Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy - 2/9/22

Another plank in the $65 million Senate GOP public safety campaign was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, February 9. Under SF 2847, the funding for Pathways to Policing, a program that aids individuals with non-traditional backgrounds and experiences in pursuing careers in law enforcement, would increase by an additional $1 million, bringing the total to $1.4 million for the biennium.

City of Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne testified about the shortage of candidates for peace officer positions around the state. "It's a great step to help bring new individuals into the profession, and it has worked well," he said.

"I think we as a state want law enforcement officers with different and varying backgrounds, experience and education," said Judiciary Chair Warren Limmer. "I believe this can be a valuable collection of assets, to bring to any community, and it may help people move into a second career if they decide to do that," he concluded.

The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a supplemental budget. The committee also considered measures that would increase funding for the Metro Transit Violent Crime Enforcement Team, provide funding to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for technology to detect the location and time of gunfire and offer reimbursement to officers who receive supplemental use-of-force training that simulates real-world situations.