Spring Flooding: Hoping for Perfect Won't Prepare You

Last weekend, throughout most of Minnesota, temperatures got to the 40s during the day. That means spring will be here before we know it. But melting snow – coupled with even a normal amount of spring precipitation – can bring flooding with it.

Your regular home insurance doesn’t cover flooding, but you can buy a flood insurance policy, and you don’t even have to live in a flood plain to do so. The catch? You need to buy it NOW!

Learn more in our latest blog.

Commissioner Harrington Discusses DPS Efforts Toward More Equity in Minnesota

Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington joined the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage at the capitol rotunda Feb. 26 to speak about how DPS is working towards more equity in Minnesota.

Working Group on Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters Presents Recommendations

DPS Commissioner John Harrington, Minn. Attorney General Keith Ellison and members of the working group on police-involved deadly force encounters released 28 recommendations and 33 action steps aimed at reducing deadly force encounters with law enforcement in Minnesota. The working group, composed of a wide variety of community, advocacy, academic, foundation, mental-health, law-enforcement and criminal-justice-system stakeholders, came to consensus on the recommendations and action steps.

"These recommendations, if implemented, will make Minnesota communities and the peace officers who serve them safer. The recommendations offer practical guidance and action steps to better prevent and respond to police-involved deadly force encounters," Commissioner Harrington said. "We brought together a knowledgeable group of stakeholders representing diverse backgrounds and professions from around the state to have the tough conversations. We heard testimony from 50 experts, including families who lost loved ones. As a result, we now have a plan of action that will reduce many deadly force encounters with police and provide justice and support when a tragedy occurs."

The executive summary of the work of the working group, with all 28 recommendations and 33 action steps, is available on the working group's website. The working group’s full report will be released in 4-6 weeks.