Community Update
Friends and Neighbors,
Many of you have reached out with questions about the new policy announced by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty to end prosecutions tied to most low-level or "non-public-safety” traffic stops. I want to share what’s happening, why it matters, and how your local leaders are responding.
Beginning October 15, the County Attorney’s Office plans to stop prosecuting felony cases that arise from traffic stops for minor equipment violations, things like broken taillights, expired tabs, or cracked windshields, unless there are “exceptional circumstances” affecting public safety. While the stated goal is to reduce racial disparities in policing, this shift has raised major concerns among mayors, council members, police chiefs, and city officials across Hennepin County.
Local leaders believe this policy could make our neighborhoods less safe by removing one of law enforcement’s most effective tools for intercepting illegal guns, drugs, DWIs, and repeat offenders. The Hennepin County Sheriff reports that 47% of illegally possessed guns seized in the county were found during lawful traffic stops. Officers across our suburbs have invested heavily in training, technology, and detection dogs to keep our streets safe. Those investments lose value if cases from traffic stops can’t be prosecuted. The new approach was rolled out without any meaningful collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, or the County Sheriff, the very partners who share responsibility for keeping our communities safe.
Earlier this month, I sent a letter to County Attorney Moriarty urging her to work together with our mayors, councils, police departments, and the Sheriff’s Office to strengthen public safety and trust while ensuring fairness (see first letter below). Unfortunately, her office indicated it plans to move forward alone (see second letter below). Policies don’t work in a vacuum or without input and thoughtful discussion. Policies don’t work without speaking with the boots on the ground, the officers, deputies, and public safety professionals who have to implement them every day.
  Letter sent by Rep. Myers to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's Office
  Response to Rep. Myers' letter from Mary Moriarty
We believe that a one-size-fits-all policy for all of Hennepin County won’t work for our suburban communities or help Minneapolis thrive. Real progress comes from partnership, data-driven solutions, and accountability, not unilateral decisions.
A recent letter from more than 25 local leaders makes it clear: this policy could weaken trust in law enforcement and make our neighborhoods less safe. Across the suburbs, mayors, police chiefs, and city administrators are united in asking the Hennepin County Attorney to pause implementation and engage in open dialogue.
The Suburban Solutions Caucus remains committed to advocating for common-sense policies that protect every resident, building partnerships between local leaders, law enforcement, and the County Attorney’s Office, and holding open conversations with our neighbors about how we can keep Hennepin County safe, fair, and strong. Our region’s success depends on a safe and thriving Minneapolis and strong, secure suburbs. That starts with leadership that is willing to listen, collaborate, and enforce the law fairly for everyone.
We hope the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office will start to listen, learn, and create common-sense solutions to our shared priorities. I’ll continue to keep you updated as this issue develops. If you’d like to share your thoughts or concerns, please send me an email or attend one of our upcoming community meetings. Your voice matters.
Thank you for staying engaged and for working together to keep our neighborhoods safe.
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