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Hennepin County Law Enforcement Leaders Condemn New Policy Limiting Prosecution of Low-Level Traffic Stops
Hennepin County Law Enforcement Leaders Condemn New Policy Limiting Prosecution of Low-Level Traffic Stops
Hennepin County law enforcement leaders have voiced strong opposition to a new policy announced by County Attorney Mary Moriarty, which will take effect on October 15, 2025. The policy states that the county will no longer prosecute most felony cases arising from low-level traffic stops, such as expired registration tabs, broken taillights, and other minor equipment violations.
Purpose of the Policy
According to Moriarty, the policy is intended to reduce the disproportionate targeting of minority drivers and allow law enforcement to focus resources on more serious crimes. Citing a 2023 U.S. Department of Justice investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department, Moriarty noted that Black motorists were stopped at more than five times the rate of white motorists. The County Attorney’s Office argues that “pretext stops” rarely result in meaningful public safety benefits, referencing data that show guns were recovered in fewer than 0.5% of such stops in Minneapolis during 2017 and 2018.
The policy is similar to one implemented in Ramsey County in 2021, which Ramsey County Attorney John Choi says has been successful in building trust between law enforcement and the community.
Law Enforcement’s Objections
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and Minnetonka Police Chief Scott Boerboom, president of the Hennepin County Chiefs of Police Association, have publicly condemned the policy. They argue that the policy was enacted without prior consultation with local law enforcement and warn it could have “serious consequences” for public safety.
Witt highlighted that deputies seized 377 illegally possessed firearms in 2025, with nearly half (47%) recovered during lawful traffic stops. Boerboom described the policy as “deeply troubling,” asserting that these stops are a critical tool for confiscating illegal weapons and apprehending violent criminals. Both leaders warned that a blanket refusal to prosecute felonies uncovered during these stops represents a “reckless overreach” that could embolden criminal activity.
A Clash of Ideologies
The policy underscores a broader debate over law enforcement practices. Supporters of Moriarty’s approach contend that pretext stops disproportionately impact communities of color and divert police resources from more serious crime prevention. Conversely, law enforcement leaders maintain that low-level traffic stops are a necessary tool for proactive policing, emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for the unique needs of communities across Hennepin County.
As the policy’s implementation date approaches, dialogue between the County Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement agencies continues, with both sides seeking to address concerns and find common ground.
