[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the state will maintain the unprecedented state law enforcement’s presence in the Twin Cities metro area through the Minnesota State Fair. Additionally, Governor Walz announced Metro Transit will be increasing patrol visibility to deter crime at and around its metro stations.

“The crime trends we are seeing at the local and national levels are unacceptable,” said Governor Walz. “I am grateful to the Minnesota State Patrol and Metro Transit for their continued efforts and collaboration on creating a safer Twin Cities. We will continue to support our local law enforcement agencies until all Minnesotans feel confident in the safety of the Twin Cities and surrounding metro area.”

“This effort is about three things – community, partnerships, and exceptional work by our law enforcement professionals,” said Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington. “When these three things work together, our neighborhoods, roads, and cities are safer for everyone.”

“Having a strong, official presence is central to creating a safe and welcoming transit system,” said MTPD Capt. Richard Raymond. “To provide visibility, our officers routinely ride transit and patrol locations where data and feedback tell us they’re most needed. At the same time, we know what happens on transit reflects what’s happening in the community. So, we are grateful for partners whose efforts complement what we do at the Metro Transit Police Department.”

In July, Governor Walz highlighted the Minnesota State Patrol’s successful efforts to address crime and gun violence in the Twin Cities throughout the Summer. The State Patrol have made hundreds of traffic stops in an effort to help stop illegal street racing, dangerous driving, and other criminal activity. Those traffic stops led to dozens of DWI arrests and more than 100 citations for driving without a valid license.

Governor Walz has deployed the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) to work to reduce the rise in crimes involving guns, carjackings, street racing and other violent crimes plaguing metro communities. The State Patrol significantly increased its presence around the Twin Cities over the last few weeks by adding 20 additional troopers and aviation resources to designated areas.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and its partner agencies are focused on homicides, shootings and other gun-related crimes. Since their effort began in the spring, the BCA and its violent crime initiative partners have also worked to disrupt robberies and aggravated assaults and continue to pursue and arrest individuals wanted on felony warrants.

Since spring, Governor Walz allocated nearly $7 million federal American Rescue Plan funds towards the state’s public safety efforts. These funds are being used to combat violent crime and support victims of crime across the state.