Item Description:
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Regulation of face coverings in county facilities per Minn. Stat. ? 624.72 - offered by Commissioner Conley
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, the County Administrator is directed to amend Hennepin County's Use of Space by the Public in County Facilities to prohibit law enforcement or Security officials from wearing face coverings in County-owned and leased facilities when the purpose of the face covering is to conceal the identity of the wearer.
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Background:
Counties have broad authority to regulate the use of property under their control. State law authorizes counties to "promulgate reasonable rules and regulations" related to the use of county property to ensure egress from and proper use of public property to protect the conduct of public business. See Minn. Stat. ? 624.72, subd. 3.
Consistent with these laws, Hennepin County has a long-standing policy entitled "Use of Space by the Public in County Facilities" ("Policy"), which is designed to promote and control the use of public space in or on Hennepin County facilities. This Policy provides that "[r]easonable time, manner, and place restrictions may be imposed by Hennepin County on any individual or group seeking access to any county facility." From time to time, Hennepin County has made updates and revisions to this policy as issues have arisen.
Allowing law enforcement or security officials to wear face coverings designed to hide their identity in county facilities interferes with the ability of the County to serve its residents. Such use of face coverings creates a culture of fear, diminishes trust in law enforcement, impairs public transparency, and impedes the effective functioning of County government. These consequences run counter to the County's efforts to build resident confidence in local government, promote trust in law enforcement, further public transparency, and ensure the effective and efficient functioning of County services. Use of a face cover...
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