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A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

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News Releases

BCA Launches Minnesota Drug Crimes and Overdose Dashboard

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9/20/2023 6:00:00 PM

ST. PAUL — Overdoses in the first half of 2023 where Naloxone was administered well outpaced the prior three years, including a 9.8-percent jump over 2022. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) launched a new dashboard today to help inform efforts to prevent and respond to drug overdoses, drug-related deaths and drug-related crimes in Minnesota.The Minnesota Drug Crimes and Overdose Dashboard contains data, tools for trend analysis and other information.“We hope that making information about drug arrests, overdoses and deaths available in a single location will help law enforcement, medical service providers and others as they work to understand illicit drug use and its impact on our communities," BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said.The BCA developed the Minnesota Drug Crimes and Overdose Dashboard in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, both of which contribute data to the dashboard.“While EMS data has been at the forefront of providing real time intelligence to public health and public safety providers throughout the state, EMS data is not just numbers; but embodies the stories of real people, families, and communities affected by the opioid epidemic," said Dylan Ferguson, executive director of the EMS Regulatory Board. “It provides us with a unique lens into the challenges faced on the front lines and can help craft tailored strategies that make a difference."“This dashboard is a good example of the coordinated approach we're taking in Minnesota," said Dr. Brooke Cunningham, Minnesota Commissioner of Health. “We're more effective when we pull together all the public health, emergency response, and treatment data to address this epidemic of overdoses and one of our most urgent law enforcement and public health challenges."Drug Monitoring InitiativeThis dashboard is part of the BCA's Drug Monitoring Initiative (DMI), an effort funded through a U.S. Department of Justice Programs Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program Grant. Minnesota participates in the initiative to help public health practitioners, researchers, policy makers and the public better understand the trends, patterns and threat of illicit drug use so that all can make informed decisions about resources, prevention and enforcement efforts.Publication of summary data contained in the Drug Crimes and Overdose Dashboard is required by the grant.The <a href="/divisions/bca/Pages/mn-drug-crimes-overdose-dashboard.aspx">Minnesota Drug Crimes and Overdose Dashboard is on the BCA website</a>.###

9/20/2023 5:25:32 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety ST. PAUL — Overdoses in the first half of 2023 where Naloxone was administered well outpaced the prior three years

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx

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Protect your child and yourself with proper car seat and seat belt safety

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9/14/2023 2:00:00 PM

ST. PAUL — Parents and caregivers are not always making the best choices for keeping young children safe in the vehicle. National research shows about half of them install their child’s car seat incorrectly, and more than a third of children under 13 who died in crashes were unrestrained. To help protect the youngest Minnesotans and motorists of all ages, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is coordinating a Click It or Ticket enforcement and awareness campaign Sept. 17-23. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides campaign funding for overtime enforcement and awareness in support of the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. Troopers, deputies and officers will be spending extra time trying to prevent unsafe seat belt and car seat decisions from risking lives.“Reach, pull, click. Take two seconds to do that with your seat belt and you increase your chances of surviving a crash,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “For a young child, they trust you to be the responsible adult and make sure they’re properly restrained as well. It’s the most loving and caring decision you’ll make in that moment.” <h3>Proper car seat use protects your littlest loved ones </h3>In Minnesota crashes from 2018-2022, preliminary figures show:<ul><li>Of the 13,705 children ages 0-7 properly restrained, 88 percent were not injured. Another 9 percent sustained only minor injuries.</li><li>Twenty-three children ages 0-7 were killed in motor vehicles. Of those, only nine were known to be properly secured.</li></ul>Saturday, Sept. 23 is National Seat Check Saturday as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept.17-23). In Minnesota, parents and caregivers can <a href="/divisions/ots/child-passenger-safety/Pages/car-seat-checks.aspx" title="link to child passenger safety car seat check scheduling" target="_blank">go online to schedule a car seat check</a> in their area throughout the year. <h3>Buckle up. You can live with it. </h3>The 2022 Minnesota observational seat belt survey showed 93 percent compliance for front seat occupants. There are signs of improvement in unbelted fatalities, but even one life lost in a crash is one too many.<ul><li>Preliminary counts show 87 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads in 2022 compared with 110 in 2021 and 105 in 2020.</li><li>Among 25 to 39-year-olds, the 21 unbelted deaths in 2022 was a 48 percent reduction from 2021 (40) and the lowest number since 2019 (17).</li></ul><h3>Buckle up and prevent life-changing injuries </h3>Most Minnesotans’ choice to wear a seat belt has helped reduce the number of severe crash injuries. In 1987, there were 4,176 vehicle occupants who suffered severe injuries in traffic crashes. That number was 1,244 last year. <h3>Minnesota car seat law and steps</h3>All children must be in a child safety seat until they are 4 feet, 9 inches tall or at least 8 years old, whichever comes first.<ul><li>Rear-facing seats: All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they have reached the height and weight limits allowed by the car seat manufacturer. It is safest to keep children rear-facing up to the maximum weight limit of the car seat.</li><li>Forward-facing seats with harness: Toddlers and preschool-age children who have reached the height and weight limits of the rear-facing car seat should use a forward-facing seat with harness. They should use this seat until they reach the weight limit of the harness allowed by the car seat manufacturer.</li><li>Booster seats: School-age children who have reached the height and weight limits of the forward-facing seat can sit on a booster seat. The booster must be used with a lap and shoulder belt.</li><li>Seat belts: Buckling up with a seat belt is for children 8 years old or who have reached 4 feet, 9 inches. Your children are ready for adult seat belts when they can sit with their back against the vehicle seat, knees bent comfortably and completely over the vehicle seat edge without slouching, and feet touching the floor.</li></ul><h3>Click it, don’t risk it. The law is for safety. </h3>Minnesota law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts or be in the correct child restraint. Belts should be tight across the hips or thighs and should never be tucked under the arm or behind the back.<h3>Resources: </h3><ul><li><a href="/divisions/ots/drive-smart/Pages/default.aspx" title="link to drive smart information" target="_blank">DriveSmartMN.org</a></li><li><a href="/divisions/ots/child-passenger-safety/Pages/default.aspx" title="link to child passenger safety resources" target="_blank">BuckleUpKids.dps.mn.gov</a> </li></ul><h3>About the Minnesota Department Public Safety </h3>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.<h3>About the Office of Traffic Safety </h3>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements and coordinates state and federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide <a href="https://www.minnesotatzd.org/" title="link to toward zero deaths program information" target="_blank">Toward Zero Deaths</a> traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program and school bus stop arm camera project. ###

9/14/2023 3:38:43 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety CONTACT: Dave Boxum 651-201-7569 dave.boxum@state.mn.us Nicole Roddy

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Law enforcement arrest 1,140 people for impaired driving during Labor Day DWI campaign

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9/13/2023 5:00:00 PM

ST. PAUL — During the Labor Day DWI campaign from Aug. 18 through Sept. 4, officers, deputies and troopers arrested 1,140 drivers for driving impaired.<ul><li>125 drivers were cited for violating Minnesota’s Move Over law. </li><li>267 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota participated in the DWI campaign, which included extra patrols, awareness and education. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) coordinates the campaign with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.</li></ul><h3>Examples of impaired driving arrests </h3><ul><li>The Becker County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for speeding. The driver was arrested for a controlled substance DWI. Over 145 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine mixed with fentanyl were also recovered. </li><li>Blooming Prairie police arrested a driver for first degree-DWI. The driver had five prior convictions in the last 10 years. </li><li>The Chisago County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single vehicle crash. Before deputies arrived, the passenger in the crash tried driving the vehicle from the scene. Both the driver and passenger were arrested for DWI. </li><li>A Minnesota State Patrol trooper in the Marshall district responded to a crash. An intoxicated driver rear-ended another vehicle at a stop sign. A breath test showed the driver had a 0.330 BAC. They were taken to detox due to the level of intoxication. </li><li>Oak Park Heights police arrested two different drivers for DWI. One from a road rage incident and the other from a wrong-way driving complaint. </li><li>The Winona County Sheriff’s Office arrested the same driver twice in three days for DWI.</li><li>Minnesota State Patrol troopers stopped a driver for going 107 mph in a 70 mph zone. They arrested the driver for DWI with a 0.14 BAC. Another driver was speeding 99 mph in a 60 mph and was arrested for DWI with a 0.13 BAC. </li></ul><h3>Highest BAC</h3><ul><li>Nobles County Sheriff’s Office (0.44) </li><li>St. Paul Police Department (0.43)</li><li>Faribault Police Department (0.41)</li><li>Anoka Police Department (0.39) </li><li>Crosby Police Department (0.377) </li></ul><h3>DWI arrests by agency  </h3>In the Twin Cities metro area, agencies with the most DWI arrests during the campaign included:<ul><li>Minnesota State Patrol — District 2500 (Golden Valley): 84</li><li>St. Paul Police Department: 42</li><li>Minnesota State Patrol — District 2400 (Oakdale): 33</li><li>Shakopee Police Department: 18</li><li>Carver County Sheriff’s Office: 16</li></ul>In greater Minnesota, agencies with the most arrests included: <ul><li>Minnesota State Patrol — District 2700 (Duluth): 23 </li><li>Minnesota State Patrol — District 2600 (St. Cloud): 22 </li><li>Morrison County Sheriff’s Office: 23</li><li>Mankato Department of Public Safety Police: 20</li><li>Wright County Sheriff’s Office: 20 </li></ul>View the <a href="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Documents/labor-day-dwi-short-report-2023.pdf" title="link to list of law enforcement agencies" target="_blank">complete list</a> of participating agencies and BAC.  <h3>Move Over Law </h3>On Aug. 31, law enforcement also conducted extra enforcement for the state’s <a href="/divisions/ots/move-over-law/Pages/default.aspx" title="link to move over law information" target="_blank">Move Over Law</a>.<ul><li>There were 125 Move Over citations issued on Aug. 31 compared with 174 last year.  </li><li>This year marked the 23rd anniversary of Corporal Ted Foss’ death that led to the Move Over Law. </li><li>As of July 1, 2023, the law was expanded to include stalled or disabled vehicles with lights flashing, or if at least one person is visibly present outside the vehicle.</li></ul><h3>DWI statistics </h3><ul><li>Law enforcement across the state arrested 19,035 drivers for DWI so far in 2023 compared with 18,223 this time last year (as of Sept. 11).</li><li>Alcohol-related crashes contribute to an average of 376 life-changing injuries each year (2018-2022).</li><li>Drugged driving accounted for 8,069 DWI incidents from 2013-2017 compared with 15,810 from 2018-2022 — that’s a 96 percent increase.</li></ul><h3>Learn the new cannabis law </h3>Just like how drinking alcohol in a vehicle is illegal, it’s illegal under the new cannabis law for:<ul><li>Drivers or passengers to open any cannabis packaging, use marijuana or consume other cannabis products in a vehicle.</li><li>Drivers or passengers to have an unsealed or open container of marijuana (for example, 2 ounces in a zip-close bag). Just like with alcohol, the only exception is an unsealed container or other opened products must be kept in the trunk of a car or another area not accessible by the driver or passengers.</li><li>The driver to be impaired by marijuana or other cannabis products. Driving high is a DWI.</li></ul><h3>DWI consequences </h3><ul><li>Loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in financial costs and possible jail time.</li><li>Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above blood alcohol concentration, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license. </li><li>Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.</li></ul><h3>Drive smart: prevent impaired driving </h3><ul><li>Designate a sober driver.</li><li>Offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.</li><li>If you plan to drive, refrain from drugs, whether legally or illegally obtained. </li><li>If you don't yet know how a medication will affect your judgment, coordination and reaction time, either have someone else drive or wait to take it until after you get home.</li><li>Buckle up. It’s the best defense against impaired drivers.</li></ul><h3>Resources: </h3><ul><li><a href="/divisions/ots/drive-smart/Pages/default.aspx" title="link to drive smart resources" target="_blank">DriveSmartMN.org</a></li><li><a href="/divisions/ots/drugged-driving/Pages/default.aspx" title="link to traffic safety and cannabis questions and answers" target="_blank">Traffic Safety and Cannabis Q&A</a> </li></ul><h3>About the Minnesota Department Public Safety </h3>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.<h3>About the Office of Traffic Safety </h3>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements and coordinates state and federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide <a href="https://www.minnesotatzd.org/" title="link to toward zero deaths program information" target="_blank">Toward Zero Deaths</a> traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program and school bus stop arm camera project.###

9/13/2023 7:36:25 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety CONTACT: Nicole Roddy 651-201-7571 nicole.roddy@state.mn.us Dave Boxum

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BCA Releases 2022 Uniform Crime Report

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9/11/2023 3:00:00 PM

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released the 2022 Uniform Crime Report, a summary of crime data submitted by local law enforcement agencies. Notable data from the 2022 Minnesota Uniform Crime Report:<ul style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;"><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">Minnesota saw an 8.6 percent decrease in violent crime in 2022. Violent crime in greater Minnesota decreased by 12.9 percent. Violent crime in the seven-county Twin Cities Metro Area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties) decreased by 6.9 percent.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">There were 182 murders in 2022 in Minnesota compared with 201 in 2021, a 9.5 percent decrease. Firearms made up 70.4 percent of the weapons used in 2022 murders, down from 73 percent in 2021.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">There were 10,342 aggravated assaults in 2022, which is 5.7 percent lower than 2021.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">The number of rapes decreased in 2022. Almost half of the victims were minors (44 percent) and 73.2 percent of rapes occurred in a home.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">Motor vehicle theft rose 12.9 percent in 2022 with 16,743 vehicles stolen as compared to 14,829 in 2021. The 2022 total is the highest since 2001. Carjacking incidents decreased 23.2 percent with 598 incidents in 2022, compared with 779 in 2021 (the first year this data was collected). Carjacking incidents are not counted as motor vehicle thefts.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">Bias crimes fell in 2022 with 168 incidents reported.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">Law enforcement use-of-force incidents involving discharge of a firearm dropped in 2022 to 18, seven fewer than in 2021.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">Peace officers were assaulted in 859 incidents in 2022, a 5 percent decrease from 2021.</li></ul>Violent Crimes<table class="gd_table" border="0" style="border-spacing:0px;color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;width:570px;"><tbody><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;"> </td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2022</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2021</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2020</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2019</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2018</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Murder</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">182</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">201</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">185</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">117</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">104</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Rape</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2,329</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2,472</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2,222</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2,431</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2,666</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Robbery</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">3,266</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">3,991</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">3,885</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">3,081</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2,943</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Aggravated Assault</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">10,342</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">10,967</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">8,203</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">6,742</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">6,693</td></tr></tbody></table> Property Crimes<table class="gd_table" border="0" style="border-spacing:0px;color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;width:570px;"><tbody><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;"> </td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2022</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2021</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2020</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2019</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2018</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Burglary</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">12,144</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">14,429</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">16,789</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">15,735</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">16,097</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Larceny</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">84,830</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">88,644</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">89,130</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">90,257</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">85,394</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Motor vehicle theft</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">16,743</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">14,829</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">13,662</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">11,410</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">10,082</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Arson</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">628</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">716</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">710</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">462</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">426</td></tr></tbody></table> Additional Crime Data Reported to the BCA<table class="gd_table" border="0" style="border-spacing:0px;color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;width:570px;"><tbody><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;"> </td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2022</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2021</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2020</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2019</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">2018</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Homicide cleared by arrest or exceptional means °</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">80%</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">62%</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">65%</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">64%</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">77%</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Drug abuse violation cleared by arrest</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">81%</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">80%</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">82%</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">88%</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">85%</td></tr><tr><td style="width:93px;border-collapse:collapse !important;">Bias motivated incidents</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">168</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">238</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">223</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">146</td><td align="center" style="width:93px;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse !important;">127</td></tr></tbody></table>In addition to data measuring criminal activity statewide, the report contains other information required in statute, including the number of law enforcement officers killed or assaulted; firearm discharges by police officers; and police pursuits.Use-of-Force IncidentsMinnesota agencies reported 21 use-of-force incidents in 2022, down from 30 in 2021.<ul style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;"><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">9 people died.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">10 incidents resulted in serious injury requiring medical attention.</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">2 non-injury incidents.</li></ul>Agencies reported the following race information about people on whom force was used.*<ul style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;"><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">White (15)</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">Black (5)</li><li style="line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-align:left;margin:0px 0px 7px;">American Indian/Alaskan Native (3)</li></ul>The complete 2022 Uniform Crime Report can be accessed <a href="/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/mnjis/Pages/uniform-crime-reports.aspx" style="color:#0072bc;text-decoration-line:underline;word-break:break-word;">on the BCA website</a>. The Minnesota Crime Data Explorer and additional years’ reports can be found on the same page. *  One force incident involved three people and so while there were 21 incidents, there were 23 people on whom force was used.°  An incident is cleared by exceptional means if some element beyond law enforcement control prevents filing of formal charges against the offender.About the Bureau of Criminal ApprehensionThe Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides investigative and specialized law enforcement services to prevent and solve crimes in partnership with law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice agencies. Services include criminal justice training, forensic laboratory analysis, criminal histories and investigations.About the Minnesota Department of Public SafetyDPS comprises 10 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.###

9/11/2023 3:50:57 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Notable data from the 2022 Minnesota Uniform Crime Report Minnesota saw an 8.6 percent decrease in violent crime in 2022

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Update on Faribault in-custody death

10760

9/8/2023 4:00:00 PM

St. Paul - The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office has identified a man who Faribault police said lost consciousness while in a police squad and died a short time later. Jerrell Bryan Skelton, 36, of Faribault, died on Sept. 2 at Allina Health Faribault Medical Center. The medical examiner is awaiting toxicology results to determine Skelton's cause and manner of death. There were no apparent injuries.The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating Skelton's death at the request of the Faribault Police Department. The incident is captured on officer-worn body cameras and dash cameras.The BCA investigation of the incident is ongoing. When the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the Rice County Attorney's Office for review.####

9/8/2023 4:19:18 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety St. Paul - The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office has identified a man who Faribault police said lost consciousness while in

