Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The murder of George Floyd
The Associated Press
Minneapolis

Minneapolis council members pledge thoughtful police revamp

Gathering at Powderhorn Park
Nine Minneapolis City Council members declare their commitment to defunding and dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department during a gathering at Powderhorn Park on June 7, along with the community groups Black Visions and Reclaim The Block. The council is pledging a thoughtful approach to their proposal.
Liam James Doyle for MPR News file

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Members of the Minneapolis City Council are pledging a thoughtful approach to their proposal to dismantle the city's Police Department following the killing of George Floyd.

Council members sought Wednesday to reassure the Minneapolis Charter Commission, with some commissioners expressing concerns that the council was rushing to push through the proposal so voters can decide it in the November election.

The proposal would eliminate the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a new agency, the Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention. The commission needs to sign off on the question by Aug. 21 for it to be possible to make the November ballot.

Some commissioners asked the council members why they feel a charter change is necessary. Commissioner Peter Ginder said the council has always had the power to cut as many as 180 officers from the force.

"You could have done it last year or the year before or this coming year. There's roughly $20 million that would be available for the office of violence prevention," Ginder said.

Council members say that wouldn't go far enough toward changing how the city delivers public safety services.

Council member Alondra Cano told the Charter Commission that the council has tried to reform the Police Department for the past five years, and she saw all of that work "go down the drain" when Floyd, a handcuffed Black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes. Floyd's death sparked protests around the world.

Commissioner Andrea Rubenstein asked how the council would address people's fears that the process is rushed and lacks details and planning.

"What we're actually describing is a much more planful and intentional process than has often been portrayed," answered Council member Steve Fletcher, a co-author of the proposal. He said council staff should come back July 24 with a plan for engaging the public on the proposal.

Council member Jeremiah Ellison said the proposed charter amendment would "allow us to reimagine public safety entirely" and would "change the culture of public safety" by deemphasizing the "use of armed force as a response to every situation."

Commissioner Dan Cohen said the Charter Commission should hear from the police rank-and-file and its union representative. The amendment would still allow for armed police officers as part of a division of licensed peace officers who would answer to the new department's director.

"I don't think this should be framed as an anti-police initiative," Cano said. She said officers are welcome to be part of the conversation.

The 15-member commission will hold two public hearings on the amendment, including one on July 15.

MPR News reporter Brandt Williams contributed to this report.