Minnesota Action Guide
Fighting Encryption in the North Star State
After George Floyd's murder, Minneapolis encrypted police radios at the worst possible moment. Now, when accountability matters most, the public is locked out. Minnesota has strong transparency laws and a proven activist community. This guide shows you how to restore public access and rebuild trust through transparency.
Minnesota Encryption Landscape
From open communications to locked doors
Minneapolis
Fully Encrypted (Post-2020)
Minneapolis Police encrypted radios after the George Floyd protests, citing officer safety. This eliminated real-time public oversight during a period demanding maximum transparency.
St. Paul
Partial Encryption
St. Paul maintains some accessible dispatch channels but has moved toward encryption on tactical frequencies. The trend is concerning.
Hennepin County
Shared System with MPD
Hennepin County Sheriff and suburban departments share infrastructure with Minneapolis. As Minneapolis encrypted, access across the county diminished.
Greater Minnesota
Mostly Open
Many outstate departments maintain open dispatch channels. Rural communities understand the value of public awareness during emergencies.
Suburban Twin Cities
Mixed Policies
Suburbs across Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, and Washington counties vary widely. Some remain open; others have followed Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis Paradox
Minneapolis encrypted police radios after George Floyd's murder, when public oversight was most critical. The community demanded accountability; the department responded with opacity. This contradiction is your strongest argument for restoring transparency.
George Floyd, Accountability, and Encryption
Why Minneapolis encryption matters nationally
What Happened
On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd. The subsequent protests sparked a national reckoning on police accountability. The Minneapolis Police Department was placed under DOJ investigation, the city faced consent decree negotiations, and reform became the central political issue.
How Minneapolis Responded
Instead of increasing transparency, MPD encrypted police radios. This move eliminated real-time public monitoring of police activity at the exact moment when trust was at its lowest. For a community demanding accountability, encryption sent a clear message: we don't want you watching.
Timeline of Minneapolis Encryption
Arguments for Restoring Minneapolis Transparency
- Consent decree compliance: How can the public verify police are following court-ordered reforms without real-time monitoring?
- Trust rebuilding: Encryption signals the department has something to hide, undermining reconciliation efforts
- Community safety: Residents in areas with high police activity deserve real-time awareness
- Journalist oversight: Media cannot independently verify police accounts of incidents
- National symbolism: Minneapolis became a symbol of police accountability; encryption contradicts that narrative
Minnesota Data Practices Act
Your legal tools for fighting encryption
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
Minn. Stat. Ch. 13Minnesota's data practices law is among the strongest in the nation. It presumes all government data is public unless specifically classified as private or nonpublic. Use it aggressively.
- Response deadline: "Immediately, if possible, or within a reasonable time"
- No fees for inspection: Looking at records is free; copying fees limited
- Appeal to: Commissioner of Administration or district court
- Civil penalties: Officials can be personally liable for willful violations
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Minn. Stat. Ch. 13DGovernment bodies must conduct business openly. If the decision to encrypt was made in closed session without proper justification, it may be voidable.
- 3-day notice required for regular meetings
- Closed sessions limited: Must cite specific statutory authority
- Votes must be public: All votes on encryption policy should be recorded
- Minutes required: Including for closed portions
Key tactic: Request minutes and recordings of all meetings where encryption was discussed. If decisions were made improperly, challenge them.
Sample Minnesota Data Practices Request
To: [Agency] Data Practices Compliance Official
Subject: Minnesota Government Data Practices Act Request - Police Radio Encryption
Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13), I request access to the following government data:
- All documented incidents from January 1, 2019 to present where public access to police radio communications (via scanner, streaming, or similar means) resulted in injury to any officer, escape of a suspect, or compromise of any police operation in [Jurisdiction].
- All budget documents, vendor contracts, and cost estimates related to police radio encryption systems, including P25 system upgrades.
- All internal correspondence (emails, memos, meeting minutes) regarding the decision to encrypt police radio communications.
