Bill aims to ensure peace officers can be armed

Thirty days into his law enforcement career, Rep. Matt Grossell (R-Clearbrook) was shot in the arm by a suspect during a struggle.

The suspect was killed by Grossell’s partner.

“Common sense would tell you that you do not disarm your police force,” he told the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee Thursday.

Sponsored by Grossell, HF3611, as amended, states “a mayor, city council, county board, or chief law enforcement officer may not disarm a peace officer who is in good standing and not currently under investigation or subject to disciplinary action.”

Following committee approval, the bill was sent to the House Government Operations and Elections Policy Committee. The companion, SF3794, sponsored by Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria), awaits action by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.

“I want to make sure my brothers and sisters on the front lines of law enforcement have all the tools that they need to do their job and protect the public,” Grossell said, noting the bill would be in effect whether an officer is on- or off-duty.

During his campaign for Minneapolis mayor last July, Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL-Mpls) suggested fewer officers should carry guns and instead use less-lethal devices.

“There are many countries throughout the world where officers don’t carry guns; they carry other uses of force for situations they may come across,” Dehn said.

The bill would not prohibit a peace officer from choosing not to carry a gun.

“We should make every attempt possible to support our men and women in law enforcement,” said Rep. Jim Newberger (R-Becker).

Toughening penalty for assaulting a cop

A separate law enforcement-related bill also received committee approval.

Sponsored by Rep. Brian Johnson (R-Cambridge), the committee chair, HF3610 would increase the penalty for inflicting demonstrable bodily harm while assaulting a peace officer from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and a $4,000 fine.

We need to protect police officers because they are there to protect us, Johnson said.

Following the voice vote — at least one audible “no” was heard —the bill was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee.  Its companion, SF3292, sponsored by Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids), also awaits action by Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.