ST. PAUL — Rep. Brian Johnson, R-Cambridge, Republican Lead on the House Public Safety Committee, issued the following statement regarding today's decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court that Minneapolis must meet the minimum police staffing levels required in their city charter, or "show cause why that duty is not being met." Under the charter, Minneapolis must employ a minimum of 731 officers — well below their current staffing levels.
"For years, Democrats in charge of Minneapolis have violated the city charter by underfunding police and doing nothing to address the officer shortage that has contributed to the alarming increase in carjackings, murders, and other violent crimes.
"The Supreme Court made the right call here, and it's time for Minneapolis Democrats to stop making excuses, meet the police staffing levels required by their city charter, and restore public safety for Minneapolis residents."
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