Minneapolis Police to Undergo Major Reform Under Federal Agreement Following George Floyd’s Death “`
The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a federal agreement on Monday to reform the city’s police training and use-of-force policies following George Floyd’s murder.
This agreement incorporates and expands upon changes the Minneapolis Police Department has implemented since Floyd’s death in 2020, which sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racism.
The consent decree, filed in federal court, mandates that officers prioritize the sanctity of human life, perform their duties professionally and respectfully, and avoid letting race, gender, or ethnicity influence their use of force decisions.
This consent decree places the department under long-term court supervision, a result of the Department of Justice’s investigation into the city’s police force in June 2023.
Department officials alleged that police misconduct, including constitutional rights violations and disregard for the safety of those in custody, preceded Floyd’s death. This was supported by an investigation that corroborated numerous citizen complaints, revealing excessive force, including unjustified deadly force, and violations of the rights of individuals engaged in constitutionally protected speech.
“George Floyd’s death was a tragedy and a catalyst for change in the city and the nation,” stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “This consent decree provides a roadmap for reform, aiding community healing and strengthening police-community trust.”
An independent monitor will oversee the reforms, pending judicial approval. While a hearing date is yet to be set, officials anticipate swift approval.
President-elect Donald Trump previously criticized consent decrees as anti-police. Securing approval before his return to office would hinder his ability to undermine the agreement, as any subsequent changes would require court approval. Clarke declined to speculate on the incoming administration’s approach to enforcing the decree.
The council’s brief public vote followed extensive closed-door discussions.
Council President Elliott Payne expressed gratitude for community support and patience, acknowledging the long and challenging journey ahead. He emphasized the collaborative effort required for success.
Council member Robin Wonsley voiced skepticism about the Trump administration’s commitment to implementing the agreement.
Wonsley stressed the importance of the consent decree for police reform, but highlighted the need for local political will to hold the city accountable for its implementation and enforcement.
A 2023 state court ruling finalized a settlement between Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights after the state agency found a pattern of racial discrimination by the city’s police force spanning at least a decade.
Since April 2021, the Justice Department has launched numerous investigations into state and local law enforcement agencies, many prompted by high-profile police killings. With court approval, the department will be enforcing 16 policing “pattern and practices” settlements nationwide. Clarke cited 30 years of experience demonstrating their effectiveness in improving policing.
Agreements have been reached with various cities, including Seattle, New Orleans, Baltimore, Chicago, and Ferguson, Missouri. A consent decree with Louisville, Kentucky, is pending, while Memphis, Tennessee, avoided a consent decree despite pressure, citing internal reforms.
Consent decrees require law enforcement to meet specific goals before federal oversight ends, a process often spanning years and costing millions. Minneapolis’s hiring of Brian O’Hara as police chief in 2022 was partly due to his experience implementing a consent decree in Newark, New Jersey.
O’Hara noted Minneapolis’s unique status as the first city subject to both federal and state consent decrees, highlighting the potential for meaningful change based on his Newark experience.
O’Hara emphasized exceeding expectations and delivering tangible changes. He expressed confidence in the Minneapolis police force’s ability to foster a safer environment and build community trust.
The mayor expressed confidence in the officers’ ability to embrace the changes outlined in the agreement, urging them to exemplify constitutional policing.
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