Letters: Civics 101: How we control crime

In civics classes, individuals are taught the separation of powers in government. However, separation of powers expands beyond the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches. Let’s explore other areas where there is separation of powers occurs.

Remember, in Minnesota there are 87 county attorney offices that are staffed at various levels. The county attorney and law enforcement are part of the executive branch. With unique responsibilities, the county attorney prosecutes crimes based on the evidence collected and submitted by law enforcement.

Law enforcement investigates alleged crimes and makes the referral to the county attorney for prosecution. County attorneys are the individuals that charge the alleged criminals and file the paperwork with the court. This is true for all cities that have a contract with the local sheriff’s department or their own police department. Same process.

Pause and think about this. Instead of returning to the office to write the investigation report, which would take a law enforcement officer off the street to write a report, they have a computer in their vehicle to write and submit the report. This also allows the officer to remain available to respond to additional calls.

Now that separation of powers has been discussed, elected officials are called upon to provide law enforcement and the prosecuting authorities the resources necessary to carry out their duties.

The goal is to modify behaviors through law enforcement and prosecution. Lawmakers are called upon to strengthen existing legislation to assistthe county attorney in prosecuting alleged crimes while supporting the investigation arm of the executive branch.

County commissioners and state legislators listen to the sheriffs when an appropriation request comes in for updated equipment because these affect every community within the county.

John Peura, Moose Lake