Minnesota Department of Public Safety Steps Up its Presence in Minneapolis

(KNSI) — After a wild and violent Fourth of July weekend in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety says they will be increasing their presence around the Twin Cities, focusing on Minneapolis to crack down on the lawless behavior.

There were just 80 Minneapolis police officers on duty on July 4th to deal with the more than 1,300 calls that came in over seven hours. Video surfaced of fireworks being shot off downtown and aimed at cars, buildings, and even people. A woman out walking her dog became the target of one group that aimed fireworks directly at her as she crossed the street. There were also 12 shootings and one stabbing reported.

The Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was granted a combined $5 million in May to support anti-crime initiatives. Two million dollars was also given to the DPS Survivor Support grant program to assist state agencies in supporting Minneapolis.

“We have seen dangerous activity escalate in the twin cities metro region in the last few weeks,” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington. “The Department of Public safety — including the BCA and MSP — are continuing to work in partnership bringing together our state, local and federal agencies to hold offenders accountable and to keep our communities safe.”

A press release from the DPS says the BCA has assigned 12 state investigators and one criminal analyst to conduct homicide and gun crime investigations in Minneapolis and surrounding communities until September 2022. Additional focused enforcement details are scheduled for July and August.

Since April, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has opened 93 cases, made 171 arrests, and seized 109 firearms just in Minneapolis.

On July 8th and 9th, the State Patrol will assign 20 additional troopers and aviation resources to higher crime areas, primarily in Minneapolis. State troopers will focus enforcement efforts on street racing. Additional 911 dispatchers will also be dedicated to the extra enforcement.

The 20 troopers are in addition to the high visibility patrol the state patrol is conducting in high crime areas in Minneapolis to assist the Minneapolis Police Department. Four troopers assigned to two squad cars conduct high visibility patrols three days each week. Troopers do not respond to 911 calls but coordinate with MPD officers on work that originates from the patrols.

“The State Patrol has been providing considerable resources to the Twin Cities through the summer, and that is what you will see again this weekend,” said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “The lawless and dangerous street racing we are seeing is unacceptable and must stop. The State Patrol will continue working hard to keep Minnesotans safe.”

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