![Erica MacDonald, a former Dakota County judge, recently took office as Minnesota's new U.S. attorney, giving the state a presidentially appointed top federal prosecutor for the first time since the March 2017 forced resignation of Andrew Luger. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.stubbe@startribune.com Tuesday, June 26, 2018](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VDW5RT3KEJSIVOTO5N2J4KBD7Y.jpg?&w=1080)
The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded Minnesota $11.6 million to help law enforcement respond to COVID-19-related policing issues.
Minnesota U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald announced Monday that $8 million will go to the state's Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program, which funds things like police overtime, equipment and medical needs.
The rest, $3.6 million, will go to jurisdictions in Minnesota deemed eligible by the Justice Department.
"These funds will provide additional resources for our dedicated public safety officials as they continue to selflessly serve the public during this pandemic," MacDonald said in a statement. "Additionally, these funds are designed to be flexible to support a wide range of initiatives and projects … to help keep our front line officers safe."
Andy Mannix
