It was four years ago Monday that Philando Castile was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights by a St. Anthony Police officer.
On the solemn anniversary, state public safety officials announced updates to the driver's manual (see pg. 40) regarding the way people in motor vehicles should carry and announce the presence of their legal firearms during a traffic stop.
DPS Commissioner John Harrington said the guide now lays out how these stops should transpire.
"What we want you to do is to stay in the car with your hands some place we can see them and talk to us," he said. "Tell the officer and let the officer give you directions as to what you should do."
According to DPS, drivers should also tell the officer the firearm's location while keeping their hands on the steering wheel. Drivers should not "reach around inside the vehicle" or get out of the car "unexpectedly."
The guidelines are being spread through officers' training updates, Harrington said.
Castile's mother Valerie Castile, who has lobbied and testified for changes to prevent another death like her son's for years, joined DPS officials Monday.
"It's not a 'you' thing, it's not a 'me' thing, it's an 'us' thing," Castile said. "We have to do everything possible to prevent the killing of citizens in our country."
Philando Castile told officer Jeronimo Yanez that he was carrying a weapon right before he was shot several times. Yanez was acquitted in court, but is no longer a police officer.
Valerie Castile lamented she is no longer able to hug and talk to her son, but she is keeping busy with more goals to honor and commemorate her son.
"We're just taking it every day one foot in front of the other and God is carrying us through," she said. "It has been a rough journey, it has been hurtful, but my fellowship with God is leading the charge."
She said she would love to open an apartment building for single mothers connected to support from social workers and access to resources or entrepreneurial help.
"He was a loving, compassionate and giving person so we want to continue to give that love and compassion to our communities."