The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association has submitted a vote of no confidence in Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell, and has called for his resignation.
The group accused the department under Schnell’s leadership of becoming inconsistent in applying state regulations to county-run jails, saying its actions are not rooted in law and negatively impact taxpayers.
In a Monday statement, Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele said the vote of no confidence reflects how the department’s inspections process has “become burdensome and disconnected from operational realities for safe and effective jail management.”
In a statement, the DOC rejected the accusation. It said the agency has attempted to work with the sheriff’s association on various issues, but that the association’s leadership has not been receptive.
“Actions taken by DOC’s Inspection and Enforcement Unit are rooted in law, supported by documentation, and driven by the obligation to prevent harm, protect life, and reduce legal and financial risk to counties and the state,” the statement read. “When deficiencies rise to the level of serious risk, DOC has a duty to act.”
The DOC inspects and licenses Minnesota’s jails, among other responsibilities. Schnell was appointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019.
The sheriff’s association, which represents all 87 elected sheriffs in the state, did not provide a tally for its vote of no confidence in its news release Monday.
