 Amanda Harrington, the newly appointed Director of the Neighborhood Safety Department, has identified restoring public trust as her top priority. The department has faced challenges in recent times, and Harrington is committed to rebuilding confidence among community members. She plans to implement transparency measures and engage with local residents to address safety concerns effectively. The report by FOX 9's Paul Blume highlights Harrington's strategic approach to revitalizing the department's reputation and fostering a safer environment for all.
Watch the news coverage
 On May 6, Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his annual State of the City address at the Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake St.—an immigrant-owned business in an area heavily impacted by the 2020 civil unrest and the pandemic.
Joined by state and local elected officials, members of the Minneapolis City Council, City staff, and community leaders, Mayor Frey outlined a clear message: Even as national leadership falters, Minneapolis is on the right track. Mayor Frey’s address centered on the power of local government to meet the moment with competence, compassion, and commitment—especially in contrast to the chaos and uncertainty stemming from the Trump administration.
As the federal government threatens community safety, education, affordable housing, climate action, and civil rights, Mayor Frey reiterated the City of Minneapolis’ commitment to each of these areas. You can read Mayor Frey's State of the City remarks on the City's website.
Watch the news coverage
 The Office of Community Safety (OCS) has selected Jared Jeffries to serve as the inaugural Deputy Commissioner for Community Safety. In this new role, Jeffries will oversee more coordinated interdepartmental operations and spearhead the integration of the City’s community safety reform work, including the Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement, the Department of Justice consent decree, and the Safe and Thriving Communities plan. Previously serving as OCS Chief of Staff, Jeffries took his Deputy Commissioner Oath of Office on April 22.
“This position was designed with a very clear purpose and intention,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “To ensure we have a very experienced and highly skilled leader to be able to bring all of our different entities together.”
Deputy Commissioner Jeffries shared why he wanted to represent the City of Minneapolis when he was first hired four years ago. “I saw this really unique opportunity to build something here in Minneapolis, unlike anywhere else in the country,” Jeffries said. “I saw that there was a willpower and a want by the policymakers here, the people who live here to really build something cutting edge and to make Minneapolis not just one of the safest cities in America, but doing so in a way that is fair and equitable to the people that we serve.”
Jeffries also brings valuable experience and education as both an attorney and journalist to the Deputy Commissioner role. He received his bachelor’s degree in Convergence Journalism and Political Science from the University of Missouri, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Read the full press release.
Medals of honor and lifesaving awards were given to team that responded to the chaotic shooting scene during the tragic line-of-duty death of Officer Jamal Mitchell in 2024
 A group of MPD officers were recognized with the Lifesaving Award for their bravery and heroism on May 30, 2024. Front row, left to right: Officer Charles Keith, Officer Alexandra De Lugo, Officer Nicholas Kapinos, Officer Luke Kittock and Officer Kelly Damon. Back row, left to right: Officer Timothy Callahan, Lieutenant David Garman and Officer Kody Hetmaniak.
Over 100 Minneapolis police officers were honored at the annual 2024 Awards Program on April 30 at the Ukrainian American Community Center.
“It’s a moment to reflect and appreciate, some of the incredible heroic acts that have taken place over this last year,” O’Hara said, welcoming honorees and their families. “We recognize the sacrifices that you have made. We also recognize the sacrifices that your respective families have made. It's not an easy thing to say goodbye to a loved one in the morning, recognizing that they're a hero and that they will engage in courageous acts."
This year's recipients included:
- 16 Chief’s Awards of Merit
- 1 Citizen’s Distinguished Service Award
- 1 Distinguished Service Awards
- 10 Department Awards of Merit
- 5 Excellence in Investigation Awards
- 22 Excellence in Tactics and De-Escalation Awards
- 16 Medals of Commendation
- 3 Citizen’s Lifesaving Awards
- 22 Lifesaving Awards
- 2 Medals of Valor
- 19 Medals of Honor
Year-end awardees included:
- Unit and Division Citation Awards: Two recipients -
The License Investigation Unit and Homicide Unit
- Civilian of the Year: Steven Beery
- Investigator of the Year: Officer Elise Hinderliter
- Park Officer of the Year: Officer Karl Zabinski
- Officer of the Year: Officer Chad Fuchs
(pictured right with Chief O'Hara)
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MPD Purple Heart Medal
Chief O'Hara initiated a department-wide award program called the Purple Heart, recognizing officers who sustained traumatic or life-threatening injuries in the line of duty, or most tragically, lose their life in the line of duty. This year's Purple Heart Medal was awarded posthumously to Officer Jamal Mitchell, who was fatally shot on May 30, 2024. MPD will never forget the service and sacrifice Officer Mitchell gave protecting his city and community.
