Minnesota lawmakers are nearing a compromise that would clarify police officers' authority to use force in schools. This development comes in response to the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis officer, which prompted a series of police accountability measures in the state.
Following the enactment of a broad education law last year, approximately 40 police departments in Minnesota withdrew their officers from schools. The reason cited was the new restrictions on the use of face-down prone restraints, which were deemed to hinder their ability to perform their duties effectively.
The Minnesota House recently voted 124-8 in favor of a change supported by law enforcement to ensure that school resource officers can use prone restraints on students, while prohibiting school staff from doing so. The proposed legislation also includes requirements for enhanced training and the development of a model policy outlining the responsibilities of police working in schools.
The bill's lead house author emphasized the importance of training requirements and the creation of a model policy as key components of the legislation. The process will allow input from both community groups and law enforcement.
The issue has been a point of contention during the legislative session, with some activist groups opposing any changes to the law, framing it as a student safety concern. However, a bipartisan compromise was reached after negotiations among Democrats, Republicans, and law enforcement.
Several groups representing police chiefs, sheriffs, and officers in the state have endorsed the compromise language, expressing a sense of urgency to resolve the issue and facilitate the return of school resource officers to schools.
While Minnesota school districts are not mandated to have school resource officers, the debate around their presence has intensified following Floyd's murder. The Minneapolis school district, among others nationwide, eliminated officers from schools amid concerns about racial disparities in student arrests.
The new legislation in Minnesota underscores the importance of training for officers assigned to schools, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of the school environment and the adolescent brain. The selection of officers for school assignments is also highlighted as a crucial factor in ensuring a positive and safe school environment.
