Blog Archive: May 2024

​OTS vehicle grants will help stop dangerous driving behaviors​

May 30

As dangerous driving habits continue to be a major problem on Minnesota roads, our Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is getting creative to help our law enforcement partners change those behaviors before they lead to a crash. OTS has awarded a total of $912,000 to law enforcement agencies ...

​BCA seals records under Adult-Use Cannabis Act

May 29

Minnesota criminal history records that qualify for automatic expungement under the Adult-Cannabis Act are no longer visible in the in the Minnesota Criminal History System (CHS) except as allowed by law or court order. Our Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has expunged (also referred to as sealing) 57,780 records in the CHS almost three months ahead ...​

​​K-9 Matka retires after eight years at the State Capitol

May 23

For eight and a half years, Minnesota State Patrol K-9 Matka has walked the halls of the Minnesota State Capitol, keeping her nose sharp and sniffing for explosive material. This week, she’s hanging up her working collar in exchange for the good life of a family pet. Over the years Matka has kept workers and visitors safe by checking out Capitol buildings ...​

​State Patrol kicks off Rural Speed Reduction Project and other enforcement efforts

​May 16

Ask any law enforcement officer, including our Minnesota State Patrol troopers, and they'll share that one of the worst parts of their job is telling someone that their loved one is never coming home. Troopers, deputies and officers are having to deliver that devastating news​...

​ Law enforcement cite more than 5,000 drivers for distracted driving during April enforcement campaign

May 13

Taking your eyes off the phone is tough in our always-on society, but you won't regret it while driving. Staying safe and alive far outweighs a potentially deadly choice to text and scroll.​​ Law enforcement officers across Minnesota issued 5,380 citations...

​​​This Arson Awareness Week, help fire officials protect houses of worship

May 8

Three years ago. Mountain Iron, Minn. One of our State Fire Marshal (SFM) division investigators arrives on the scene of a church fire. Unlike several other church fires in Minnesota over the past few years, this one snuffed itself out before causing much damage. But that doesn't...

​​​Become a better rider: Invest in your skills — and your safety — this motorcycle season

May 2

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Minnesota. And let's be honest, motorcycle safety messaging can seem very repetitive: Wear a helmet. Ride sober. Don't speed. Some riders listen, some unfortunately don't. Three motorcyclists have already been killed on our roads...​

​​​​​​ More: April Blog ​A​rchive​​​