Lawmaker aims to change gang law enforcement

The Associated Press
Friday, February 26, 2010
ST. PAUL, MN

Minnesota lawmakers today met to discuss legislation that will change the way law enforcement agencies combat gang activity.

The House committee took up the bill today.

The proposal will give the Department of Public Safety more authority over multi-jurisdictional gang and drug task forces. It creates a process to certify them.

The Metro Gang Strike Force was dismantled last year amid allegations of misconduct and mishandling of evidence seized from people under investigation.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Michael Paymar of St. Paul, also wants to tighten forfeiture reporting laws and encourage creation of gang investigative data systems.

http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/sta ... 002e0.html