MINNESOTA CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION
DEDICATED TO THE IDEALS OF PROFESSIONAL POLICING
May 14, 2021
Mayor Mike Elliot
Honorable City Council Members
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Dear Mayor Elliot and Council Members:
On behalf of more than 300 police chiefs and nearly 200 other law enforcement leaders in our state, the
Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) wants to first recognize the tragic death of Daunte Wright
and, while leaders in police reform, express our concerns about The Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-
Heisler Community Safety and Violence Prevention Resolution. As you know, the resolution is on the
Council’s meeting agenda for Saturday, May 15, 2021.
First, we are troubled by the fact that the resolution conflicts with several State statutes, including, Minn.
Stat. §629.72, Domestic Abuse; Harassment; Violation of Order for Protection or No Contact Order; Minn.
Stat.§626.863, Unauthorized Practice; Minn. Stat. §169.98, Police, Patrol, or Security Guard Vehicle; Minn.
Stat. §299C.10, Identification Data Required and, Minn. Stat. § 609.066, Authorized Use of Deadly Force by
Peace Officers.
Second, we are particularly concerned about the provisions of the resolution authorizing non- licensed
employees to act in certain situations contrary to state law. We believe this would heighten the threat to
those individuals and the public. We’re fearful this would have the unintended consequence of possible
offenders ignoring, fleeing, or confronting the civilian employees.
Similarly, the proposed resolution prohibiting custodial arrests or consent searches for non-felony offenses
would prevent arrests for driving while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and
careless, reckless or other dangerous driving conduct. This is contrary to public safety. Likewise, officers
called to a domestic assault or court issued domestic abuse no-contact orders are required by Minnesota
law to arrest and detain the assailant. However, the resolution, as drafted, would conflict with state law
and increase the danger to the victim of that assault. Further, delegating responsibilities to committees
composed of individuals without experience concerning police best practices, procedure, response, or
collective bargaining issues and terms is problematic.
The last fact brings up our final point. We understand that acting Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tony Gruenig
and his administration have not been a part of the process to develop the resolution. We’re deeply troubled
by the fact law enforcement leadership in your city hasn’t been asked for input. We feel strongly that acting
Chief Gruenig’s background, knowledge, and experience would be vital to crafting successful police reform
measures that would improve public safety in your city.
As a member of the MCPA, acting Chief Gruenig is part of a state-wide organization that has a long history
of pushing for police reform measures that hold peace officers accountable, tackle racial inequities, and
restore trust in law enforcement at the state and local levels. We supported the sweeping police reform
package adopted by the legislature in 2020 following the tragic death of George Floyd and continue to be
active at the legislature advocating for changes to the arbitration system and other important policy
changes that would enhance the policing profession.
For all the reasons stated above, we respectfully request that the Council vote ‘no’ to this resolution or
table the vote until more input is gathered and everyone has a greater understanding of the consequences
of the resolution.
We would welcome the opportunity to be a part of the discussions. Thank you for your consideration.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association
