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KARE Investigates: Oversight increase for prisoner transports
Reform legislation was introduced at the statehouse in response to KARE 11’s investigation exposing sexual violence by private prisoner transport guards.
ST PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota House committee has advanced new legislation designed to better regulate private companies that contract to transport prisoners.
The bill addresses issues revealed in a series of reports by KARE 11 Investigates.
KARE 11’s Nowhere to Turn investigation revealed a shadowy industry of unlicensed and virtually unregulated private companies responsible for transporting prisoners across the country.
The failures to provide oversight, both federally and by states like Minnesota, fueled a systemic pattern of rape and abuse.
The reporting linked a single company that contracted with Ramsey County to 21 sexual assault allegations against guards where there had already been charges filed, a conviction, or a lawsuit filed.
“Without this kind of work being done, this reporting, things fall through the cracks,” said Representative Brad Tabke (DFL–Shakopee), the author of the reform bill.
The proposed law aims to enhance oversight and accountability within the prisoner transport industry by mandating licensing for companies operating in Minnesota and imposing stricter penalties for misconduct. Further, it seeks to revoke or refuse licenses to companies whose employees have committed sex crimes or used excessive force.
“This is something that is clearly a gap in our statutes,” said Tabke. “And legislation needed to be written.”
Rick Hodsdon, president of the Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services testified in support of the bill. He told lawmakers state rules already require licensure, but codifying the measure into law will remove any confusion about requirements that led to some companies operating in the state illegally.
Because the companies were not licensed, the state board had no authority to hold them accountable.
“And by having that license,” Hodsdon said, “if their people do the bad things that are being described, there could be sanctions and actions taken against them.” He added, “Without a license, our board is powerless.”
“I think we need to do this,” said Representative Elliott Engen (R-White Bear). “Watching that, seeing it a couple months back when it first broke, it’s heartbreaking and it’s terrifying that we’re allowing that to happen.”
The measure passed through the committee with unanimous bipartisan support. It now goes to the full House for a vote.
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Police are investigating after three men were shot early on Saturday morning.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are investigating after three men were shot in the Ventura Village neighborhood early Saturday morning.
According to Minneapolis police, officers were called to the area around East 21st Street and South 15th Avenue around 5 a.m. Saturday.
Officers found three men had been shot. One of the men died and the two others were taken to the hospital with what police described as life-threatening injuries.
Officials said the shooting happened at a small homeless encampment.
Police have not announced any arrests as of Saturday morning.
KARE 11 will update this story as more information is made available.
This Halloween the chocolate shop is getting very festive.
MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, Minn. — A small sweet shop in a Minnesota river town has won some BIG awards for its chocolates.
St. Croix Chocolate Company in Marine on St. Croix has won national and international awards including Best of Show in this year’s America’s Division of the International Chocolate Awards.
Their chocolates are available at the St. Croix Chocolate Company kitchen or online.
This Halloween they are selling a Halloween Countdown Calendar that features 14 prize-winning recipes made into ghosts, bats, skulls and other spooky configurations. They also have a Boo Bag-handled tote that comes with their “best of” Halloween assortment.
Owner and Chocolatier, Robyn Dochterman, joined KARE 11 Saturday to share what St. Croix Chocolate Company has to offer.
MINNEAPOLIS — Making pasta at home is relatively simple, as long as you have the right tools.
October is National Pasta Month and Red Rabbit‘s Corporate Chef, Adam Lerner, joined KARE 11 Saturday to show us how to make homemade noodles in the confines of your own kitchen.
