On September 13, 2022, I went to The Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office to interview a police officer. The interview took almost an hour. My goal, as a candidate, was to understand our local needs regarding policing and public safety. This information is the result of that interview.

 

For Big Stone County, regarding policing, 95% of the issues involve mental health. The combination of drugs, alcohol, and mental health are consistent themes when police are involved.

The job expectations for law enforcement have expanded to addressing issues of mental illness. In larger communities, such as St. Cloud, there’s often a social worker who is called-in to help. Here, if an arrest is made, and the person requires going to the hospital, often the police must stay at our hospital to offer security for the hospital staff. In a larger city, the hospital has police security on staff.

 

The police in Big Stone County, generally have positive community engagement and support.

 

After George Floyd, there was a nationwide staffing shortage for the police department. People who were old enough to retire did so due to liability concerns.

 

Younger people are not pursuing this path as a career. In our rural area, the hourly wage is lower than other places in the state due to our lower tax base. There is limited advancement, and the job requires nights and weekends as well as holidays. With so much work transitioning to online, options open for people to explore other careers.

I asked, if I am elected to be the House Representative, how can I support local and regional law enforcement?

 

Provide incentives for public service jobs.

 

Support funding to even out pay scales.

 

They need more public support that changes the narrative around policing.

 

Educational assistance which forgives tuition or offers incentives for this profession.

Addressing rural housing shortages which contribute to labor shortages.

 

There were many takeaways from my interview. A major one for me is that WE can support the police department by providing adequate HEALTHCARE resources and support. Let’s address the root of the problem. This includes more resources and support for drug and alcohol use, abuse, and addiction.

 

I just finished watching all the candidate interviews which were created and aired through Pioneer Public Television, PBS. Many candidates used dramatic concerns of violence as a manipulative ploy for votes.

I believe it is more fruitful and productive to show-up, ask questions, listen, and learn what is needed then make sweeping assumptions that may–or may not–be relevant for our rural communities.