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Minnesotans can now schedule appointments for written tests to get a driver’s license under Driver’s License for All initiative

10143

9/7/2023 7:30:00 PM

ST. PAUL — Minnesotans who can get a driver's license or identification card under the new Driver's License for All initiative can now make an appointment to begin the process on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety <a href="http://drive.mn.gov/">Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division website</a>.“This is an opportunity to help all Minnesotans feel like they belong," said Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “After all, we are One Minnesota."The Driver's License for All initiative, which takes effect Oct. 1, eliminates the need to show proof of legal presence in the United States to get a standard Minnesota class D driver's license, instruction permit or standard identification (ID) card. All other requirements like being a Minnesota resident, proof of identification and testing stay the same. Appointments for the written test can be made up to 30 days in advance and are required when applying for a driver's license or ID card. “Driver's License for All is an important step to increasing licensed, trained and insured drivers," said DVS Director Pong Xiong. “It makes the roads safer for everyone while improving equity by expanding access to resources and services within the community."This Driver's License for All initiative will increase the number of drivers who understand Minnesota driving laws and can safely operate a motor vehicle. In preparation for Driver's License for All, DVS has partnered with diverse community groups to host events across the state. The groups help inform Minnesotans of the benefits of getting a driver's license or ID and what to expect when applying.“When attending these events and talking with community members, you can sense the excitement and relief that comes with the opportunity to get a driver's license or ID," said Nicole Archbold, DPS community affairs director. “We could not have reached as many people in our new American communities across the state as fast as we did without the help of our partners."To accommodate new customers, DVS is offering the required written test to get a driver's license in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese, Russian, Karen and American Sign Language. Applicants can also take the written test through an authorized third-party proctor. A list of third-party proctors can be found at drive.mn.gov under the appointment section. Customers can bring a translator to assist before and after the road test.Customers must make the necessary appointments, study for the written test, have all their documents in English or translated to English and practice driving for at least three to six months after getting a permit to be successful. A list of the <a href="/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/DL%20For%20All%20Primary%20Secondary%20Documents%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf">approved documents</a> can be found online under the DL for ALL important resources. Schedule an appointment for free online and use only official Minnesota DVS exam stations and certified deputy registrar's offices.Visit <a href="http://drive.mn.gov/">drive.mn.gov</a> and click DL for All for more information and resources.    About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention. About the Driver and Vehicle Services Division The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division is responsible for driver testing, driver licensing and maintenance of driver records; driver evaluation and compliance; motor vehicle title and registration; commercial vehicle registration; motor vehicle dealer licensing and regulation; and enforcement of no-fault insurance requirements.###

9/7/2023 7:27:28 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety ST. PAUL — Minnesotans who can get a driver's license or identification card under the new Driver's License for All

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Driving the Safety Agenda

10743

9/1/2023 2:00:00 PM

<img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/2021_Teens_Agenda_General_ENG_1000x1200.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:240px;height:288px;" />When teenagers turn over the engine and turn out of the driveway, parents' and caregivers' hearts likely turn over as well. That's because adults understand that with great power comes great responsibility. Teen drivers are responsible for themselves, their passengers, pedestrians and other drivers when on the road. But too often, that responsibility is overlooked. Traffic crashes are the leading killer of 16 and 17 year olds in Minnesota as of 2021. Each year, around 30 teens (ages 16-19) are killed on Minnesota roads. Teen drivers are also over-represented in crashes due to factors like inexperience, distraction, speeding/taking risks and <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts">not buckling up</a>. In 2021, teens represented 9 percent of drivers but accounted for 18 percent of crashes. That's the bad news. The good news? Parents and guardians have more power to end these dangerous and deadly trends than they might think — they can have the biggest influence on teen's choices when they're behind the wheel. <h3>Practice is key</h3>Practice is key to becoming a safe driver.To help teens who have their instruction permits, parents and guardians can supervise their practice on the road. This practice should include driving on different road types (city, highway, rural) and in various conditions (night, snow, rain). Graduated driver's licenses require teens under 18 to log at least 50 hours of driving time with a licensed adult — 40 if the teen's parent or guardian takes part in a parent awareness class. Sign up for a parent awareness class through driver education providers. These last few days of summer break are the perfect opportunity to log some hours before after school activities and homework take over.<a href="/divisions/ots/hands-free/Pages/default.aspx"><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/_i_fDimo.jpeg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:623px;height:69px;" /></a> Spilled snacks or drinks; the disruptive behaviors of passengers; the ping of a smartphone — distracted driving is a struggle for younger drivers. The <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a> (NHTSA) finds that while 8 percent of fatal crashes involve drivers between 15 to 20 years old, those drivers account for 11 percent of all distracted drivers and 16 percent of drivers distracted by cell phones in fatal crashes. Share these <a href="/divisions/ots/distracted-driving/Pages/default.aspx">tips</a> with teen drivers to help them avoid distractions: <ul><li>Cell phones: Turn off cell phones or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial or answer. If a passenger is present, ask them to handle calls/texts.</li><li>Music and other controls: Pre-program favorite radio stations for easy access and arrange music (mp3 player/CDs/tapes) in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and heat/AC before traveling or ask a passenger for their assistance.</li><li>Navigation:  Designate a passenger to serve as a co-pilot to help with directions. If driving alone, map out destinations in advance, and pull over to study a map.</li><li>Eating and drinking:  Try to avoid eating or drinking while driving. Ensure food and drinks are safely secured before you start driving.</li></ul>For more information on how to keep kids safe this school year, visit <a href="/divisions/ots/hands-free/Pages/default.aspx">HandsFreeMN.org</a>. Reporters interested in interviewing Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson about teen driver safety can contact Dave Boxum at <a href="mailto:Dave.Boxum@state.mn.us">Dave.Boxum@state.mn.us</a>.

