Rep. Tom Emmer proposes bill to promote COP House model across the U.S.

St. Cloud Police Department's COP House will become a national model if a proposal by Central Minnesota's Republican Congressman Tom Emmer gains traction in the U.S. House. 

Emmer has reintroduced a bill called the Community OutPost (COP) Outreach and Engagement Act that would create a national pilot program meant to "help law enforcement improve relationships with residents and provide increased access to vital services," according to a press release from Emmer's office. 

The St. Cloud outpost was built in 2017, creating a physical presence at 600-13th St. S — the COP House. It hosts community events such as English language programs, back-to-school events, dental and breastfeeding clinics, legal office hours and kids’ activities, according to Emmer's release.

The St. Cloud effort was inspired by a model in Racine, Wisconsin.

RELATED: Community policing: St. Cloud's COP House provides hub of wellness, youth programming

"The COP House in St. Cloud has given residents a chance to have meaningful interactions with officers from their local police department, while providing officers with the opportunity to build relationships throughout their region," Emmer said in a statement. "Conducting outreach out of this outpost rather than remaining sheltered in a precinct increases comfort for other individuals and establishes interactions with police that are not simply confrontational. Through continued engagement and familiarity, we can improve the way we keep our communities safe."

His proposal would provide grants to help law enforcement, non-profit organizations and critical care providers work together and establish COP Houses. It would be overseen by the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office within the Department of Justice and require a report, monitoring the effectiveness of the programs. 

Emmer introduced this bill in June 2020 after George Floyd died in custody of Minneapolis police because an officer held a knee to his neck for several minutes.

A new Congress began in January, and Emmer reintroduced the bill this month.