NEWS RELEASE

St. Paul, MN -- In an effort to begin to restore the public trust and invite participation from the community regarding the Metro Gang Strike Force, the Senate Judiciary Committee and Public Safety Budget Division will hold two committee hearings in the community on Monday and Tuesday, Nov.16 and 17.

While much has been learned during formal hearings at the Capitol, the meetings will allow legislators to hear directly from some of the
communities and residents directly affected by the strike force’s activities.  This formal, on-the-record Senate hearing will begin a much-needed dialogue that will inform committee members as the joint committees address future gang interdiction efforts.

The two listening sessions will take place at the following dates and locations:

Monday, Nov. 16, 6- 8 p.m.
Minneapolis Park Board Headquarters
2117 West River Road, Minneapolis

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6- 8 p.m.
Metro State University, Great Hall
700 East 7th Street, St. Paul


In August 2009, former federal prosecutor Andy Luger released a report alleging serious misconduct by the Metro Gang Strike Force.  In response to those allegations and an earlier, similarly critical report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA), House and Senate Public Safety Committees began a series of hearings to address the issues raised by these reports.

These upcoming listening sessions continue that process by beginning the discussion about another concern raised by the Luger Report: the use of ill-defined, wide-ranging gang saturation details, and the disproportionate impact on people of color in suspect stops by Metro Gang Strike Force members.

Individuals interested in speaking at the listening sessions are requested to contact either Senator Mee Moua at 651-296-4842 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Senator Linda Higgins at 651-296-9246 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .