MPPOA Lawsuit: Breach of Data – and Public Trust
A recent lawsuit filed by Madel PA on behalf of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) has brought to light a serious breach of private data and, importantly, public trust.
Read the complaint here: MPPOA v. POST Bd.
The MPPOA lawsuit alleging the MN POST Board violated the MInnesota Government Data Practices Act when it disclosed the names and addresses of 257 undercover law enforcement officers is troubling not only in its own right, but the potential safety risks to which this alleged breach exposes these officers.
Violent attacks on LE are at an all-time high – this data breach potentially exacerbates an already disturbing and concerning situation. Also at risk are the investigations in which some of these LE are engaged – meaning, if investigations are potentially compromised, so is public safety.
The lawsuit seeks relief to “limit the use of the data.” Query, however: is this even achievable? The data has reportedly been available on a public website for several days, raising concerns about its widespread dissemination. This reality poses a significant challenge in tailoring relief that can effectively remedy the potential harm caused to LE.
The outcome of this lawsuit will have significant implications going forward for data privacy practices and the protection of law enforcement officers in Minnesota. The safety and well-being of law enforcement officers and their families, who risk everything everyday, must be the primary concern.
Minnesota State Senator Bruce Anderson (29, R) has called for the legislature to “take action” regarding this breach. With a steadfast commitment to keeping our Minnesota LE as safe as our guiding objective, lawmakers from both parties must agree that a legislative inquiry and possible lawmaking is necessary. We, as Minnesotans, must understand how this happened, fashion a remedy that actually helps LE and increases public safety, and ensure it never happens again.
The lawsuit, of course, is the first and most important step to protecting LE – and restoring the public trust.
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