Hodges backs new police investigation team to stem Minneapolis crime

In the wake of increased violence in Minneapolis, Mayor Betsy Hodges on Friday announced new initiatives designed to focus on repeat violent offenders.

The changes include a new violent crime investigations unit made up of six seasoned investigators who will respond to gun violence, track gangs and follow up with repeat offenders.

"Focusing our investigative resources on violent crimes will allow us to more effectively track patterns and connect dots between people and events, and even prevent the next shooting before it occurs," Hodges said, noting that suspects in violent crimes often are involved with more than one offense. "Often, when you solve for one violent crime, you solve for several."

Violent crime in Minneapolis has increased 5 percent compared to last year, and almost 9 percent over two years ago. Thirty-nine homicides have been reported and 222 people shot and wounded in the city so far this year, according to Minneapolis Police Department data.

The number of people killed is higher than previous years, but police say so is the number of arrests for violent crimes.

A key goal of the reshuffling will be to break the cycle of retaliation that can occur after a shooting, by more closely engaging with victims and witnesses, Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau said. Incidents will be investigated even when the victim isn't cooperative.

"Many of our crime victims are either not cooperative, or less than forthcoming, hence the next shooting — street justice," Harteau said.

City officials said that the 526 people arrested in gun-related incidents in the city between January and November this year had accounted for 6,271 arrests since 1990.

There are currently 834 sworn officers in Minneapolis, with the department expecting to put 30 more on the street by year's end, Harteau said.

The new team also includes a dedicated prosecutor from Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman's office in an effort to more successfully prosecute violent offenders, especially former felons who aren't legally allowed to possess firearms.

"If you commit a violent crime, you can't carry a handgun," Freeman said. "If you carry a handgun in Minneapolis, we're going to get you."

Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson said constituents in her north Minneapolis neighborhood are worried about the uptick in violence.

"The focus on violent offenders is exactly where we should be putting our time and effort," Johnson said. "These people cause havoc in neighborhoods and make people feel unsafe, and they aren't always held accountable."