Minneapolis Pays $1 Million to Victim of Botched Police Raid

Last year, an 18-member Minneapolis SWAT team stormed an apartment searching for a drug dealer, narcotics, and a gun. They found none of the above, but did severely injure one of the residents and are now paying for their mistake. The Minneapolis City Council approved a $1 million settlement for the woman injured in the raid, though this wasn’t the first nor the costliest settlement paid out after a grenade thrown by police. read more

Federal Charges and 20 Year Sentence Possible for Robbing McDonald’s

A law created to fight organized crime and racketeering is now being used to prosecute people for robbery in the federal courts. So, while robbing a McDonald’s might not pay off big financially, your offense could pay off in a horrible way if you are confronted with what’s known as the Hobbs Act. read more

California Man Charged With Stalking MN Woman For Years

Aggravated stalking, under Minnesota law, is a very serious offense. The law says if you engage in a pattern of harassing conduct against someone and you should have reason to suspect that the actions would cause the alleged victim to be afraid for their safety, and the actions actually do cause the victim to fear for their safety, you can face up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. That’s exactly what one California man is facing after allegedly stalking an Apple Valley woman for several years. read more

One In Seven Minnesota Drivers Has a DWI

DWI arrests are on the rise in Minnesota and according to the Golden Valley Patch it’s evident in the percentage of residents who have such a drunk driving charge on their record. One in seven licensed drivers has a DWI on their record. read more

Maplewood Police Get Surveillance Licence Plate Scanners

Police in Maplewood are deploying new automatic license plate scanner technology to find scofflaws, stolen cars, and anyone else on the roads who might be sought by police. And in doing so, they are logging your location whenever you drive by a police vehicle with these systems on-board.

read more

Report Examines Rochester Crime and the Role of Perception

A Minnesota Public Radio report this week provides a unique look at crime in the city of Rochester. Despite falling crime rates over the last several years, the perception of the city as a dangerous place has grown. In a scene that could be nearly any city in this country, people are frightened of the potential criminality of others even when that criminality doesn’t materialize. read more

Minnesota Judge Stands Up to Advocacy Group During Criminal Sentencing

A judge is now facing allegations of misconduct after making his displeasure of an advocacy group known in the middle of a sentencing hearing. Judge Jack Nordby is reportedly on record calling out the WATCH group’s volunteers, saying their mere presence is intimidating and distracting. He now faces an investigation by the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards. read more

Minnesota Public Defenders Plead to Have Misdemeanors Handled Out of Court

Handling twice the number of cases recommended by the American Bar Association, Minnesotan public defenders are asking the State Judicial Council to lend them some assistance, namely by removing some cases from the courtroom altogether. Non violent cases, they say, are taking up too much time and using valuable resources. read more

Law Enforcement DWI Crackdowns for Labor Day Weekend

Across the country this weekend people will be celebrating. They’ll be attending cook outs, parties, or simply enjoying the extra day off. Also across the country this weekend the police will be on the lookout for drunk drivers.

Increased DWI enforcement isn’t unique to Labor Day weekend. In fact, it’s not unusual at all for police read more

Community Cooperation Needed for Lower Crime/Recidivism

In a great piece this week in the Post Bulletin, staff writer Christine Beech takes some time to reflect on crime rates, what’s needed to reduce them, and the broken system in general. While she acknowledges punishment for criminal behavior is necessary, she makes a good argument for everyone to get involved in helping reintegrate the members of society who may have gone astray of the law. read more