Controversy Surrounds Removal of School Resource Officers in Minnesota

Several police departments in Minnesota are withdrawing their School Resource Officers (SROs) from schools due to a state law that restricts the use of force by staff members to control unruly students. Concerns have been raised that the law will prevent officers from intervening in dangerous situations, potentially compromising student and staff safety. The Blaine City Council unanimously voted to suspend SRO partnerships with three school districts, while the Plymouth Police Department will remove SROs from public schools but continue working with two districts in a different capacity. Other police departments, including Alexandria and Faribault, will no longer have SROs but will maintain a law enforcement presence in schools. The law prohibits certain restraints and holds that restrict a student's ability to breathe or communicate distress. Republican lawmakers have requested a special session to address the issue.