In This Issue:

• Minnesota Department of Human Rights Serves MPD Charge of Discrimination
• Curfew Remains in Effect - Tuesday, June 2nd
• Community Resources
• Getting in Touch

Minnesota Department of Human Rights Serves MPD Charge of Discrimination

Today the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) served the City of Minneapolis a Charge of Discrimination, beginning the process for a review of MPD’s policies and procedures of the last 10 years. This is a welcome investigation into whether MPD has “utilized systemic discriminatory patterns or practices towards people of color, specifically Black community members, on the basis of race and in the area of public services.” I look forward to working with the state as we take this important next step in bringing forward the kind of systemic changes we need within MPD. 

Almost immediately following the Governor’s press conference I convened a call with the Commissioner of MDHR, our City’s Director of the Office of Police Conduct Review, Internal Audit and two other Council Members. I discussed my support for:

• Allowing citizen review boards of officer misconduct to have more discipline authority, 
• Officer wellness,
• Creating an Office of Independent Monitor to monitor officer conduct,
• Expanding the City’s ability to audit MPD on an ongoing basis,
• Review our Procedural Justice training utilizing human rights experts,
• Revoking peace officer licenses from officers who are fired for misconduct,
• A comprehensive staffing study,
• Reevaluating overtime policies, off-duty work and scheduling of peace officers,
• Removing Lieutenants from union eligibility.

These are just a few of the ideas I am committed to working on with our state partners. There will be both short term and long term changes that need to be made. These are a few good first steps.

Here is a unified statement the City Council put out earlier this afternoon on the matter:

George Floyd should be alive today.

Mr. Floyd’s death is just one instance of unthinkable violence against Black men by law enforcement generally and the Minneapolis Police Department specifically. Our community, especially communities of color, has a deep mistrust of law enforcement given the actions of Minneapolis police officers over decades.

We welcome and fully support the Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ robust investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department. We urge the state to use its full weight to hold the Minneapolis Police Department accountable for any and all abuses of power and harms to our community and stand ready to aid in this process as full partners. The City Council’s oversight of the Minneapolis Police Department has been historically constrained by the City Charter and state law and we welcome new tools to pursue transformational, structural changes to how the City provides for public safety. We look forward to doing this critical work with our partners at the state, continuing to support the leadership of city staff including Civil Rights Director Velma Korbel and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, and ensuring that community voices are fully centered in the process announced today.

Minneapolis Council Members Kevin Reich, Cameron Gordon, Steve Fletcher, Phillipe Cunningham, Jeremiah Ellison, Lisa Goodman, Andrea Jenkins, Alondra Cano, Lisa Bender, Jeremy Schroeder, Andrew Johnson, Linea Palmisano

Curfew Remains in Effect - Tuesday, June 2nd

The best way to stay safe is to stay home -- and once again tonight, it is the law to do so. Governor Walz and Mayor Frey have imposed a curfew between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. During that time, we all must stay out of public spaces and off public streets. Law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel are exempt, as are other personnel authorized by the City and state. Other exemptions include individuals traveling directly to and from work, seeking care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness. Journalists are also exempted. Violation of the curfew is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.

Community Resources

In these terrible moments, people have been showing up to do amazing things. People are cleaning up, people are bringing food and supplies, and people are taking care of each other and their communities.

Many people have asked for where to bring food, organize clean-up, and volunteer during this time. Here are some important resources for that:

https://www.startribune.com/need-help-want-to-help-twin-cities-groups-offer-resources-for-folks-hurt-by-riots/570894392/

Getting in Touch

My office phone line has been overwhelmed this week with calls from people around the country and world, with more 3,000 voicemails left in recent days. It is critical for constituents to be able to reach me this way, and City IT staff is aware of the problem. For now, Ward 13 residents & business owners should please email linea.palmisano@minneapolismn.gov to get in touch with me.

I am also receiving a large volume of email inquiries. I appreciate your understanding as my staff and I work as hard as we can to be as responsive as possible during this exceptionally challenging time.