- Any policies or procedures regarding media or public access to police communications, before and after encryption.
- Data on response times and public notification procedures for emergencies before and after encryption implementation.
If no responsive data exists for any category, please confirm in writing pursuant to Minn. Stat. 13.03.
I request inspection of these records and electronic copies where available. Please contact me to arrange inspection within a reasonable time.
If any data is classified as not public, please cite the specific statutory classification under Chapter 13 and provide a written explanation.
Enforcement Options
If your data request is denied or inadequately answered:
Key Minnesota Contacts
Who to call, write, and visit
Minnesota Legislature
State legislation could establish transparency requirements statewide. Minnesota's legislature has passed significant police reform bills since 2020.
Find Your State Representative
Minnesota House of Representatives
Website: house.mn.gov
Phone: (651) 296-2146
Use the "Find My Representative" tool on the website.
Find Your State Senator
Minnesota Senate
Website: senate.mn
Phone: (651) 296-0504
Senators serve 4-year terms and may be more insulated from pressure.
Key Committees
- House Public Safety Finance and Policy - Jurisdiction over law enforcement policy and funding
- Senate Judiciary and Public Safety - Police accountability and criminal justice
- House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law - Civil rights and transparency issues
Minneapolis City Government
Minneapolis operates under a weak-mayor system. The City Council has significant policy authority, including over police oversight.
Find Your City Council Member
Minneapolis City Council (13 Wards)
Website: minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council
Council members are your most direct path to policy change. Find yours by ward.
Mayor's Office
Office of Mayor Jacob Frey
Phone: (612) 673-2100
Website: minneapolismn.gov/government/mayor
The mayor appoints the police chief but has limited direct authority.
Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR)
Civilian police oversight body
Phone: (612) 673-5500
Website: minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/opcr
OPCR needs real-time information to effectively review police conduct.
Minneapolis Police Chief
Minneapolis Police Department
Phone: (612) 673-3000
The chief implemented encryption. Document their justifications for appeals to council.
Hennepin County Government
Hennepin County includes Minneapolis and 44 suburban cities. The County Board controls the Sheriff's Office and regional communications infrastructure.
Hennepin County Board of Commissioners
7 commissioners representing county districts
Website: hennepin.us/board
Phone: (612) 348-3000
Find your commissioner by district. They control county radio system funding.
Hennepin County Sheriff
Sheriff's Office
Website: hennepin.us/sheriff
The Sheriff is an elected official. Direct pressure can influence policy.
St. Paul City Government
St. Paul maintains more accessible communications than Minneapolis. Protect this status and advocate for it as a regional model.
St. Paul City Council
7 Council Members by Ward
Website: stpaul.gov/council
Thank St. Paul for maintaining partial access. Encourage them to resist full encryption.
Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
7 commissioners
Website: ramseycounty.us/county-board
Ramsey County controls regional infrastructure used by St. Paul and suburbs.
Twin Cities Advocacy Strategies
Tactics for Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities
Minneapolis: Restoration Campaign
Goal: Restore public access to MPD radio communications
Key Arguments
- Consent decree context: Public needs real-time oversight to verify reform compliance
- Trust deficit: Encryption deepens distrust between MPD and the community
- George Floyd legacy: Transparency was a core demand; encryption contradicts it
- Emergency access: Minneapolis residents deserve real-time safety information
Priority Targets
- City Council members from wards most affected by police activity
- Council members who supported police reform measures
- Community organizations already engaged on police accountability
St. Paul: Protection Campaign
Goal: Prevent St. Paul from following Minneapolis into full encryption
Key Arguments
- Differentiation: St. Paul can model transparency where Minneapolis failed
- Community trust: Open communications support SPPD's community policing approach
- Regional coordination: Interoperability with fire/EMS requires accessible channels
Priority Targets
- Council members and the mayor
- St. Paul Police Federation (may have different views than MPD union)
- Community councils in each district
Suburban Twin Cities: Prevention Focus
Many suburban departments haven't encrypted yet. Act now to ensure they don't.
