Governor Walz Appoints Seven New Members to POST Board

Press Release

Governor Tim Walz today appointed seven new members to the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board, which is responsible for setting regulations and controlling the training and licensing of police officers in Minnesota. The diverse slate of appointees will fill seven vacancies, including two new positions created by the Minnesota Police Accountability Act, which the Governor signed in July.

"These appointees will bring extensive experience and diverse voices that will help ensure the POST Board is responsive to the needs of our communities. I'm proud of their commitment to reforming policing in a way that brings greater accountability and makes all Minnesotans feel safe," said Governor Walz. "After the death of George Floyd, we engaged Minnesotans across the state in conversations around criminal justice reform. We've heard an overwhelming desire for greater transparency and accountability. This is one important step toward those goals."

"These measures to increase transparency and accountability in policing are a direct result of the advocacy of Minnesotans following the murder of George Floyd. We heard their calls for justice and are committed to making sure all Minnesotans feel safe and valued," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "I look forward to working with these incredible leaders on the challenges ahead to reform policing in Minnesota."

" These new appointees bring a wealth of experience and the diverse perspectives needed to help shape the future of the POST Board ," said POST Board Chair Kelly McCarthy. " The Board, working in conjunction with the Ensuring Police Excellence and Improving Community Relations Advisory Council, will work to further amplify the good work of so many of our Minnesota Peace Officers while increasing transparency and informing best practices for years to come ."

"I appreciate the chance to have served on the POST Board. It was really meaningful, particularly in light of what happened to my nephew and being able to contribute to how we consider training and licensure in the profession of policing. But I feel that my skills are better used working with youth more directly and helping in the community now," said Clarence Castile. "I'm looking forward to seeing this new slate of appointees weigh-in on the important issues before the Board, particularly Justin Terrell and the wealth of knowledge and relationships he will bring."

In July, Governor Walz signed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act, authored by members of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, which will begin to address systemic inequities in Minnesota's criminal justice system. The bill included a robust framework of accountability law enforcement through:

Expansion of the POST Board and creation of a Police-Community Relations Council at the POST Board
Reforming how arbitrations of the termination of law enforcement officers are handled
Requiring robust, real-time data collection and analysis of complaint, discipline and use of force data and use it to inform reforms at the POST Board, particularly as it relates to licensure decisions.
The POST Board recently underwent an extensive external audit that identified several areas of improvement, from pre-service education reform to transforming the Board's regulatory function. The Board has begun implementing many of the recommendations, such as an overhaul of its rules. These new appointees, along with current Board members, will work toward engaging peace officers, the community, and stakeholders across the spectrum in prioritizing the recommendations and ensuring the Board is focused on how to improve effectiveness, transparency, and trust in law enforcement.

Source