul 2, 2024
Tim Walz:
OpEd:riot response criticized as too weak AND too aggressive
Republicans have blasted Walz for what they called his slow response to the unrest after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police. And they are sure to use a rise in violent crime in their campaign against him.[Gubernatorial opponent] former
Senate Republican leader Paul Gazelka called Walz weak and hesitant when dealing with lawlessness and rising crime. [Gubernatorial opponent] former Sen. Scott Jensen, too, faulted the incumbent. "I think that he was slow to act at times, trying to check
out what the political winds were telling us," Jensen said. "I think that was particularly crucial during the riots and the violence in late May and early June of 2020."
At the same time, Walz has faced criticism from the political left for what some saw as overly aggressive tactics used by the National Guard and other law enforcement agencies to respond to rioting.
Source: MPR News on 2022 Minnesota Gubernatorial race
Oct 19, 2021
Tim Walz:
Funding for Criminal Apprehension and State Patrol HQ
We announced a major new infrastructure plan--an ambitious effort to invest in things that make our communities strong: clean water and safe streets and affordable housing. Our plan invests in making sure every community has safe streets. Violent crime
declined across the state last year. Still, we take public safety seriously, and we're putting real funding behind that commitment, including expanding capacity for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and planning for a new State Patrol headquarters.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Mar 26, 2024
Tim Walz:
Increase criminal penalties for theft of public funds by 20%
Minnesota should have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to misuse of taxpayer dollars. I issued an executive order to strengthen our state's capacity to investigate fraud by establishing a centralized Fraud and Financial Crimes unit at the Bureau of
Criminal Apprehension. I have a proposal before this chamber to use artificial intelligence to sniff out bad actors before they can get their hands on our money. And a proposal to increase criminal penalties for theft of public funds by 20%.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Apr 23, 2025
Angie Craig:
Double fines for fraud related to child nutrition programs
U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced legislation to help deter incidents like the Feeding Our Future crimes from happening again.Rep. Craig's Fighting Their Fraud Act would double the fine for fraudulent activity related to child nutrition
programs from $25,000 to $50,000. "We need to do more to discourage future criminals and increase our efforts to protect taxpayer dollars--that's what this bill is about," said Rep. Craig.
Source: House press release 2026 Minnesota Senate race
Aug 7, 2023
Peggy Flanagan:
Current penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect on
speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton:I do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.Legislative Outcome:Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; State Rep. Peggy Flanagan voted NO; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 8, 2018
Jeff Johnson 2018:
Violent criminals must be locked up, some for long sentences
The role of government in our lives should be as limited as possible, but providing for the public safety of all is one of the most important jobs of government. While I have always supported alternatives to incarceration for low-level, nonviolent
offenders and believe strongly in providing 2nd chances for those who make mistakes, we have one of the lowest incarceration rates in the country and violent criminals must be locked up and very violent criminals must be locked up for a very long time.
Source: 2018 Minnesota JohnsonForGovernor.org campaign website
Sep 1, 2018
Jeff Johnson 2026:
Criminal rioters should forfeit any government assistance
People convicted of crimes during a riot will forfeit any government assistance and will be required to pay more restitution to property owners. Perhaps a "Riot Offender List" should be developed so anyone convicted of vandalism, shutting down an
interstate highway, looting, or bodily harm should be placed on this list so businesses can quickly identify job seekers who may have previously damaged their business.
Source: 2026 Minnesota Gubernatorial campaign website
Dec 12, 2025
Lisa Demuth:
I will strengthen sentences for repeat offenders
As Governor, I will have the backs of our police, firefighters, and other first responders who keep our communities safe. I will invest in public safety resources for cities and counties,
strengthen sentences for repeat offenders, and crack down on soft-on-crime policies from judges and county attorneys who seem to favor the feelings of criminals over the safety of the public.
Source: 2026 Minnesota Gubernatorial campaign website LisaForMN.com
Dec 28, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026