The Minnesota Sheriffs' Association is calling for the resignation of Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell following a no confidence vote earlier this month at their winter conference.
Steele County Sheriff and MSA president Lon Thiele says the Department of Corrections is inconsistent when it comes to state regulations in county-run jails, particularly 2911 rules.
Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Rule Chapter 2911 sets minimum standards for all jail and detention facilities in the state, covering everything from inmate health (sick call, medications, hygiene), admissions, classification, activities, food, and security to staffing and record-keeping, ensuring consistent care and operation beyond just the DOC's own prisons.
"The uniformity of the inspection, the uniformity of the medications that we're looking for everything to be concreted, if you will," says Thiele. "In the proper manner to so we can follow what needs to be completed."
In a statement the DOC says inspection and enforcement actions are rooted in law, and supported with documentation to prevent harm, protect life, and reduce legal and financial risk to counties and the state.
But the "non partisan group" of sheriffs from across Minnesota says it takes issue with how the DOC is interpreting and implementing rules at county-run jails.
"We're trying to do the best we can for the taxpayer and understand the safety of the inmates because once they're booked into our facility that's the sheriff's responsibility making sure everyone's safe," Thiele adds.
According to the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, the DOC's inspection process has become burdensome and disconnected.
"When we have 2911 rules that are inconsistent or just not being completed correctly, we want that change we wanna have that updated to make it more efficient for everyone," Thiele says.
The DOC in a statement said it categorically rejects the claim that its actions are arbitrary or unsupported by law.