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Rep. Green: House Republicans aim to improve public safety

Thursday, March 10, 2022

 

ST. PAUL – State Rep. Steve Green, R-Fosston, said House Republicans have issued a package of bills aimed at improving public safety amid soaring violent crime rates in Minnesota.

Generally, Green said the package focuses on three key areas: crime prevention and accountability for criminals; police recruitment and retention; and holding the criminal justice system accountable.

“The lawlessness that has been running rampant in our state needs to end,” Green said. “The government’s top job is to keep its citizens safe and the failure of leadership on this issue, starting with the governor, is appalling. While the spike in violent crimes largely has taken place in the Twin Cities metro area, the ripple effects can be felt throughout the state.”

Green said a sharp rise in carjacking rates may be the most glaring example of why action is needed. Minneapolis police reported 655 carjackings last year alone – with only 91 related arrests. A measure in the House Republican public safety plan makes carjacking a new criminal offense with increasing penalties for the level of violence.

Minnesota also must ensure local law enforcement agencies have enough officers on patrol, Green said, and that they have the resources they need to do their jobs. House Republicans are offering legislation to bolster law enforcement recruitment numerous ways, including providing education reimbursements and Pathways to Policing program funding.

“The anti-police rhetoric from the left has been extremely damaging to our law enforcement agencies and has played a significant role in peace officers leaving their posts in record numbers,” Green said. “We need to put an end to that narrative. The good news is, here in our area, the vast majority of us continue to support our officers, appreciate the job they do, and want to make sure they have the resources and support they need to keep us safe.”

Green also said data shows that judges statewide are departing from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines at a troubling rate and issuing lesser sentences for more violent criminals. House Republicans have authored several bills on this subject to increase transparency and to help us better understand why our criminal justice system continues to allow violent criminals to slip through the cracks.

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