New No-Knock Limitations Go Into Effect July 1 in Minnesota

A new law went into effect on July 1st limiting the use of no-knock warrants in Minnesota.

The new law limits the authority of a judge to issue a no-knock warrants—which can now only be issued if it is not possible to search the premises while it is unoccupied and/or if announcing their presence before entering will result in an imminent threat to police officer safety.

Supporters have been strongly advocating for no-knock restrictions since the police shooting of then 22-year-old Amir Locke during a no-knock raid last year.

Furthermore, many believe the new law is a step in the right direction when combating Minneapolis’ racial disparities in policing.

According to the Minneapolis Civil Rights Office of Police Conduct Review, during the five months leading up to Locke’s death there were 29 no-knock warrants issued in the city. 24 of the warrants named Black individuals as the “target,” three named Native American individuals, and one each named Latinx and Asian individuals. None of the no-knock warrants issued during the five month period named a white person.

What do you think of the new law? Two little too late or a good starting point for further reform?