Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Politics and Government News
Tim Pugmire
St. Paul

MN Senate approves $1 million for ad campaign to recruit cops

Republican senators announce plans to recruit police officers
Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, and other Republicans announced plans earlier this month to create grants to recruit more people to become police officers in Minnesota. The Senate passed part of the agenda on Monday.
Brian Bakst | MPR News file

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The Minnesota Senate passed a bill Monday that would fund a $1 million advertising campaign to help recruit more law enforcement officers to the profession.

The vote was 51-15. It’s unclear when or if the DFL-controlled House might take up the bill.

Police departments throughout the state have complained about staff shortages and a lack of applicants for those vacancies. The Department of Public Safety would direct the campaign to lure more applicants.

Debate on the bill hinted at some of the campaign themes members of both parties are expected to use as they seek reelection later this year. 

Help attracting more people to become police officers is needed now, said Sen. Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, the bill’s author. 

“Crime is up immensely in all of our neighborhoods, and there’s a huge exodus of police officers,” Housley said. “We need to protect our communities and ensure they are fully stocked with police forces.”

Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, also said that more police officers are needed soon. Miller said many Minnesotans don’t feel safe, and many police officers do not feel appreciated.

“Anti-police rhetoric has demoralized the profession,” Miller said. “It’s causing current police officers to retire early, and it’s discouraging new people from entering the profession.”

Several DFL lawmakers spoke against the bill.

Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, said the money could be better used in existing programs. Marty also criticized the timing of the discussion, so soon after the fatal shooting of Amir Locke by a Minneapolis police officer during the execution of a search warrant.

“I just think it’s really insensitive, at this time, to be talking about using taxpayer money to run an advertising campaign,” Marty said.