9/1/2023 12:47:00 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety CONTACT: Dave Boxum (651) 335-9693 Dave.Boxum@state.mn.us When teenagers turn over the engine and turn

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Calling all parents: Now’s the time to dial up students’ safe behaviors

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8/31/2023 2:00:00 PM

ST. PAUL — Ask any adult trying to configure their latest gadget or app — technology is a double-edged sword. That's why it's important children learn how to wield it safely and to their advantage. <h3>Children and 911 </h3>Calling for help is an important skill for children to develop, but dialing 911 can be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP8zM-EW7qY&t=43s">challenging or confusing for them</a>. In a <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/147/4/e2020010520/180765/Children-s-Ability-to-Call-911-in-an-Emergency-A?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000">recent study</a>, none of the kindergarten and first grade students tested could dial 911 and report an emergency, and only 16 percent of second and third grade students were successful with the same task.Children need these skills because sometimes they might be the only ones who can call 911. Their parent or guardian could be choking; a friend might have an asthma attack walking home from the bus stop; a fire might spark in the home after school and before their parents return from work.“One of the first phone numbers every child must learn how to properly use early in life is 911. This is so important because dialing or texting 911 becomes their lifeline when they or someone they love is in trouble and needs help from law enforcement, fire or ambulance during an emergency," said Dana Wahlberg, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) division.  Part of the issue is education. Children in the study struggled to recognize an emergency. Before children become overwhelmed with the start of school, new classes and new friends, DPS officials are encouraging parents to sit down with their kids to discuss <a href="https://www.nena.org/page/911TipsGuidelines">when to call 911</a>. Parents can use the following points to guide the discussion: <ul><li><a href="https://www.911.gov/calling-911/"><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/ECN%20know%20what%20to%20say.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin-top:5px;margin-right:5px;margin-left:5px;width:265px;height:265px;" /></a>Let kids know they should call 911 if they see someone who needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger. </li><li>When calling 911, tell children they need to do so from a safe location where they aren't in danger.</li><li>Ensure kids understand that when it comes to calling 911, it's better to be safe than sorry. If it turns out that the situation wasn't a true emergency, let children know it's OK they called 911 anyway because they were trying to help — and that's a good thing.</li></ul>Talking to public safety telecommunicators, or 911 dispatchers, can also be scary for children. But if parents give them the information they need to navigate the call, they'll have the confidence to do it when necessary. When calling 911, children need to do their best to stay calm, describe the emergency and share the address or location of the emergency.Traditionally, children are also taught how to dial 911 using landline phones. However, more and more often, families are relying on cell phones instead of landlines. It's important to make sure children have access to a phone even when adults aren't around. They also need to know how to unlock and dial 911 using a smartphone. Parents can help them practice by roleplaying different emergency situations with their families. Mobile phone apps that allow children to simulate 911 phone calls are another tool for parents to use to reinforce these behaviors and skills.In Minnesota, <a href="/divisions/ecn/programs/911/Documents/text-911-fact-sheet.pdf#search=texting%20911">texting 911</a> is also an option. Since the service began in <a href="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/minnesota-text-to-911-available-statewide.aspx#search=texting%20911">2017</a>, there have been several instances of children texting 911 when their parents were in verbal or physical conflict and they knew making a call would put them in danger. Some of the state's public safety answering points, or 911 dispatch centers, also have built-in language translation capabilities for their texting programs.<h3>See it, Say it, Send it </h3>The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's (BCA)  <a href="/divisions/bca/Pages/bca-tip-app.aspx">See It, Say It, Send It</a> tip app is a resource for students, parents and school personnel to report threats of violence at Minnesota school facilities. The app is not intended to replace local law enforcement or a school safety plan, but rather supplement it by quickly identifying incidents that may involve more than one facility.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR7uJTCuQPg"><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/see%20it%20say%20iy%20send%20it%20app%20Logo.png" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:170px;height:170px;" /></a>The app can be used to anonymously send photos, videos or other information. These tips will be reviewed by the BCA and shared with local law enforcement. When the tips aren't about criminal activity, the BCA will work with the Minnesota School Safety Center, the Minnesota Department of Education and schools to get students the help they need.“Our goal is to prevent incidents before they have the chance to occur. In addition, obtaining a statewide view of threat activity can help law enforcement understand if planned violence involves multiple facilities and more quickly determine the appropriate response," BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “But in the event of an immediate threat or ongoing incident, the first call should always be to 911."Since its launch in fall 2021, the See It, Say It, Send It app has been downloaded 641,650 times and  visited by Minnesota IP addresses 3,211,486 times. <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/see-it-say-it-send-it/id1341671234"><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/Mac%20app%20store%20logo.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seeandsend"><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/Google%20Play%20store%20app%20logo.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a> Reporters interested in interviewing ECN Director Dana Wahlberg about the importance of teaching children how to dial 911 can contact Veronica Marshall at <a href="mailto:Veronica.Marshall@state.mn.us">Veronica.Marshall@state.mn.us</a>.Reporters interested in interviewing BCA Superintendent Drew Evans about the See It, Say It, Send It app can contact Jill Oliveira at <a href="mailto:Jill.Oliveira@state.mn.us">Jill.Oliveira@state.mn.us</a>.

