At the peak of the defund movement, Walz supported "alternatives to policing" package.
At the peak of the defund the police movement, Walz stated that Minnesota would alter its policing methods.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz supported a set of police reforms that included alternatives to policing in the aftermath of violent riots in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd and during the peak of the "defund the police movement."
"During a June 11, 2020, press conference, Walz stated that Minnesotans are demanding real change and endorsed a police reform package created by the Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, which he considered one of his legislative priorities."
"We are united with House and Senate leaders and the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, ready to work during the upcoming special session. I stand with the legislators who have coordinated a powerful set of reforms to make meaningful changes to our law enforcement system in Minnesota."
The Minnesota House of Representatives released a daily update in 2020, stating that members of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus joined Governor Tim Walz on Thursday to present 18 bills they plan to introduce during the special session starting on Friday. Each bill addresses a different aspect of police policy, training, or discipline that the caucus members believe will enhance public safety and improve relationships between officers and the communities they serve.
"At the time, Walz stated that these reforms were well-coordinated and strong, and that Minnesota would undergo a transformation in its policing methods."
An Office of Community-Led Public Safety Coordination was proposed as part of a set of reforms to promote and monitor alternatives to traditional policing models and award grants for healing circles.
The proposal suggests that $7,450,000 will be allocated for grants to support healing and wellness initiatives in black, indigenous, and communities of color in Minnesota. The Office will offer grants to community-based organizations that provide programs and direct intervention to promote wellness and healing justice. The grants will be available for, but not limited to, the expansion of community organizations that offer healing and wellness services, as well as the provision of healing circles, restorative justice circles, and community coach certification programs.
During a press conference on June 10, 2020, Walz stated that they were supporting the slate of legislative proposals. This was three days after the Minneapolis City Council made a pledge to disband its police force.
Despite not including an Office of Community-Led Public Safety Coordination in the legislation, Walz ultimately signed police reforms into law as part of the Minnesota Police Accountability Act.
""This bipartisan bill, which has been advocated for by communities of color for decades, is a good first step towards police accountability, although it does not completely address the issue. The POCI Caucus has demonstrated strong leadership on this topic, and I am excited to continue working with them to achieve meaningful reform," Walz stated when the legislation was approved."
The Harris/Walz campaign did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.
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