More procedural due process granted to local correctional officers

A new law clarifies and expands the due process rights of correctional officers under the Correctional Officers Discipline Procedures Act as follows:

• requires a written complaint to be filed to require a correctional officer to provide a formal statement;

• requires parties to a complaint to share witness lists and witness statements;

• requires investigative reports to be provided to an accused correctional officer;

• establishes standards for sessions where formal statements are taken from correctional officers;

• requires a complete electronic recording of sessions where an officer’s formal statement is taken. Transcripts of the sessions must be provided to the officer providing the statement without fee;

• establishes that an officer providing a formal statement has the right to have an attorney or union representative present while providing the statement;

• authorizes a correctional officer to sue their employer if the employer violates the Correctional Officer Discipline Procedures Act.

The act also clarifies provisions within the Peace Officers Discipline Procedures Act.

Rep. Jeff Witte (R-Lakeville) and Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) are the sponsors.

HF1410*/SF2422/CH59

HF1410* / SF2422 / CH59