Mike Freeman's Accomplishments
CRIME-FIGHTING INITIATIVES
DNA evidence -- Led judicial and legislative efforts to allow enhanced admission of DNA evidence in rape and other felony cases.
Felons in possession of firearms legislation -- Led fight to impose mandatory sentences for felons caught in possession of illegal firearms.
Aggressive rape and domestic abuse charging teams -- Established teams of prosecutors specifically assigned to aggressively charge and prosecute rape and domestic abuse cases.
Public Nuisance Law -- Led efforts to expand use and enforcement of public nuisance laws -- to help improve the quality of life in affected neighborhoods.
Community prosecution -- Instigated policy that assigned specific prosecutors to specific neighborhoods, promoting continuity and efficiency in combating and prosecuting crime.
IMPROVING THE SYSTEM OF JUSTICE
Founded the Domestic Abuse Service Center -- Led the effort to open the first Domestic Abuse Service Center in the nation -- a one-stop resource for victims of abuse that encourages zero tolerance of domestic abuse -- and offers counseling, protection and legal advice in one facility, under one roof.
Promoted racial diversity in grand juries -- Commissioned task force that led to more minorities and people of color being seated on grand juries.
Indian Child Welfare Act -- Developed special team to work directly with Indian families and tribes to assist and protect Indian children.
Child support collection -- Dramatically increased collection on a county-wide basis; almost $90 million in support was secured in 1998 alone.
YOUTH INITIATIVES
Drop Your Guns Program -- Collected more than 6,000 guns throughout Hennepin County, using a $50 voucher program to encourage residents to turn in their firearms.
Initiated tougher curfew laws -- Founded a seven-county, metro-wide curfew program to reduce juvenile crime as well as crimes against juveniles.
Truancy --Targeted truancy prevention programs and created a Truancy/Curfew Center to aid police in aggressively enforcing both truancy and curfew laws.
Streamlined and opened juvenile court process -- Expedited the legal process in juvenile justice and opened court proceedings for older juveniles.