Attorney General Keith Ellison recently released a second opinion addressing issues surrounding school resource officers (SROs). The opinion states, “Based on this AGO, now all peace officers, including those SROs or others contracted with a school district, may use reasonable force to effectuate their lawful duties. The new AGO extends “reasonable force” beyond threats of bodily harm or death and is now consistent with Minnesota Statutes 609.06, subdivision 1(1).”

Senator Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) released the following statement in response:

“Thanks to pressure from law enforcement leaders, Republican legislators, and the public, the Attorney General issued a second Opinion to address the important issues raised by our law enforcement community. I’m glad the Attorney General finally acknowledged that the concerns raised by law enforcement are valid and important, and that the law would benefit from legislative clarification. 

Thank you to all the parents and community members that voiced their concerns, and to our own Blaine Police Chief Brian Podany for his bold leadership on this important issue. This development would not have happened without our persistence. While this second opinion may be a sufficient “band-aid” to get SROs back in our schools, law enforcement has made it clear that this law needs to be legislatively fixed next year, or it will “re-evaluate” the arrangement. When the legislature reconvenes in February, we must hold hearings and pass legislation that will permanently fix this issue and provide clarity. I will continue to advocate for the necessary changes to be made with significant input from law enforcement agencies across the state.”