(St. Paul, MN) – Senator Andrew Mathews (R – Princeton) was selected by Senate Majority Leader Gazelka on Wednesday to join the Ensuring Police Excellence and Improving Community Relations Advisory Council. The council consists of six community members, several individuals professionally involved in police training and work, mental health and victim’s advocates, and four members of the legislature. According to recently passed statute, each leader of the four legislative caucuses may choose one member to join the board. Senator Mathews was the top pick for this position within the Senate Republican caucus.

“I am honored to take on a role in furthering positive relations between peace officers and the communities they serve,” said Sen. Mathews. “The work this council does may have a great impact, and I take my responsibility to uphold high standards and protect constitutional rights very seriously.”

Council members may serve for as long as their appointing authority chooses and are collectively responsible for a yearly report to ranking members of the legislature on their findings and recommendations for statutory reform. Their primary duty is to help the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board maintain policies to protect human and civil rights, as well as promote confidence between officers and citizens.