A Message from the Interim Executive Director
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the more
recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd, the POST Board began a
time of transition. Several new board members, including the board chair, were
appointed by Governor Walz. The Executive Director retired in January and I was
appointed Interim Executive Director pending conducting an open hiring process
to determine a permanent replacement. The COVID-19 pandemic and related
Executive orders significantly delayed the hiring process which is now
underway.
Ever since my appointment to the Interim
position, as well as my time as the Assistant Executive Director, I have felt
strongly that many of POST’s business processes, rules and governing statutes
are in dire need of a comprehensive review and overhaul. My discussions with
various stakeholders, legislators and board members has reinforced that belief.
The Board recognizes this need and is supportive of several of these
initiatives and will consider additional proposals in the coming months.
The Board is embarking on a process of
organizational change that requires the input of numerous diverse stakeholders,
subject matter experts and legislative authorities. Comprehensive rule-making
alone is a long involved process akin to writing and passing legislation. The
Board is resolved to make these changes and do the work that is required to do
this right.
A fundamental part of making good decisions
is to have solid, objective data from a number of sources. The actions
described below will form the foundation for a sweeping action plan to change
and improve what we do and how we do it.
We look forward to those challenges with the
ultimate goal of carrying out our mission in a transparent and professional way
that serves all of our stakeholders.
Erik Misselt
Interim Executive Director
I.
Comprehensive overhaul of
Chapter 6700 – Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training Rules. The
rule-making process is a complex effort. Details on the rule making process can
be found in the links that follow. Additional information on rule-making will
be regularly updated on the POST Board’s rulemaking page.
POST Rules: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/6700/
Rulemaking in Minnesota: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/info/
Overview:
Beginning with the July 23, 2020 meeting, the Executive Director and Rules
Coordinator will present the work plan to the Board and request:
·
Resolution
authorizing the Executive Director to proceed
·
Appointment
of a rules committee (5-7 members)
·
Delegation
of authority to the rules committee to appoint members to an advisory committee
·
Note
on Advisory Committee make up: Individuals and representatives of
interest/stakeholder groups are invited to apply, and application is open to
the public. Each committee member
represents an interest/stakeholder group, and is expected to reach out to their
group for feedback to bring back to committee.
All points of view should be represented on the committee and subcommittees.
II.
International Association of
Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) audit. https://www.iadlest.org/
a.
The Interim Executive
Director has requested an audit that will compare Minnesota POST Board
processes to those of other POST Boards nation-wide as well as proven best
practices. This audit will focus on the following areas:
i. Pre-service
education and training
ii. Continuing
education and training
iii. Regulatory
function – complaint process, discipline
Work on this audit is
expected to begin July 1, 2020.