Police Accountability

The policing system in our community is fundamentally flawed. The Minneapolis Police Department, influenced by the Police Federation, has neglected community policing principles. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights found probable cause of a persistent pattern of racial discrimination, violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Similarly, Justice Department investigations revealed conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law.

Our government has not taken adequate action to address the department's culture. The system, funded by taxpayer dollars, lacks accountability and fosters insecurity in our community. We must demand meaningful reforms to restore trust and safety for all residents.

What We Did: 

Community Commission on Police Oversight Ordinance: Successfully passed six impactful amendments aimed at enhancing police accountability measures. 

  • Ward 9 Representation: Authored and passed an amendment ensuring dedicated representation for Ward 9 on the commission, promoting local voices in oversight.

  • Equitable and Non-Discriminatory Policing: Authored and passed an amendment affirming that all commission members must demonstrate a strong commitment to equitable and non-discriminatory policing practices.

  • FBI Background Check Reform: Authored and passed an amendment facilitating the bypassing of discriminatory background checks, promoting inclusivity in the commission's membership.

  • Chief of Police Performance Evaluation: Authored and passed an amendment establishing a comprehensive evaluation method for assessing the performance of the Chief of Police, enhancing accountability and transparency.

  • Minneapolis Residency Requirement: Authored and passed an amendment clarifying that all commissioners must reside in Minneapolis, ensuring that those overseeing local policing are community members.

  • Meeting Procedure Enhancement: Authored and passed an amendment to establish a protocol for convening meetings in the absence of the Chair, guaranteeing continuity in the commission's oversight functions.

Police Compensation Settlements: The City of Minneapolis is anticipated to allocate nearly $34 million to settle police compensation claims arising from the tragic murder of George Floyd by the Minneapolis Police Department. This financial burden ultimately falls on Minneapolis residents through their taxes, underscoring a critical concern within our community. I strongly oppose this allocation, as these funds could be more effectively utilized for community development and initiatives that genuinely benefit our residents.

Truth and Reconciliation: Developed a comprehensive legislative directive, along with budget earmarks and amendments, to initiate a work plan and a Truth and Reconciliation process for the enterprise. This initiative allocated $265,000 for the 2023 fiscal year and secured an additional $550,000 for 2024.

3000 Minnehaha (Former 3rd Precinct Building): Authored and passed a resolution to remove the former 3rd Precinct site from any future plans for a police precinct and to prohibit the establishment of any police facilities or policing functions at this location. The resolution was approved by the City Council with a vote of 12-1 and was signed by the Mayor.

Intergovernmental Relations: Each year, the Minneapolis City Council adopts a Legislative Agenda, which serves as a crucial framework for our collaborative efforts with various governmental partners (The State Legislature). I strongly believe that forging these partnerships is essential in our pursuit of police accountability.

  • Systemic Justice: Authored and passed an amendment to our Legislative Agenda that supports mandating the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to revise the peace officer code of conduct. This amendment explicitly prohibits any associations with, support for, or advocacy on behalf of white supremacist groups, causes, or ideologies.

  • Data Practices: Authored and passed an amendment to our Legislative Agenda aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. This amendment supports the timely release of body camera footage and establishes a clear process for determining when and how this critical data will be made available to the public.

  • Criminal Justice Reform: Authored and passed an amendment aimed at supporting limiting collaboration between state and local officials and federal immigration enforcement agencies.

  • Police Liability Insurance: Approved an amendment supporting legislative changes that would allow municipalities to opt out of defending and indemnifying peace officers, and mandate that peace officers obtain professional liability insurance.

Looking Ahead:

We need to put a stop to the militarization of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities by ending outdated and ineffective 'broken windows' policing tactics that disproportionately harm our neighborhoods.

Off-Duty Reform: I will support an ordinance that establishes fees to offset the costs incurred when police officers utilize squad cars and other city resources while working for private businesses off duty.

Limit the influence of the Minneapolis Police Officers Federation (MPD Federation) and ensure accountability: prioritize transparent and strategic contract negotiations, and oppose any agreements that lack robust accountability measures.

Transparency in Public Data: I support efforts to improve transparency in the police department. I am committed to:

  • Addressing disparities in stops and arrests affecting Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. 

  • Inventory of military equipment and weapons utilized by the Minneapolis Police Department. 

  • Access to officer disciplinary records for accountability.

Advocating for Transparency in Public Data - A Commitment to Equitable Policing: While the Mayor and Chief hold ultimate authority over the police department, I am a strong proponent of transparency to create an equitable policing framework that benefits everyone in our community. I am committed to advancing this work by pushing the Mayor’s Administration on the following key initiatives:

  • Confronting Disparities: I will diligently work to identify disparities in stops and arrests that disproportionately affect Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. It is imperative that we ensure fair treatment for all members of our community.

  • Comprehensive Military Equipment Inventory: I will advocate for a complete inventory of all military-grade equipment and weaponry utilized by the Minneapolis Police Department. This initiative aims to promote accountability and enhance community awareness regarding the tools deployed in our neighborhoods.

  • Enhanced Access to Disciplinary Records: I will champion the accessibility of officer disciplinary records to foster transparency and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Ensuring that the public has access to this information is vital for accountability and community confidence in our policing practices.

Holding the Minneapolis Police Department Accountable: We must collaborate with the State Legislature to advocate for critical reforms aimed at ensuring justice and accountability within our policing system. 

  • Eliminating the Statute of Limitations: Push for legislation that would abolish the statute of limitations for cases involving individuals wrongfully killed by police, allowing families the justice they deserve without time constraints.

  • Ending Qualified Immunity: Work towards ending qualified immunity for officers within the Minneapolis Police Department, ensuring that accountability is prioritized and that officers are held responsible for their actions.

  • Strengthening Civilian Oversight: Advocate for enhanced civilian oversight of the Minneapolis Police Department, fostering transparency and community trust through greater involvement of citizens in the policing process.