Minnesota Department of Public Safety proposes $9M budget for safety and law enforcement services

Minnesota's House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss critical budget proposals aimed at enhancing public safety across the state. A key highlight of the meeting was the Department of Public Safety's (DPS) request for a $9 million budget reduction for the transportation sector, while emphasizing the need for operational adjustments to maintain service levels amidst rising employee costs.

The committee reviewed several significant proposals, including a request for grant administration authority to oversee various public safety grants. This authority aims to maximize the impact of grant funds while ensuring stringent oversight to combat fraud and misuse of public resources. The DPS also proposed a one-time transfer of $14 million to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for capital improvements to the Armor Radio System, which is vital for public safety communications statewide.

State Fire Marshal Dan Scribe presented budget recommendations that include increased funding for urban search and rescue teams and advanced training for hazardous materials response teams. These enhancements are designed to improve Minnesota's emergency response capabilities, particularly in complex rescue situations.

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) outlined two major proposals: funding for crime victim services and a comprehensive peace officer training grant program. The crime victim services initiative aims to support over 150 organizations providing essential services to victims of various crimes, thereby strengthening community safety and support systems. The peace officer training program seeks to address staffing shortages in law enforcement by facilitating the recruitment of new officers through expedited training processes.

Superintendent Drew Evans of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension discussed the formation of a new unit focused on financial crimes, which combines resources from the BCA and the Commerce Fraud Bureau. This consolidation aims to enhance the state's ability to tackle increasing fraud cases, particularly those affecting public funds.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the importance of collaboration among various public safety agencies to address emerging challenges, including the growing complexity of fraud schemes. The committee emphasized the need for ongoing support and resources to ensure effective public safety operations in Minnesota. As these proposals move forward, they are expected to significantly impact the state's ability to maintain safety and security for its residents.