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Actions of the new federal administration have brought up questions on several City initiatives and programs. One of these is the federal consent decree jointly filed in federal court Jan. 6 by the City of Minneapolis and the U.S. Department of Justice. Both parties came to an agreement on the consent decree, and it is now in the hands of the judge.
No matter what happens with the consent decree, the City is committed to this work and to building upon the reforms we’ve continued to implement in the Minneapolis Police Department. We will be moving forward with the terms laid out in this agreement, with or without the federal government.
The consent decree can be found on the City’s website.
Report shows City is a leader in key response areas of 311 and BCR initiative; City requested the analysis to review areas of strength and growth
Advancing the work of the Minneapolis Safe and Thriving Communities Report and Plan, City leaders have published the Community Safety Ecosystem Asset and Gap Analysis: Findings and Action Plan. The actionable framework identifies the City's current strengths, existing barriers and strategic opportunities for moving the City's community safety goals forward.
The City partnered with the New York University School of Law’s Policing Project to produce the report. Minneapolis has a strong foundation of programs and personnel, but there are opportunities for improvement as policing and community safety are reimagined in Minneapolis.
The analysis found that Minneapolis has a well-established network and strong foundation for unarmed real-time response services. Currently, about 9 out of every 100 911 calls are diverted to expanded non-police services, which includes the Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR) team, traffic control unit, animal control and 311 and online response. The analysis provides action steps to scale these services for greater impact.
Beyond the strong base for diverted alternative response calls, the analysis also focused on improvements to safety services, their efficiency and how to integrate resources into a comprehensive ecosystem. Action steps outlined refinements to governance structures that promote coordination, accountability, and transparency.
Learn more and view the full report on the City website.
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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara issued an updated Immigration Matters policy on Jan. 16, reiterating the department’s stance on enforcement of federal laws.
Under the order’s Section II. Procedures, it is stated, “The MPD recognizes the fear of deportation prevents some undocumented community members from reporting, interacting, and cooperating with law enforcement. The MPD is dedicated to community policing as a means of reducing crime while building community trust. Therefore, the MPD shall investigate criminal activity without regard to a person’s actual or perceived immigration status. Doing otherwise would have a chilling effect on our ability to provide public safety to our community.”
Further down in the section, it is noted that, “Members shall only initiate the actions above when specifically enforcing laws relating to human trafficking and smuggling where immigration status is an element of the crime.”
Chief O’Hara spoke to WCCO about how deportation of immigrants could affect police work in the city.
“We need to be able to reduce crime in the city. And the only way we are able to do that is if people feel safe enough and comfortable enough that they can trust that they can call the Minneapolis Police and not fear deportation because of it.”
The Minneapolis Police Department has had the Immigration Matters policy in place for over 20 years. View the MPD's updated policy on Immigration Matters.
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Watch the news coverage
Two 2-month-old twins were transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center after being exposed to the drug
Twin babies in a northeast Minneapolis home survived after being exposed to fentanyl and having difficulty breathing, according to Minneapolis Police. Paramedics used Naloxone and CPR to stabilize the 2-month-old twin infants and transported them to the Hennepin County Medical Center.
"Luckily, the doctors were able to revive the baby and both are expected to survive now," Minneapolis Second Precinct Inspector Nick Torborg said. "This doesn't happen very often, but the emergency room doctor who worked on the second infant actually sought out after Officer Fuchs, approached him and shook his hand and told him that his actions saved the baby's life."
Torborg said he's thankful his officers were there to help save two young lives. "They're heroic," he said. "The intelligence they showed and the experience they showed and entrusting their gut feelings; I think it was incredibly impressive, and I'm just proud of them, I'm proud to know them."
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Watch the news coverage
Come get a progress update on the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and Lake Street Safety Center. Hear about services and resources in the centers and how your feedback is being used to shape plans.
Attend the upcoming session to get updates on:
- The services and resources in the future centers.
- How your feedback is being used to shape our plans.
- Progress on both safety centers.
- Other safety programs in the city.
There is one update session left of this series. We encourage residents in Ward 2 to attend this event, but any Minneapolis community member is welcome. A light dinner will be provided to attendees.
Ward 2 Community Engagement Session
In-Person
5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5
Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
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City staff will be available for a Q&A after the presentation. Community members can also learn more about other safety programs in the city.
Learn more on the event flyer:
For more information, please visit the City's Community Safety Center Engagement webpage. You may also watch the previously recorded Dec. 17 virtual session or read a summary for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from the previous sessions.
After months of community engagement, the City of Minneapolis is moving forward to redevelop the City-owned building at 3000 Minnehaha Ave. Sixty-three percent of the respondents favor a mixed-use democracy center proposal. The center would house the City’s Elections & Voter Services, allowing a large ground-floor space for community use. The City is now looking for a tenant to lease that part of the center for community-focused space.
Democracy center proposal
Throughout the summer, the City conducted open houses, conversations and surveys. The most residents favored the democracy center proposal and also showed interest in several uses for the community space, including:
- Social services
- Community-based cultural programs
- Business or commercial uses
Next steps
The City has requested proposals for a tenant who will program the community space. Proposals are due March 14.
The City will proceed with design and renovation plans. The City intends to include the selected tenant in the planning, design and build-out of the community space.
To learn more, visit the City website.
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The City of Minneapolis works all year round to fight human trafficking and protect vulnerable people. We are raising awareness during Human Trafficking Awareness Month with a particular focus on sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of people who may show signs of a substance use disorder.
Signs of human trafficking
Human trafficking thrives in silence, and survivors are often hiding in plain sight. Signs of trafficking include:
- Physical abuse or neglect.
- Missing school or work regularly.
- Telling inconsistent or rehearsed stories.
- Dating someone much older.
- A history of running away or being homeless.
- Sexually inappropriate pictures on social media.
- Unexplained gifts, new possessions or tattoos that represent ownership.
Read more about how we can all help on the City website.
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Due to the recent cold and sub-zero temperatures, community members may be leaving their cars unattended to warm up prior to driving. This can leave drivers susceptible to auto theft.
The Minneapolis Police Department reminds residents that “It is against City ordinance to leave your key in the ignition while you are not in your vehicle.” (Minneapolis City Ordinance 478.160, open ignition – a petty misdemeanor).
Tickets can be issued if a vehicle is left running with no driver present. In addition, insurance coverage may be invalidated if the car is stolen with the keys in it. MPD also reminds residents that it is legal to use a remote start, as the key is not in the ignition and the vehicle cannot be moved.
OCS In the News
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