Dakota County
Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley
Contact city councils before system upgrades trigger encryption discussions
Anoka County
Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Anoka
Engage county commissioners on regional radio system policies
Washington County
Woodbury, Stillwater, Cottage Grove
Fast-growing suburbs often make encryption decisions during infrastructure upgrades
Scott & Carver Counties
Shakopee, Prior Lake, Chaska, Chanhassen
Southwestern suburbs maintain strong community connections; leverage them
Building Your Coalition
Police Accountability Groups
Minnesota has an active police accountability community forged after George Floyd. These groups understand why encryption is a transparency issue.
- Communities United Against Police Brutality
- ACLU of Minnesota
- Legal Rights Center
Neighborhood Organizations
Minneapolis has 70+ registered neighborhood organizations. St. Paul has district councils. These groups care about local safety information.
Fire & EMS Allies
Fire departments and EMS have interoperability concerns. They may support keeping channels accessible for coordination.
Minnesota Media Contacts & Allies
Build your coalition
Media Organizations
Minnesota News Media Association
Represents newspapers, broadcasters, and digital media across Minnesota. They've advocated for open government and press access.
Website: mna.org
Ask MNNA to issue statement supporting scanner access and press freedom.
Minnesota Broadcasters Association
Represents TV and radio stations statewide. Breaking news coverage depends on scanner access.
Website: minnesotabroadcasters.com
Contact MBA to coordinate advocacy among member stations.
Twin Cities News Directors
WCCO, KSTP, KARE 11, Fox 9, and MPR all have covered police accountability extensively since George Floyd.
Pitch story: "Minneapolis encrypted police radios after George Floyd. Here's why that matters."
Civil Liberties & Advocacy
ACLU of Minnesota
Has been central to police accountability work since George Floyd. May provide legal guidance or coalition support.
Website: aclu-mn.org
Contact their policing program about encryption as a transparency issue.
Minnesota Coalition on Government Information
Statewide coalition focused on open government. Expert on Data Practices Act enforcement.
Website: mncogi.org
Partner on data requests and legislative advocacy.
Minnesota Freedom of Information Coalition
Press freedom advocacy group with expertise in Minnesota transparency law.
Request guidance on challenging encryption decisions under Data Practices Act.
Community & Accountability Organizations
Communities United Against Police Brutality
Long-standing Minneapolis organization focused on police accountability. Natural ally on transparency.
Website: cuapb.org
Legal Rights Center
Provides legal representation and advocacy on criminal justice issues in Minneapolis.
Website: legalrightscenter.org
Minneapolis NAACP
Has been active on police reform issues. Frame encryption as civil rights concern.
Take Action in Minnesota
Everything you need to fight encryption
Minnesota Data Practices Templates
Ready-to-file public records requests
Accountability & Encryption
Why transparency matters
Testimony Scripts
Ready for city council or county board
Hybrid Alternatives
Proposals officials can accept
90-Day Campaign
Complete action timeline
Build Your Coalition
Partner with allies
Minnesota Government Quick Links
- Find Your State Legislators: gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts
- Minneapolis City Council: minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council
- St. Paul City Council: stpaul.gov/council
- Hennepin County Board: hennepin.us/board
- Ramsey County Board: ramseycounty.us/county-board
- Minnesota Data Practices Office: mn.gov/admin/data-practices
Minnesota Can Lead on Accountability
After George Floyd, the world watched Minnesota. Encryption was the wrong response to demands for transparency. But Minnesota's activist community, strong transparency laws, and national attention give you the tools to reverse course. When Minneapolis restores scanner access, it will send a message nationwide that accountability matters more than secrecy.
Take Action for Transparency
Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.
Contact Your Representatives
Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.
Get StartedRead Case Studies
See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.
View CasesSpread Awareness
Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.
Public Testimony
Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.
Prepare to Speak