FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominica Bernstein, 651.297.8150 (desk)
Dominica.Bernstein@house.mn.gov
News Release
Statement from Representative Paul Novotny on the Unauthorized Release of Undercover Officers' Identities
ST PAUL, MN — Representative Paul Novotny, Chair of the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, expressed his deep concern regarding the recent unauthorized release of undercover law enforcement officers' identities by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board). This incident has put the safety of many officers and their families at risk and raises serious questions about data protection practices here in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) has filed a lawsuit claiming that the POST Board, in response to a public records request, inadvertently released the names and birthdates of at least 257 undercover officers. This action is claimed to be in violation of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which classifies such information as private.
you can read more on this story here.
In light of this serious matter, Representative Novotny emphasizes the necessity for immediate corrective measures and a thorough review of data handling procedures to prevent any future breaches. He states, "The accidental release of sensitive information not only puts the lives of our law enforcement officers in danger but also erodes public trust in our institutions. We must take immediate action to address this issue and prevent it from happening again."
To address this issue, the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee will convene to assess the circumstances surrounding this incident and work to develop strategies to improve data protection protocols. Representative Novotny is committed to working around the clock to uphold the safety and privacy of Minnesota's law enforcement personnel.
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