I was able to attend a training session today hosted by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
The topic of the training was how we can use new technology like DNA identification and new techniques in eyewitness identification to make sure that investigators develop information to find the right suspect and avoid sending innocent people to trial.
The group of several hundred attendees were a mix of police, prosecutors, judges, public defenders, several medical disciplines, and students. All share the goal of making sure the system works toward the identification and prosecution of criminals while protecting their rights and the rights of the innocent.
I would guess that some of you would be surprised to learn that investigators use tools like DNA evidence, fingerprints, interviews and eyewitness accounts to eliminate innocent individuals from investigations. The techniques help to narrow the field through good case management and working closely with prosecutors and the scientific community to keep those who prey on others out of circulation.
The good news is that new techniques make identification a higher possibility now and substantially reduces the risk of making a mistake, especially with eyewitness identification.
It was great to see everyone involved in the criminal justice system come to this meeting to dedicate our efforts to work together for justice.
You can be be proud of Minnesota for being a leader in the development of legal processes that are found in very few states. Minnesota is one of only 4 states that require the electronic recording of interviews of suspects who are in custody (Minnesota v Scales). The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is one of a very select few sites in the United States designated to receive funding for advanced DNA testing. Minnesota is known for its high standards in the selection and training of peace officers. It has also been my experience that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies work very well together in Minnesota.
Minnesota is the only state in the U.S. to actually begin the task of integrating all criminal justice information systems. The project is called CriMNet.
Combined, this makes Minnesota a leader in the criminal justice field and public safety.