8/31/2023 1:45:18 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety CONTACT: Veronica Marshall 612-487-1102 Veronica.Marshall@state.mn.us Jill Oliveira

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Stopping young fire-starters

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8/30/2023 1:00:00 PM

ST. PAUL — School is done for the day, and now students are home alone. What is the first thing they most likely reach for? A snack — and many families' grocery bills can prove it. But if they're in the mood for grilled cheese and move toward the stovetop, the end result could be worse than just burnt bread. That's why practicing safe fire behavior now matters. The leading cause of Minnesota structure fires in 2021 was cooking. <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvb29jL25ld3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvUGFnZXMvZmlyZS1raWxscy03MC1pbi1taW5uZXNvdGEtaW4tMjAyMi5hc3B4I3NlYXJjaD1maXJlJTIwZGVhdGhzJ">Twenty percent of those fires turned deadly</a>. Reinforcing safe cooking behaviors and teaching fire prevention and safety can help prevent tragedy.These cooking safety tips are from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal (SFM) division:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wPao9jJw6ao"><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/LOOK%20WHILE%20YOU%20COOK!.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:240px;height:240px;" /></a><ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wPao9jJw6ao"></a>Stand by your pan. If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.</li><li>Watch what you are cooking. Fires start when the heat is too high. If you see any smoke or the grease starts to boil, turn the burner off.</li><li>Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so that no one can bump them or pull them over.</li><li>Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire.</li><li>Clean your cooking equipment after each use. Crumbs in a toaster or grease on the stove can catch fire.</li><li>If you have a fire in your oven, turn it off. Let the contents cool before cleaning.</li><li>If you have a fire in your oven and the flames escape, leave your home and call 911.</li></ul>Not all fires set by children and teens are unintentional. SFM is seeing an increase in youth-set fires in 2023. The reasons why youth might set fires ranges from curiosity, anger, the need for attention, stress or they simply don't understand the dangers of fire.Help is available for youth interested in or experimenting with fire. SFM can <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvc2ZtL2Zvci1mYW1pbGllcy95b3V0aC1maXJlc2V0dGluZy9QYWdlcy9kZWZhdWx0LmFzcHgiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODMwLjgxODQ3N">connect families</a> with youth fire intervention specialists.Parents can also take steps at home to help youth gain a healthy understanding of fire safety.<ul><li>Keep your home safe by removing matches or lighters from areas where children can find them.</li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvc2ZtL2Zvci1mYW1pbGllcy9QYWdlcy9SZXNvdXJjZXMlMjB0byUyMEtlZXAlMjBZb3VyJTIwRmFtaWx5JTIwU2FmZS5hc3B4IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fa">Help children understand that even small fires can be dangerous and deadly.</a></li><li>Designate a safe meeting place outside your home everyone can get to after a fire and practice home fire drills twice a year.</li></ul>For more fire safety and prevention tips, visit: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvc2ZtL2Zvci1mYW1pbGllcy9QYWdlcy9maXJlLWZhY3RzLXRpcHMtd2hhdC15b3UtbmVlZC10by1rbm93LmFzcHgiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwM">dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/for-families/Pages/fire-facts-tips-what-you-need-to-know.aspx</a>Reporters interested in interviewing Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson about back-to-school fire safety and prevention can contact Amber Schindeldecker at <a href="mailto:Amber.Schindeldecker@state.mn.us">Amber.Schindeldecker@state.mn.us</a>.

