May 31, 2020
Dakota County extends curfew to Sunday night
Emergency declaration extended to ensure the public’s safety
Dakota County extended its temporary night curfew Sunday to ensure the public’s safety during rioting and civil unrest in the Twin Cities. The curfew is countywide from 8 p.m. Sunday, May 31 to 6 a.m. Monday, June 1.
The county imposed a curfew Friday and Saturday nights. The extension was approved Sunday by Dakota County Manager Matt Smith in consultation with the Sheriff’s Office and the county emergency manager, as previously authorized by Dakota County Board Chair Mike Slavik. The extension keeps Dakota County consistent with curfews in place Sunday night in St. Paul, Minneapolis and other cities.
We appreciate residents’ support and willingness to follow the order, which has a created a safer situation for the public and local law enforcement. The countywide order expires Monday. After tonight, individual cities have the authority to impose local curfews if they find it necessary.
The curfew was a response to protests and rioting after the May 25 killing of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. Some damage has been reported in Dakota County communities in recent nights.
During the hours of the curfew, people must not travel on any public street or in any public place. Prohibited travel includes automobile, bicycle, foot, public transit and any other mode of personal transportation.
Law enforcement, fire and medical personnel, as well as news media and other authorized personnel, are exempt from the curfew. Also, individuals who must travel to and from work during the curfew are permitted to do so. Individuals seeking emergency care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, experiencing homelessness or traveling for religious services are also exempt.
Violating the county’s curfew order is a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days. Questions about the curfew should be referred to your local police department.
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May 29, 2020
Dakota County imposes night curfew Friday and Saturday
Local emergency declared due to ongoing rioting, looting, vandalism.
Dakota County is imposing a temporary nighttime curfew in all public places overnight Friday and Saturday to ensure public safety following incidents of violence and damage in local communities.
Dakota County Board Chair Mike Slavik on Friday approved a local emergency declaration and a curfew to be imposed countywide from 8 p.m. Friday, May 29 to 6 a.m. Saturday, May 30. The curfew resumes at 8 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, May 31. The emergency declaration allows the curfew to be imposed again Sunday night if necessary.
During the hours of the curfew, people must not travel on any public street or in any public place. Prohibited travel includes automobile, bicycle, foot, public transit and any other mode of personal transportation.
Law enforcement, fire and medical personnel, as well as other authorized personnel, are exempt from the curfew. Individuals seeking emergency care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, experiencing homelessness and having to travel to and from employment are also exempt.
The curfew order follows incidents of violence and damage in Dakota County communities amid widespread protests in response to the May 25 killing of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. The county’s Western Service Center in Apple Valley was vandalized, and damage has been reported in West St. Paul and Eagan. Damage has occurred overnight.
The county’s order is similar to curfews imposed in Minneapolis and St. Paul by Gov. Tim Walz and the cities’ mayors.
Violating the county’s curfew order is a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by a fine not exceed $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days.