Governor Tim Walz Aims for Clarity on School Resource Officer Law, Acknowledges Need for Legal Clarifications
The removal of school resource officers from numerous Minnesota school districts has prompted Governor Tim Walz to seek clarification and consensus on a new law causing this upheaval. Walz emphasized that it’s not uncommon for laws to require clarification after being passed.
The controversy centers around the guidelines governing when school resource officers can employ force, which some believe conflict with existing laws for all police officers. Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner explained that having two different standards for the use of force created challenges for his officers, leading to their withdrawal from schools.
Governor Walz is working with law enforcement and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to release clarifications, including sample scenarios. Walz is also open to the possibility of a special legislative session to address the issue.
Notably, other police departments in White Bear Lake, New Hope, and Maple Grove have also removed their school resource officers from schools, while the Maple Grove Police will continue to patrol the school’s vicinity.