8/30/2023 1:00:03 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety ST. PAUL — School is done for the day, and now students are home alone What is the first thing they most likely reach for

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Stop in the name of safety

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8/29/2023 8:00:00 PM

ST. PAUL — Pop-quiz: Is it safer for students to ride to school in a school bus or a parent or guardian's vehicle? The answer may surprise many people. Riding in a school bus is one of the safest modes of transportation — even safer than a car.Parents can feel confident as the new school year begins that their children are riding safely on Minnesota's school buses thanks to the Minnesota State Patrol's annual <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvbXNwL2NvbW1lcmNpYWwtdmVoaWNsZXMvUGFnZXMvc2Nob29sLWJ1cy13aGVlbGNoYWlyLWluc3BlY3Rpb24uYXNweCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiM" style="font-size:1em;">inspections</a>. Every school bus in the state is inspected annually to ensure they're meeting rigorous safety standards. Troopers also conduct driver reviews, investigate complaints, and facilitate training for carriers, managers and drivers.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwKQ2GpsNFE"><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/School%20bus%20video.png" alt="School bus video.png" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px;width:320px;height:277px;" /></a>"Getting children to and from school safely is a top priority," said Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Brian Reu. “There are over 18,000 school buses in Minnesota that are used to transport students on a daily basis. Our inspection program is a small — but important — part of that team effort."As safe as school buses are, that protection ends once students step off the bus. Each year, children are hit or experience near misses with cars when drivers don't stop for school buses. When that happens, the <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8veW91dHUuYmUvQXdLUTJHcHNORkU_dD01OSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjkuODE3OTk2NTEifQ.8IQsXp-UXhX8i76-Yw1oK0D8IowuSnc9yOjWL22vRBE/s/2987498317/b">trauma</a> isn't only physical — the children, their families, the bus drivers and other witnesses also experience emotional distress. With school starting this week in many Minnesota districts, the State Patrol is reminding drivers that all motorists are required to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop- arm. Those who don't face a $500 fine and possible criminal charges. Despite these penalties, the number of <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvbXNwL2NvbW1lcmNpYWwtdmVoaWNsZXMvUGFnZXMvc2Nob29sLWJ1cy1zYWZldHkuYXNweCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjkuODE3OTk2N">citations</a> issued to drivers for school bus stop arm violations has only gone up since 2020.  Some of these citations come from school bus stop arm cameras, which help school bus drivers capture violations enabling law enforcement to hold those accountable for driving by buses with extended stop arms. The <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvb29jL25ld3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvUGFnZXMvc2Nob29scy10cmFuc3BvcnRhdGlvbi1jb21wYW5pZXMtcmVjZWl2aW5nLXBoYXNlLXNpeC1ncmFudHMtc">initial project</a> during 2022 and 2023 will equip about 59 percent of all school buses with stop arm cameras.To keep kids safe, drivers should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones. The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away.But good driving behavior is only half of the equation. Children also need to know and practice <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvbXNwL2NvbW1lcmNpYWwtdmVoaWNsZXMvRG9jdW1lbnRzL01TUCUyMFNjaG9vbCUyMEJ1cyUyMEF3YXJlJTIwQnJvY251cmUucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0a">safe behavior</a>. Before school starts, parents should remind children to look out for cars when getting off the bus, wait for the bus driver to signal that it's safe to cross, and make eye contact with drivers before proceeding.For more school bus safety tips, visit: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvbXNwL2NvbW1lcmNpYWwtdmVoaWNsZXMvUGFnZXMvc2Nob29sLWJ1cy1zYWZldHkuYXNweCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjkuODE3OTk2N">dps.mn.gov/divisions/msp/commercial-vehicles/Pages/school-bus-safety.aspx</a> If you would like to interview Lt. Reu, the State Patrol's pupil transportation safety director, please contact Nicole Roddy at <a href="mailto:nicole.roddy@state.mn.us">nicole.roddy@state.mn.us</a>.

8/29/2023 8:15:48 PM

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety CONTACT: Nicole Roddy (651) 802-8978 nicole.roddy@state.mn.us ST. PAUL — Pop-quiz: Is it safer for

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