In This Issue:

• Department of Human Rights Issues Temporary Restraining Order Against MPD
• What to Expect Tonight
• Governor Walz Turns the Dial on COVID-19 Restrictions Starting June 10th
• Community Resources
• Getting in Touch

Department of Human Rights Issues Temporary Restraining Order Against MPD

There’s been a lot of confusion regarding what today’s emergency City Council meeting was about. Unlike anything ever done before in Minnesota, we have been asked to be a partner with the State in suing the City. This partnership is not optional, and I am hopeful that it will help us dig deeper to make important and transformative change. Some of this change I have been working on for years and am excited to have the State join us in this work.

Today the Minneapolis City Council approved the terms of a stipulation for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). Earlier this week the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) launched an investigation into the MPD after filing a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd. This means MDHR, with the full cooperation of the City of Minneapolis, will investigate policies, procedures and practices over the past 10 years to determine if the MPD has engaged in systematic discriminatory practices toward people of color and ensure any such practices are stopped.

This TRO will have two primary phases. 1. Implementing immediate changes, and 2. Strategic implementation and next steps.

Today's approval included some of those immediate changes meant to end some of the imminent harm posed to our residents. This is different than a normal City ordinance or local rule. It carries the full weight of Minnesota state law, and those found in violation will be found in contempt of court.

The order specifies that MPD and the City must implement the following measures immediately:

• MPD must ban neck restraints or choke holds for any reason within 10 days of the effective date of this order.
• Regardless of tenure or rank, any member of the MPD who observes another member of the MPD use any unauthorized use of force, including any choke hold or neck restraint, has an affirmative duty to immediately report the incident while still on scene by phone or radio to their commander or their commander’s superiors.
• Regardless of tenure or rank, any member of the MPD who observes another member of the MPD use any unauthorized use of force, including any choke hold or neck restraint, must attempt to safely intervene by verbal and physical means, and if they do not do so they are subject to discipline to the same severity as if they themselves engaged in the prohibited use of force.
• Only the Police Chief or the Chief’s designee at the rank of deputy chief or above may authorize the use of crowd control weapons during protests and demonstrations.
• The police chief must make timely discipline decisions as outlined in the order.
• Civilian body warn camera analysts and investigators with the City’s Office of Police Conduct Review have the authority to proactively audit body worn camera footage and file or amend complaints on behalf of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department.

Some of these have already been internal policies within MPD under the leadership of Chief Arradondo. However, this TRO again applies the full weight of the Minnesota court system and clarifies that those who turn a blind eye to misconduct will be just as guilty as those committing the crime.

The order also commits the City to working with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on several fronts to build toward systemic change within MPD as part of the long-term investigation.

The City will prepare a report listing all of the State of Minnesota laws that impede public transparency of police data and/or prevent the mayor and police chief and/or impede civilian oversight from disciplining and terminating police officers who do not adhere to Minneapolis Police Department policies and standards. The report is due by July 30, 2020.

What to Expect Tonight

First and foremost, I want to echo Governor Walz and his sentiments that we did an excellent job at adhering to the curfew rules and reporting suspicious activity throughout the week. These collective actions allowed the coordinated response team the space and information to respond quickly to calls for assistance. Thank you.

While there is NO CURFEW tonight or set for the immediate future, the coordinated response team is encouraging folks to stay home after dark. The multi-agency command center will still be fully operational and coordinating the efforts of many local jurisdictions as we phase out state troopers and the national guard. As a reminder, if you see vehicles without license plate numbers, you can call: MPD Tip Line 612-348-2345. This is a new line that is working 24 hours/day.

As was mentioned earlier this week, the Governor’s office will continue to decommission National Guard members and send them home to their regular occupations. You will however still see their presence and activity throughout the weekend.

The Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) will continue it’s joint efforts with the Minneapolis and St. Paul Fire Departments to respond to, investigate and collect potential incendiary devices throughout the Twin Cities.

The FBI and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) continue to investigate and respond to calls about individuals openly carrying firearms.

Once again, if you see any suspicious activity call or text 911 immediately. If you can safely take photos please do so as well.

As the efforts of the National Guard and State Patrols begin to wind down I want to assure you that the coordinated efforts behind the scenes between all the agencies listed above are still continuing. Investigations will continue to occur and even ramp up as resources are redirected towards understanding everything that has happened over the past week. As that happens I will continue to provide updates, as they are made available, to keep you all aware of what is happening.

Governor Walz Turns the Dial on COVID-19 Restrictions Starting June 10th

I must admit that when I saw this infographic, I found it very confusing. Let me explain. Governor Tim Walz today announced Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious and safe re-opening of indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues beginning Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Customers and employees will be either strongly recommended or required to wear masks and will be required to adhere to appropriate social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Limited re-opening of dine-in restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues can begin on Wednesday, June 10. Occupancy rates will be limited based on risk, with an overall occupancy maximum of 250 people. All critical businesses are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan by June 29, and the Department of Health (MDH), Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will publish industry guidance by June 15. Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan:

• Restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy.
• Indoor social gatherings can take place with 10 people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less.
• Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity.
• Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity.
• Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums may open at 25 percent capacity.
• Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and barbershops, may increase occupancy rates to 50 percent while requiring reservations.
• Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts, and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity.
• Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent.

Since the start of Minnesota’s COVID-19 peacetime emergency, the State of Minnesota has prepared for a gradual re-opening by working with the health care sector to expand health care capacity and procure ICU beds, ventilators, and personal protective equipment.

Restaurants, salons, and barbershops have been able to offer limited service since June 1. Takeout, curbside, and delivery services have been permitted throughout the pandemic in Minnesota.

Community Resources

Residents of Minneapolis and surrounding communities 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/
• City Pages has compiled an excellent list of ways we can show up for each other right now: http://www.citypages.com/restaurants/ready-to-rebuild-these-groups-and-businesses-could-use-your-help/570877611
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine has a great list of many black-owned business that we can all support: http://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/black-owned-businesses-in-the-twin-cities/

Getting in Touch

My office phone line has been overwhelmed this week with calls from people around the country and world, over 4,000 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.