MN Dept. of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell (Photo / MN Dept. of Corrections)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO/WCCO) – 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.
Steele County Sheriff and Sheriffs’ Association 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 Rule Chapter 2911 sets minimum standards for all jail and detention facilities in the state, covering inmate health (sick call, medications, hygiene), admissions, classification, activities, food, security, staffing, record-keeping, ensuring consistent care and operation beyond the Department of Corrections’ own prisons.
“The uniformity of the inspection, the uniformity of the medications that we’re looking for everything to be concreted, if you will,” Thiele said. “In the proper manner to so we can follow what needs to be completed.”
The Department of Corrections said in a statement that 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 Department 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 said.
The Sheriffs’ Association says the Department of Corrections’ 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 Department in a statement said it categorically rejects the claim that its actions are arbitrary or unsupported by law.
Schnell was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Corrections by Governor Tim Walz in 2019.
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