Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The Minnesota County Attorneys Association wants the state attorney general's office to handle the prosecution of police in deadly force cases. 

The association said in a statement on Thursday that it voted for the change during a special board meeting, but will need the Legislature to support additional funding for the attorney general's office to allow them to get the best trial attorneys for these kinds of cases. The organization represents all 87 county attorneys in Minnesota. 

“Our entire association extends our heartfelt sympathy to George Floyd’s family and to the collective community that mourns his loss and advocates for honest dialog and real and immediate change in his name,” said Stevens County Attorney Aaron Jordan, who is president of the association. 

County prosecutors, who work closely with police on criminal cases, have often been accused of having a conflict of interest in prosecuting cases against police. The county attorney’s association acknowledged that sentiment and said it is important that people have faith in the process.

The association also advocated for a special investigative unit, within the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, that can independently investigate all of these cases, unless a BCA agent is involved.

"MCAA acknowledges that justice demands our organization rise to this important moment and stand for criminal justice reform that improves transparency, accountability and community trust,” said Bob Small, the executive director of the association, in a statement.

2nd-degree murder count for Chauvin; 3 other ex-cops charged in Floyd's killing

For 3 cops charged in Floyd’s killing

Crime, Law and Justice

NewsPartners

Peter Cox

Author

County prosecutors, who work closely with police on criminal cases, have been accused of having a conflict of interest in prosecuting cases against cops. The Minnesota County Attorneys Association acknowledged that sentiment and said it is important that people have faith in the process.

Two people stand a podium during a press conference. 

MN county attorneys: State AG office should handle police deadly force cases

Go Deeper.

Like this?