Modify laws on police use-of-force and increase penalties for violations — a key element of broad-ranging legislation being introduced by a group of Democratic lawmakers-of-color in the Minnesota House. It would make it an officer’s legal duty to intervene if a fellow officer wrongfully uses force, so-called “warrior training” would be prohibited, and oversight of officer licensing and training would be increased. And the attorney general’s office would be the primary investigator and prosecutor of officer-involved deaths, instead of local jurisdictions.
Representative Carlos Mariani from Saint Paul says it rises to “the highest level of responsibility” for lawmakers to act in the quickly-approaching special session. “There are no other issues more important than the public safety and well-being of Minnesotans, of our communities,” he says.
Backers say among many other measures, the legislation would also ensure independence of medical examiners.