The MSA Connection | Volume 5 Issue 51 | December 16, 2022

PERF Newsletter

Do you know the laws regarding animal neglect or cruelty? How can deputies receive assistance when responding to a possible animal abuse situation? Were you aware that child abuse and animal abuse are often closely tied together?

These questions and more will be answered in our new course, Basics and Animal Law and Investigations. MSA and the Animal Humane Society have partnered to produce a new animal welfare law course, which was introduced at the winter conference. The course is available for sheriff’s offices on the MSA eLearning website http://mnlet.org.

The course was produced to give LE a basic introduction to Minnesota’s animal welfare laws and specifically addresses animal negligence scenarios that are commonly encountered in the course of duty. It provides clarity to officers regarding the enforcement of MN statute 343.21 subdivision 7 - animal neglect.   

The course is POST-approved for 1 hour credit, and you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course. 

MSA’s MNLET eLearning courses assist in the standardization of LE training in Minnesota. Currently, there are over 8000 people with access to MSA’s online training. The Basics of Animal Law and Investigations course is a new valuable resource offered to support LE with training and leadership opportunities.  

New Rick Hodsdon Trainings: Registration Available Soon!

Background Investigations: January 18 & 19 – St. Paul (In Person) or Live Online via Zoom

Advanced Data Practices: February 15 – St. Paul (In Person) or Live Online via Zoom



Advanced Gun Laws: February 16 – St. Paul (In Person) or Live Online via Zoom

BCA Death and Missing Persons Investigative Conference

Learn from an ensemble of Minnesota's leading forensics and investigative experts!

April 12-14, 2023 | Breezy Point, MN

This conference will discuss the complex nature of death and missing persons investigations, the most effective investigative tools and techniques for case management, and identifying specific action plans to improve law enforcement’s response to these cases.

Participants will gain knowledge that will assist them in their missing persons and death investigations. Case studies are presented by medical examiners, investigators and other specialties within the BCA.

More information and agenda topics available soon.

The conference offers a wealth of information presented by top experts in the field. Register today to improve your investigations and network with other conference attendees.

AUDIENCE: Sworn law enforcement and law enforcement affiliates.

POST Credits: 14

Registration Fee: $300

Registration fee does not include lodging. See the BCA website for more information.

As a member of the IACP and its legal advisor group I have access to materials on emerging issues. For those of you who have web sites or are developing them the issue of ADA and accessibility is one you may want to consider and here is a rcent article to start your consideration with your attorneys, IT and any web developers.

In the attached case, which is one that we at MSA submitted an amicus brief on in support of the DOC, the Court in a divided opinion held there were issues of material fact so as to deny qualified immunity at this stage of the case. The case has to do with the use of restraints in medical situations so should be reviewed by both jail and transport staff.

'Tis the Season

From the Anoka County Sheriff's Office on Facebook:

"We don't typically post individuals who have been arrested on social media, but today we have an exception.

At approximately 2:06 P.M. on Monday, December 12, 2022, deputies with the Anoka County Sheriff's Office arrested a well known menace to the holiday season. For too long, he has disguised himself as Santa Claus, and then breaks into homes to steal everything.

Booking Information:

Name - Grinch, The

Charges - Identity theft and burglary

Sheriff Stuart states 'It's sad when some choose a path that is counter to being a productive member of society. We hope that in this case, the suspect may find the opportunity to pause, reflect and allow his heart to grow and embrace the Christmas spirit.'

Mr. Grinch will be spending the holiday season at the Anoka County Jail to ensure all families have a wonderful time of year! "

Santa, Is That You?

From the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office on Facebook:

"It's not very often that our deputies & troopers come across Santa helping out at a crash scene! Thankfully no one was seriously hurt & he could continue on his merry way after EMS & Fire arrived on scene to help us out.

Roads are still slick out there--please slow down & buckle up!

Deputy Kampsen & Deputy King"

Has your agency posted something that you'd like the MSA to repost on social media and/or post in future issues of the MSA Connection? 

If so, make sure to email Will @ wsmith@mnsheriffs.org