The war of cops which has been carried out since 2020 by activists and the politicians who have bought into their rhetoric, has had a disastrous impact on Minnesota law enforcement recruitment and retention, and in turn on proactive policing and crime rates – especially in the twin cities metro.
Devaluing, disrespecting, and dehumanizing our law enforcement officers has also gravely impacted their personal safety. This rhetoric has increased the frequency and level of assaultive behavior against the men and women we call on to be our protectors. When that “thin blue line” cracks, we see the chaos and violence that has become the “new normal” for far too many Minnesotans.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tracks assaults on Minnesota law enforcement officers. The data is troubling.
For years the number of assaults hovered around 400 per year. Since 2019 the number of assaults on law enforcement has increased by 165% and is on pace in 2024 to break last year’s tragic record.
Even more troubling is the fact that the seriousness of the assaults and injuries sustained by officers is worsening as well.
Between 2021 – 2023, the average number of aggravated assaults against Minnesota law enforcement officers was 323/year. In 2024 aggravated assaults are on pace to reach 386 – a 20% increase. During the same period the average number of major injuries to Minnesota law enforcement officers averaged 16/year. In 2024 major injuries are on pace to reach 24 – a 50% increase.
Between 2021-2023, the average number of assaults involving the use of a firearm against Minnesota law enforcement officers averaged 52/year. In 2024 the number of assaults involving a firearm against Minnesota law enforcement officers is on pace to reach 106 – an astounding 103% increase.
Analyzing reports of actual gunshot injuries and death to law enforcement officers in Minnesota and the surrounding border areas of Eastern North Dakota, Western Wisconsin, and Northern Iowa, is equally troubling. Between January 2023 and May 2024, no fewer than 27 law enforcement officers and one tactical medic were injured by gun fire directed at them. 9 of those officers and one tactical medic were killed during those shootings. This is unprecedented, and the tragic loss of those officers has been devastating to their loved ones, their agencies, and the communities they served.
The level of violence perpetrated against our law enforcement officers has increased to unacceptable levels – in frequency and in seriousness. The violence coincides with the anti-police rhetoric that far too many have supported, and far too few have fought in recent years.
Our officers deserve better, as do the communities they continue to valiantly serve and protect.