Dayton not considering any police changes

Gov. Mark Dayton says he doesn't plan to propose any statewide changes to the way police do their jobs in light of national protests over alleged abuses.

In an interview with MPR News, Dayton said no one has approached him about ideas such as requiring police to wear body cameras. If such a proposal does come forward, Dayton said he would want to talk to police about its impact.

Dayton added that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension already has the ability to investigate alleged police misconduct.

“We stand available, the state to assist local governments, to keep matters handled properly,” Dayton said.

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Dayton also said local police departments should continue to promote good community relations.

Dayton, who had the backing of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association when he was seeking re-election this year, also said that police are being asked to react to some of the most difficult problems facing society. He said those problems range from violent crime to child abuse to spousal abuse.

"I know that police, like many others in those professions, are besieged  with ever increasing numbers of ever more difficult situations,” he said.

Protests erupted nationwide this year after white police officers in Missouri and New York were not prosecuted for killing unarmed black men.