North Hennepin News

A second round of police reforms cleared the Minnesota state Senate as it wrapped up its special session, Sen. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) told constituents.

“We greatly appreciate the support law enforcement provides our communities,” Anderson said. “These reforms will not hinder their ability to adequately protect the public but rather improves training and engages community involvement to restore trust and continue improving our criminal justice system.”

On the last day of the session, Senate Republicans approved legislation banning the use of “warrior style” police training, Anderson said. They also voted to create an independent investigative unit in the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and to add a member of the public to the Peace Officers Standards and Training Board’s Complaint Investigation Committee.

A bill passed by the Senate in June banned choke holds and neck restraints by police, expanded background checks for employees of law enforcement agencies and included provisions to help officers deal with stress and trauma.

The reforms followed the death of George Floyd in police custody in May. His death caused nationwide unrest and a push for police reform.