Reflections from the Community Policing Agreement review

On February 25, 2026, community members gathered in St. Cloud to review and discuss the St. Cloud Community Policing Agreement, an important document that guides the relationship between the St. Cloud Police Department (SCPD) and the community it serves.

The Greater Minnesota Worker Center (GMWC) attended the meeting alongside labor partners, community organizations, immigrant advocates, and local residents who came prepared to engage in dialogue about public safety, community trust, and the role of local law enforcement during a time of heightened concern regarding immigration enforcement activities in St. Cloud and surrounding communities.

The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to learn more about the Community Policing Agreement, ask questions, share concerns, and discuss how trust can be strengthened between law enforcement and the diverse communities that call St. Cloud home.

Understanding the Community Policing Agreement

The Community Policing Agreement is the result of numerous discussions and good-faith collaborations between the department and members of the community that was initially created in 2005.

The agreement was created to strengthen communication, transparency, and mutual understanding between law enforcement and residents. It reflects a shared commitment to building positive relationships and fostering trust throughout the community.

The agreement serves several important functions:

• Outlining policies and procedures related to Fair and Impartial Policing.

• Explaining the complaint process available to community members.

• Reinforcing the importance of strong community relations and shared responsibility between law enforcement and residents.

• Promoting transparency and accessibility by making the document available in multiple languages.

At its core, the agreement recognizes that effective community policing depends not only on law enforcement agencies but also on active participation and engagement from community members themselves.

Community Concerns Regarding Immigration Enforcement

While attendees appreciated the opportunity to review the agreement and engage in dialogue, many community members used the meeting to raise concerns about the impact of recent immigration enforcement activities throughout St. Cloud and the surrounding region.

Representatives from labor organizations, immigrant advocacy groups, faith communities, and community-based organizations spoke about the fear and uncertainty that many immigrant families have experienced as a result of increased ICE activity.

Participants shared concerns about how immigration enforcement actions have affected workers, families, students, and residents who may be reluctant to report crimes, seek assistance, access public services, or engage with institutions due to fear and mistrust.

For many attendees, these concerns are directly connected to the goals of community policing. Community members emphasized that trust between residents and law enforcement is difficult to build when families feel unsafe or uncertain about how immigration enforcement activities may affect them.

GMWC’s Participation

The Greater Minnesota Worker Center attended the meeting because we believe that workers and immigrant families deserve a voice in conversations that affect their safety and well-being.

Many of the workers we organize are immigrants who contribute significantly to the economic and social fabric of Greater St. Cloud. Their experiences and concerns must be part of any discussion about public safety, trust, and community relations.

Alongside our labor and community partners, GMWC raised concerns about the impacts that recent immigration enforcement activities have had on local families and workers. We also emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and ensuring that community members feel safe reporting crimes, seeking assistance, and participating in civic life.

Building Trust Through Dialogue

One of the key themes that emerged from the meeting was the importance of continued dialogue between law enforcement and community members.

The Community Policing Agreement was originally developed through collaboration and community input, and many participants stressed that maintaining trust requires ongoing communication, transparency, and accountability.

While attendees expressed differing perspectives on current challenges facing the community, there was broad recognition that meaningful engagement is necessary to address concerns and strengthen relationships moving forward.

Looking Ahead

The February 25 showed a need to consider possible revisions or new inclusions that can incorporate the many lessons learned during the recent surge in ICE activity. Community members have been invited into a review process with St Cloud PD with meetings occurring: 

• 7-May from 1-3pm at St Cloud PD
• 27-May from 5-7pm at St Cloud City Hall
• 25-June from 5-7pm at St Cloud PD
• 23-July from 5-7pm at St Cloud PD
• 20-August from 5-7pm at St Cloud PD
• 17-Sept from 5-7pm at St Cloud PD

GMWC is working with interested community members and partners in Fe y Justicia and Americans for Democracy to also have working session meetings in-between the meetings with the St Cloud PD to help discuss community concerns in detail to better relay those concerns during the brief time we get with the SCPD. Feel free to email us if you would like to also attend, [email protected].

In solidarity,

Greater Minnesota Worker Center