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: Authored six amendments to improve this ordinance.

• Ward 9 Representation: Secured dedicated representation for Ward 9 on the commission.

• Equitable Policing: Mandated that commission members show a commitment to equitable, non-discriminatory practices.

• Background Check Reform: Enabled the bypassing of the discriminatory background check for inclusive membership.

• Chief of Police Evaluation: Established a process for the commission to give input on the performance of the Chief of Police.

• Minneapolis Residency: Required all commissioners to reside in Minneapolis to ensure local oversight.

• Meeting Procedure: Implemented a protocol for convening meetings in the Chair's absence, ensuring continuity.

Off-Duty Work Fees Ordinance: Approved an ordinance that allows the city to charge fees and recoup funds from officers who use city uniforms, squad cards and gear.  

Allison Lussier After Action Review: Authored a request to the City Auditor to undertake an After Action Review of the City and MPD's actions related to the circumstances of the death of Allison who was a beloved Indigenous woman.

After Action Review of the City's actions in cases involving Davis Moturi and John Sawchak: Authored a request to the City Auditor to undertake an After Action Review of the City's and MPD’s actions impacting Davis Moturi who begged MPD for adequate help and did not receive it.

Truth and Reconciliation: Authored a legislative directive and secured funding to initiate a Truth and Reconciliation process.

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. This is related to the State Legislature. Here are the amendments I have brought forward:

• Systemic Justice: Authored an amendment 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 an amendment 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 an amendment aimed at supporting limiting collaboration between state and local officials and federal immigration enforcement agencies (ICE).

• Police Liability Insurance: Approved an amendment supporting legislative changes to 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 stop the militarization of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities by ending outdated and ineffective 'broken windows' policing tactics that disproportionately harm our neighborhoods.

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.

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 robust police accountability. I am committed to advancing this work by pushing the Mayor’s Administration on the following key initiatives:

• Confronting Disparities: I will 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.

• Coaching Practices and Transparency in Public Data: I support efforts to improve transparency in the police department. I will push the Mayor and Chief to:

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

  • We need to reform this practice and ensure coaching is considered discipline in all reporting requirements.

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

  • Champion the accessibility of officer disciplinary records to foster transparency and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

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 strong civilian oversight of the Minneapolis Police Department, fostering transparency and community trust through greater involvement of citizens in the policing process.