Independent expert review offers recommendations to DPS internal affairs investigations
December 1, 2023
ST. PAUL — An independent expert review of internal affairs processes made public today offers guidance and recommendations for investigating complaints and incidents involving Department of Public Safety (DPS) employees.
The report is part of a 2022 settlement agreement stemming from a federal lawsuit (Goyette et al. v. City of Minneapolis et al.). The lawsuit outlines complaints brought forth by journalists about actions during the demonstrations and civil unrest in 2020 and in 2021.
In response to the report, DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson said he appreciated the work of the independent experts and continued efforts from DPS staff to improve processes.
Commissioner Jacobson issued the following statement:
“The Minnesota Department of Public Safety takes the findings in the report regarding the agency’s internal affairs process seriously. We strive for the highest level of accountability for our employees and processes that help guide investigations of alleged misconduct. We continuously work to improve our processes, which was the overall goal of this independent review and subsequent report.
The Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action division is an independent, civilian-led division within the Department of Public Safety that reports directly to the DPS Commissioner’s Office. This division investigates allegations of all serious misconduct against any member of DPS.
As pointed out in the report, DPS implemented several changes. This began in 2020. The agency continues to implement other changes to its practices and procedures when it works with media members and the general public, including:
- Providing information to individuals who file complaints regarding the investigative process, including the role of the office of Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action, expected timelines of investigations and addressing other frequently asked questions related to the process.
- Using data gathered during 2023 to start an ongoing, public-facing dashboard on completed investigations. This will be published in 2024.
- Improving communication with individuals who have filed complaints during the investigative process about the status of their complaint.
- Continuing to ensure comprehensive training and policies within the State Patrol regarding the treatment of media at First Amendment assemblies, including the deployment of a media ombudsman and media field liaison to facilitate communication with journalists covering any mass arrest situations.
- Building capacity within the Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action office by hiring an additional investigator and adding a Deputy Director of Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action to improve timelines on investigations.
- Hiring a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to take on tasks which had been previously completed by the Director of Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action.
DPS continues to explore recommendations in the report that will work to evolve the agency’s commitment toward fair and thorough investigations completed in a timely manner.”
Howie Padilla