Le Sueur police chief exemplifies the American Dream

A SEAT AT THE TABLE The Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board is the government entity that sets regulations for training and licensing police officers. Gimenez Stier became a member in 2020, just after the murder of George Floyd, when Gov. Tim Walz expanded its oversight function and increased its membership from two to 17 people. It gave her a seat at the table during the most heated debates and significant decision-making that led to police reforms in Minnesota. In addition to expanding officer eligibility to legal residents, the board can now revoke the license of an officer for violating its conduct guidelines without that officer being charged or convicted of a crime. It can also take action against officers for excessive or unreasonable force. There is a ban on officers associating with or promoting extremist and hate groups. During her career, the pendulum of support for law enforcement has swung between extremes. Today, she says, “That pendulum is broken. We’re rebuilding it with different ideas and with the understanding that society needs that change.” Minnesotans in general are willing to adjust. “The policing has to adjust, too,” Gimenez Stier said. “If you believe change needs to be done, you can be the change. We all have to step up and be part of the community and be part of that change.” 995cd7d7-1a69-4ebf-bd42-3444cca13cbe