State police association calls Governor Dayton’s conclusion ‘presumptive’

In regard to recent events:

First of all, and most importantly, our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the recent tragic events in Falcon Heights, Dallas and Baton Rouge. The families and friends, the faith communities that provide much needed support to those affected - they all need our prayers and support. The nation needs consoling at this time.

Governor Dayton’s extraordinarily presumptive conclusion that the tragic incident in Falcon Heights was motivated by race is the height of political malfeasance that could lead to a miscarriage of justice, if not more violence. There is an active investigation under way. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is beyond reproach in its conduct. Until the facts are completely understood and assembled, our elected officials must instill confidence and reassurance while rejecting incendiary terms that could provoke more violence. Invoking racism without foundation of fact is incendiary.

Now is the time to pull people together, to heal as one Minnesota. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers stand by civil rights for everyone, as well as due process. Whether you wear a badge or look to one for its service, we’re all entitled to due process that will inform conclusions based on the facts of the case. Unfortunately, in his comments, the Governor appears to be taking justice into his own hands.

Minnesota has among the best trained, best educated police officers in the country. The investigative arms of all levels of government in Minnesota will come to a conclusion that delivers justice. We trust Minnesota’s judicial system to get this right. Jumping to conclusions before the facts are assembled erodes public trust in public servants, elected or appointed. Jumping to conclusions exacerbates public distrust even further. Now is the time for calm heads to prevail.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association was founded in 1922 and is the largest association representing rank and file officers in Minnesota. Its membership consists of municipal police officers, county deputy sheriffs and police officers employed by the State of Minnesota.