The Senate Finance Committee heard and passed a comprehensive public safety bill, which provides critical funding to hold criminals accountable and keep Minnesota’s communities safe. It focuses on all aspects of the criminal justice system and courts, including youth intervention, criminal laws, sentencing guidelines, police, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, prisons, and probation.

Included in the bill is innovative language authored by Senator Karin Housley (R- Stillwater) that funds the development of an advertising campaign conducted by the Department of Public Safety. This campaign will highlight the honorable profession and long-term benefits of a career in law enforcement. Also included is an appropriation of $1 million in funding for the award-winning Pathways to Policing program. This language was also passed by the Senate earlier this legislative session.

Law enforcement positions across the nation have been opening up faster than they can be replaced by retirement or resignation. In 2021 alone, The Star Tribune reported Minnesota saw 32 Police Chiefs retire. The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board Job board shows openings for licensed peace officers in at least 65 agencies. There are currently over 900 law enforcement vacancies throughout the state, including nearly 300 open positions in  Minneapolis and St. Paul.

“We need to encourage opportunities in this noble profession, and we can only do that if we elevate and honor the hard work of law enforcement officers across the state,” said Housley. “These are the brave men and women that give so much to keep our communities safe. Despite outside criticism, they still show up, oftentimes putting their lives on the line. We need to spread the word of all the good work they do, and we need to make sure current and future officers feel supported. We passed this bill earlier in the year, and by including this is the final public safety bill, we’re demonstrating our commitment to recruiting new officers and keeping our communities safe. With today’s hearing, this bill is one step closer to becoming a reality and improving the public safety workforce!”