Minnesota Senate Republicans recently passed a bill to increase the pay of State Troopers, State Conservation Officers, and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agents, Gambling Enforcement Special Agents, and Insurance Fraud Specialists. While awaiting a salary study in 2020, the legislature passed temporary pay raises to troopers. After the study, results showed troopers were paid about 5% less than other law enforcement officers, in some cases up to 16% for senior officers.  

“Police officers have been on the receiving end of a lot of unfair treatment and criticism lately,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing). “Most people in the profession are brave, honest, upstanding people putting themselves in harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe. I am proud to support this bill that compensates them the way they deserve for all of their sacrifices.”

Members of MLEA impacted by this include the Department of Natural Resources State Conservation Officers, Department of Corrections Fugitive Specialists, Department of Public Safety State Patrol Troopers, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agents, Gambling Enforcement Special Agents, and Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud Specialists. Officers across the MLEA would receive raises in line with their positions. 

In honor of National Police Week, the Minnesota Senate also passed a resolution on Thursday commemorating Peace Officers Memorial Day. The day, which was observed on May 15, recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers.

Peace Officers Memorial Day is held annually in the United States to honor federal, state, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in 2020, 295 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty. So far, in 2021, 101 law enforcement officers have made the same sacrifice across the nation. Law enforcement officers across the country have stepped up during a turbulent year, facing COVID-19 and rising crime rates, and they deserve our respect and support. 

Each year, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association typically has a 24-hour standing vigil at the Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol grounds. However, because of COVID restrictions, this year’s event was conducted virtually. The tribute included reading the names of the 293 fallen Minnesota officers.