Section 299A.28 Mcgruff Safe House Program

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

Section 299A.28 Mcgruff Safe House Program

299A.28 MCGRUFF SAFE HOUSE PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Symbol.

The symbol of "McGruff" with the phrase "McGruff House" is the symbol to designate a house in this state where a child may seek help when threatened.

Subd. 2.Duties of commissioner.

The commissioner of public safety shall:

(1) design or adopt a standard symbol to designate a safe house that is the "McGruff" symbol used in other states;

(2) make available written information about the safe house program and "McGruff" symbols to school districts and law enforcement agencies;

(3) publicize the safe house program in as many ways as is reasonably practical;

(4) require the appropriate local law enforcement agency to maintain a register of safe houses;

(5) either directly or through cooperation with the appropriate law enforcement agencies conduct background checks on persons who apply to have their house be a safe house.

Subd. 3.Display of symbol.

A person displaying the "McGruff" symbol so that it is visible from the outside of their house must be approved as a safe house by the appropriate local law enforcement agency. The appropriate law enforcement agency must supply the symbol to the person. The symbol is the property of the law enforcement agency, and a person must return the symbol to the law enforcement agency if the agency determines that the house no longer qualifies as a "McGruff" house. Violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

Subd. 4.Safe houses; requirements.

The appropriate law enforcement agency must provide "McGruff" symbols to persons who apply for symbols if they agree in writing to follow the terms of the safe house program and pass a background check by the appropriate local law enforcement agency.