Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, rebuked Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Green after she stated that she was “not willing to fund the Sheriff to provide public safety for Hennepin County,” in Minnesota.
“This is an extraordinarily irresponsible statement and reveals her ignorance of Minnesota State law,” Yoes said. “The public safety mission is a shared one and its success depends on an ongoing and collaborative efforts between State, county, and municipal agencies. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office plays a critical role in responding to public safety emergencies throughout the county.”
Under Minnesota State law, Sheriffs are required to “keep and preserve the peace” within their county. Commissioner Green’s proposal to cease funding for the Sheriff’s public safety mission is not only detrimental to the safety of the citizens and visitors to Hennepin County, but it is also in contravention of State law.
“Deputy Sheriffs respond to traffic incidents, shootings, domestic violence calls, as well as secure courthouses, locate missing persons, and apprehend violent offenders—all with professionalism and compassion in service to their community,” Yoes said. “FOP members, law enforcement officers, police chiefs, and mayors across the county have rightfully condemned Commissioner Green’s foolish statement, which fails to recognize the value of the Sheriff’s Office and the deputies who put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens.”
Eliminated funding for public safety operations for the Sheriff’s Office means limited assistance to local and municipal agencies—including access to resources like the County Crime Laboratory Unit and the Special Operations Unit, which coordinates preparation and response to sudden events requiring large-scale law enforcement response, including active shooters, hostage rescue and other threats, emergencies, natural disasters, civil unrest, and large public events.
“In addition to the negative public safety impact, Commissioner Green’s statement is having a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of Hennepin County Deputies. The physical and mental toll that public safety work imposes on these men and women—including the unseen injuries they experience—is troubling enough, but to not feel supported by leadership is simply adding insult to injury.” Yoes said. “Commissioner Green should retract her statement, apologize to the men and women of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and thank them for their selfless service.”