Troopers Start 'HEAT Patrols' On Twin Cities Highways

MINNEAPOLIS — Drivers in the Twin Cities metro will notice a significant Minnesota State Patrol presence on freeways this week. Troopers will conduct Highway Enforcement for Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) patrols.

The HEAT Patrols begin Monday night. The patrols will take place from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. for the next 10 nights.

Troopers will prioritize Interstate 94 between downtown and Interstate 694 and will focus on both excessive speed enforcement and criminal activity.

In addition to squad cars on the freeway, the State Patrol will increase its "aviation support" to crack down on drivers who try to flee a traffic stop.

"Some drivers are speeding for no reason, while others are fleeing police after committing a crime," said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, said in a news release.

"These HEAT patrols will increase our presence on the freeways so we can stop speeders and catch criminals who attempt to escape. If you don’t pull over we’re going to find you with our aviation assets."

The decision to conduct HEAT patrols came from a meeting between the Minnesota Police Chiefs and Sheriffs associations last week, which focused on how to address rising crime rates in the metro.