The House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee convened on January 22, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the tracking of stolen vehicles and the implications of privacy laws related to stolen property. The meeting highlighted differing opinions on the expectation of privacy for stolen items, particularly vehicles.

Sheriff Fletcher addressed the committee, stating that there is no expectation of privacy for individuals who steal vehicles. He explained that while a stolen car does not afford privacy rights to the thief, there are complexities when it comes to tracking stolen property. Fletcher emphasized that law enforcement's primary goal is to arrest the individuals responsible for the theft, which necessitates tracking the stolen vehicle rather than the person inside it.

Representative Duran raised concerns about the legality of tracking stolen vehicles without knowing who is driving them. Fletcher clarified that tracking is focused on the vehicle itself, and law enforcement must act quickly to recover stolen property. He noted that once a stolen vehicle is located, officers have a limited time frame to track it—24 hours—unless they can contact the owner for further instructions.

The discussion also touched on tactics used by criminals to evade capture, such as creating distractions to draw police resources away from pursuing stolen vehicles. Fletcher acknowledged that while such tactics have been observed, they are less common in Ramsey County compared to Minneapolis.

The committee also heard from Executive Director Potts, who presented an opposing viewpoint from the Hennepin County Attorney's office. Potts explained that the attorney's opinion requires law enforcement to obtain permission from the vehicle owner, a search warrant, or confirmation that the vehicle is stolen before deploying a tracking device. This stance raises challenges for officers who may not have immediate access to this information during a pursuit.

The meeting underscored the ongoing debate over privacy rights concerning stolen property and the operational challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking and recovering stolen vehicles. As discussions continue, the committee aims to clarify the legal framework surrounding these issues to enhance public safety and streamline police operations.