Minnesota Law Enforcement Agencies Pause School Resource Officer Programs Following New Law

Two law enforcement agencies in Minnesota, the Anoka County Sheriff's Office and Moorhead Police Department, have halted their School Resource Officer (SRO) programs due to concerns over a new law that restricts the types of restraints SROs are allowed to use. The Anoka County Sheriff's Office cited significant risks, liabilities, and uncertainties created by the law as the reason for ending its SRO program in five schools. The Moorhead Police Department clarified that its decision was not related to the portion of the law prohibiting certain restraints but rather concerns over SROs intervening in physical altercations. Law enforcement officials have raised concerns about the law and are seeking clarification from the governor.