Progress Report: Initiative to Advance Equity and Increase Safety and Community Trust
Learn how the Foundation and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office are partnering to establish policy change around non-public-safety traffic stops.
Trust is invaluable for effective relationships between law enforcement and the community. That’s why the Ramsey County Attorney’s office recently released a video with testimonials from law enforcement leaders across the county.
In 2021 Ramsey County law enforcement officers announced they would reduce reliance on non-public-safety traffic stops (for things like one taillight out or something hanging from a rear-view mirror). County Attorney John Choi and police chiefs from Maplewood, Roseville, St. Anthony Village, and Saint Paul wanted to decrease unnecessary traffic stops, while building trust and safety for the community. Black drivers in Ramsey County were four times more likely to be stopped, and nine times more likely to be searched, than white drivers for these minor violations.
With support from the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has been able to leverage philanthropy to support this important work by creating the Ramsey County Public Safety Fund. This fund provides funding for non-public-safety traffic stop research as well as financial assistance to those who may need it in the form of a coupon for repairing equipment, or assistance getting expired tabs renewed.
“This partnership with many of our police chiefs represents a true paradigm shift for how law enforcement agencies handle non-public traffic safety stops in our community and deliver a better version of safety and justice for all,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi.
“I am grateful for the funding provided by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation to create a Ramsey County Public Safety Fund to support this initiative and the real leadership exhibited by our local law enforcement leaders to make this cultural paradigm shift a reality.”
“This partnership with many of our police chiefs represents a true paradigm shift for how law enforcement agencies handle non-public traffic safety stops in our community and deliver a better version of safety and justice for all.”
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi
Since that policy change went into effect, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, along with Saint Paul, Roseville, Maplewood and other police departments, has partnered with Lights On! to transform how non-public safety traffic stops are used in our communities.
Police officers can enter the necessary information on their onboard computers and ensure that the person who owns that vehicle is notified of any issues without ever being stopped. Drivers then receive letters notifying them of the issue and information about how to get a repair voucher or assistance with registration.
Research Findings
In June 2023, Justice Innovation Lab (JIL) released its research and evaluation of this policy shift in Ramsey County traffic enforcement. Research has shown that non-public-safety traffic stops and searches declined significantly for policy-aligned police departments. Stops went down by 86% and searches by 92%. Also, Black drivers in Ramsey County experienced the largest decrease in non-public-safety traffic stops per capita, down 66% in the year after the change. Additionally, traffic stops for public safety issues like speeding and impaired driving went up as a percentage of all stops.
“Before implementing the non-public-safety traffic stop policy, data revealed significant racial disparities that needed to be addressed” said Ramsey County Attorney Choi.
“By listening to impacted residents, following the evidence, and working in partnership with local police departments, we’ve seen clear, measurable success. The data confirms that this approach improves equity and strengthens trust without compromising public safety. The testimonials from our local law enforcement leaders in the newly released video underscore the positive impact we have created by focusing on equity and trust building as a path toward public safety.”
This post was originally published in July 2023, and updated February 2026.
More Stories
Five Ways to Make the Most of Your Year-End Giving
Learn how to be intentional with your year-end giving by following these simple tips.
See the Ways
Showing Up for the Place We Call Home: This Election and Beyond
What we heard across Minnesota this year, what we’re doing about it and resources for election season
Learn More
Our Downtown Headquarters: An Expansion & Investment in Saint Paul
Expansion at Osborn370 will strengthen statewide engagement, expand opportunities for collaboration and offer a new destination for community.
See the News
Moving Money from Wall Street to Main Street
The Foundation's new investment portfolios are creating opportunities for investors and strengthening communities across the state.
Learn More
Honoring Two Decades of Courage, Leadership and Racial Justice
What began as a bold commitment to naming and addressing racism has grown into a celebration of the people, partnerships and movements creating a more just Minnesota for all.
Learn More
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Helps Build a New Future for Rural Minnesota
Learn how the Foundation's investment in Green Acres Milling is creating financial opportunities for the city of Albert Lea
Meet Green Acres Milling
Downtown Saint Paul Draws $15 Million Commitment from Foundation
The Foundation joins Securian Financial and the Bush Foundation in backing downtown’s redevelopment and takes seats on the governing bodies directing the work.
See the News
Turn Financial Milestones into Meaningful Change
Whether you're planning for a business transition, retirement or another major life event, thoughtful philanthropy can help translate success into community.
See How