Ask the Chief

I have received several comments regarding traffic enforcement in Minnesota. These questions range from cell phone usage while driving to speeding and DWI enforcement to criminal cases, bail reform, and court. Starting as far back as 2014 policing has been experiencing a decrease in enforcement. This rate of decrease rose significantly with COVID and the social unrest issues that flooded the country starting in 2020. As a result, many areas have seen a rise in criminal activity or severity along with a blatant disregard for lower-level offenses. This is evident when looking at the explosion of excessive speeding cases across the country including in Minnesota. Before 2020, it was rare to hear of a traffic stop involving 100 + MPH violations and those were often on larger interstates. Now, my news feeds and other sources on policing events frequently have reports of speeds in the 100 – 130 mph range and some of them are on smaller highways. This change is attributed to shifts in personal attitudes and accountability. I believe that many officers are reluctant to enforce laws out of fear of getting in trouble and when this is added to the public’s perception that some laws should not be enforced we are left with a very dangerous situation for everyone. I am not sure how long this trend will continue or what will correct it. Time will tell.