NE Minneapolis Acorn... A Community Organization

State of Minnesota

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

102 STATE CAPITOL

MIKE HATCH July 11 2006 st. paul, mn 55155-1002

ATTORNEY GENERAL TELEPHONE: (651) 296-6196

Le Ann Russel NE Minneapolis Acorn 950 - 27th Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55418

Dear Ms. Russel:

I thank you for your letter dated June 21, 2006 regarding the need for more bike cops and beat cops in Northeast Minneapolis.

In the early 1990s, crime raised to record levels throughout the United States. In response to this activity, in 1995, President Clinton sponsored legislation which was enacted by Congress to fund 80,000 additional police, thereafter nicknamed "Clinton Cops," to be funded throughout America. This represented a 10 percent increase in police activity in the United States. It raised the ratio of police from 2.3 per 1,000 people to 2.5 per 1,000. In addition, in 1997, the President sponsored and Congress enacted legislation to create approximately $1 billion in Byrne Grants designed to fund anti-drug activity at the State and county level.

Further, in 1997, Governor Carlson signed legislation creating the Minnesota State Gang Strike Force. Approximately $3.5 million per year was expended on a Statewide police force designed to combat gang activity.

By the year 2000, crime had dropped throughout the country. In 1995, Minneapolis was known as "Murderapolis." The above three programs resulted in a tremendous reduction in violent crime and in property crime. According to a University of Chicago study, the Clinton Cops alone prevented nearly one million property crimes and 150,000 violent crimes in the year 2000.

When Governor Pawlenty took office in 2003 he gutted the Minnesota State Gang Strike Force. Indeed, the only strike force that remains is in the metropolitan area and it is basically managed by a skeleton crew. In addition, President Bush cut 90 percent of the Clinton Cop program and has cut the Byrne Grant program from $1 billion to under $450 million. At present, Minnesota only receives $2.7 million in Byrne Grant money.

The net result of these cutbacks is reduced police presence throughout the State. The Clinton Cop program is believed to have financed approximately 1,200 police officers in Minnesota. The above reductions by President Bush and Governor Pawlenty has essentially eliminated the these positions.

Facsimile: (651) 297-4193 • TTY: (651) 297-7206 • Toll Free Lines: (800) 657-3787 (Voice), (800) 366-4812 (TTY) • www.ag.state.mn.us An Equal Opportunity Employer Who Values Diversity Printed on 50% recycled paper (15% post consumer content)

Le Ann Russel July 11,2006 Page 2

I enclose a copy of an article regarding a press news conference I held concerning the need for additional police protection. I believe we need to restore the Clinton Cop program at the State level and hire bike cops and beat cops who will stabilize the environment in many communities where there is violent crime.

I appreciate the leadership of Acorn on this issue. I believe that together we can make a difference and create a safe environment in which our children can live in Northeast Minneapolis and in other areas where crime has been on the increase.

Very truly yours,

MIKE HATCH Attorney General State of Minnesota

Enclosure MAH:as

AG: #1637864-vl

From the Star Trib 7/11/2006

NE Minneapolis Acorn


		Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now



		State of Minnesota OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

	102 STATE CAPITOL MIKE HATCH July 11 2006 st. paul, mn 55155-1002 ATTORNEY GENERAL TELEPHONE: (651) 296-6196

	Le Ann Russel NE Minneapolis Acorn 950 - 27th Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 Dear Ms. Russel: I thank you for your letter dated June 21, 2006 regarding the need for more bike cops and beat cops in Northeast Minneapolis. In the early 1990s, crime raised to record levels throughout the United States. In response to this activity, in 1995, President Clinton sponsored legislation which was enacted by Congress to fund 80,000 additional police, thereafter nicknamed "Clinton Cops," to be funded throughout America. This represented a 10 percent increase in police activity in the United States. It raised the ratio of police from 2.3 per 1,000 people to 2.5 per 1,000. In addition, in 1997, the President sponsored and Congress enacted legislation to create approximately $1 billion in Byrne Grants designed to fund anti-drug activity at the State and county level. Further, in 1997, Governor Carlson signed legislation creating the Minnesota State Gang Strike Force. Approximately $3.5 million per year was expended on a Statewide police force designed to combat gang activity. By the year 2000, crime had dropped throughout the country. In 1995, Minneapolis was known as "Murderapolis." The above three programs resulted in a tremendous reduction in violent crime and in property crime. According to a University of Chicago study, the Clinton Cops alone prevented nearly one million property crimes and 150,000 violent crimes in the year 2000. When Governor Pawlenty took office in 2003 he gutted the Minnesota State Gang Strike Force. Indeed, the only strike force that remains is in the metropolitan area and it is basically managed by a skeleton crew. In addition, President Bush cut 90 percent of the Clinton Cop program and has cut the Byrne Grant program from $1 billion to under $450 million. At present, Minnesota only receives $2.7 million in Byrne Grant money. The net result of these cutbacks is reduced police presence throughout the State. The Clinton Cop program is believed to have financed approximately 1,200 police officers in Minnesota. The above reductions by President Bush and Governor Pawlenty has essentially eliminated the these positions.

	Facsimile: (651) 297-4193 • TTY: (651) 297-7206 • Toll Free Lines: (800) 657-3787 (Voice), (800) 366-4812 (TTY) • www.ag.state.mn.us An Equal Opportunity Employer Who Values Diversity Printed on 50% recycled paper (15% post consumer content)