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The City of Minneapolis is seeking applicants to join the Safe and Thriving Communities work group. Members will provide community feedback as the City develops its community safety ecosystem. This includes services and procedures around prevention, non-police response, restoration, and community safety centers.
Individuals who have specific expertise or lived experience in violence prevention services, unarmed violence intervention services, restorative justice and healing services, or the criminal justice system, are encouraged to apply.
Members will track the implementation of the Safe and Thriving Communities Plan, identifying gaps, advising on policies and the budget, and offering feedback. The group would also be instrumental in creating community engagement opportunities.
Applications are open through May 18. For more information and to apply, visit the Safe and Thriving Communities Work Group webpage.
You can also share the opportunity with this promotional flyer.
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Our City is committed to safe walking and biking for kids
 Minneapolis is one of two cities in the country to receive the 2025 Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award from the National Center for Safe Routes to School. Now in its eighth year, the Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award honors cities, counties, and tribal governments working to eliminate severe injuries and deaths among children walking and biking.
Minneapolis was recognized for prioritizing youth transportation safety by focusing on policy changes, improving transportation infrastructure, and cultivating strong partnerships.
"Our kids need to be focused on what they're learning in school, not whether or not they're going to get there safely," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "This award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating safer streets, where every child and every adult can walk and bike without worry." Read the full story on the City's website.
The Human Services Adult Behavioral Health area is seeking to hire a Senior Social Worker (SSW) to assist in the early identification and intervention for individuals with mental health, medical, and substance use needs who have contact with the City of Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center (MECC). This position will be embedded in MECC. This position will provide consultation, problem-solving, support and resources to 911 callers experiencing behavioral health emergencies and/or calls where a social work intervention may be appropriate.
Learn more about the position on the Government Jobs website.
The Community Commission on Police Oversight is hosting a public hearing May 13, and you're invited to share your thoughts. This is a space for community members to give input on Minneapolis Police Department policies, rules, practices and special orders. We hold these hearings to make sure community voices are part of shaping how public safety works in our city.
The commission will be soliciting feedback for the three policies below. Please review the policies ahead of May 13 and provide your feedback at the public hearing or send a written comment.
Public hearing
Those who are interested in speaking in the public hearing may register.
Written comments
Written comments may also be submitted for the record of this public hearing either: At the public hearing; online through the City website; or by mail to the Office of City Clerk, 350 Fifth St. S., Room 304, Minneapolis, MN, 55415
Meeting details
The public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the Public Service Building, Room 100, 505 Fourth Ave. S.
Learn how to participate in a public hearing.
Air Quality Awareness Week comes as we spend more time outside, and the backyard fire season begins. Air quality affects everyone, especially people with asthma or other breathing challenges.
Minneapolis fire rules and recommendations to keep our air safe and clean
- Limit fires.
- Let neighbors know when you’re planning a fire.
- Recreational fires are only allowed between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Keep fires small: Less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
- Skip fires on windy days.
- Burn only untreated, unpainted, dry wood.
- Keep a hose or fire extinguisher nearby.
- Don’t burn during an air pollution advisory day. Sign up for air quality alerts from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Watch a video for safety tips about recreational fires.
Sources of air pollution
Vehicle exhaust, gas-powered landscaping equipment and other environmental hazards contribute to poor air quality and climate change.
Air monitoring project
The community air monitoring project was launched to improve air quality across the city. The Health Department installs the sensors and monitors the data to help us focus on our most impacted areas. Learn how to host an air sensor and reduce poor air quality.
OCS In the News
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