Hearing Reveals Safety Concerns for Female Inmates at Shakopee Correctional Facility

In a recent meeting of the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, significant concerns were raised regarding the safety of female inmates at the Shakopee Correctional Facility, particularly in light of the facility's policy on housing transgender women. Testifier Beckman expressed strong feelings that the safety of these women has not been adequately considered, highlighting a lack of communication and training surrounding the transfer of transgender individuals into the facility. Beckman noted that there have been no town hall meetings to discuss these transfers, despite numerous meetings on other topics, leading to feelings of insecurity among both inmates and staff.

Representative Muller countered these concerns by emphasizing that transgender women are not inherently more dangerous than their cisgender counterparts. He pointed out that the population of transgender women in the correctional system is minimal, constituting only 0.036% of the total inmate population. Muller also referenced a troubling incident involving a male staff member who assaulted a female inmate during transport, which resulted in a $500,000 settlement for the state. This incident underscored the broader issue of safety within correctional facilities, suggesting that risks can arise from various sources, including staff members.

The discussions highlighted a critical intersection of safety, policy, and the treatment of transgender individuals within the correctional system. As the committee continues to address these issues, the voices of both inmates and staff will be crucial in shaping policies that ensure safety and respect for all individuals within the facility. The meeting underscored the need for ongoing dialogue and training to foster a safer environment for everyone involved.