Minnesota Police Officers Endorse Rep. Atkins

State Rep. Joe Atkins received the endorsement of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) Tuesday morning, according to a release from the Atkins campaign. 

Representing more than 8,500 police officers from across the state, the MPPOA joins in his bid for re-election this fall.

"This endorsement is without reservation," MPPOA spokesperson Dennis Flaherty said in a handwritten letter to Atkins. "It is our hope that our endorsement will advance your candidacy." 

According to the the campaign, Rep. Atkins has worked hard to improve public safety as a legislator:

"(Rep. Atkins) authored Kelsey’s Law to help police find missing children. He also worked with Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom to close a loophole that enabled a convicted sex offender to gain custody of an unrelated child, something that happened in Hastings with tragic consequences.  

"In addition, the 'Atkins Amendment' to the state’s meth law in 2007 made Minnesota’s law the toughest in the country. Passage of the law led to a whopping 96 percent decrease in meth labs in Dakota County, and an 80 percent drop statewide. All of Atkins’s efforts have enjoyed bipartisan support."

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of Minnesota’s police officers," Rep. Atkins said in a statement to Patch. "Police officers are willing to put everything on the line each day. The least we can do is stand up for them at the state legislature."

Atkins, 46, is a small business owner, attorney, and former Mayor of Inver Grove Heights.  He and his wife, Julia, are lifelong residents of Inver Grove and have three children.