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May 19, 2025 (MINNEAPOLIS) – Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara today announced the historic appointment of Ayodele Famodu as Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau and Ganesha Martin as Chief of the Constitutional Policing Bureau. These appointments mark a significant milestone for the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) as they are the first civilians to hold such high-ranking positions within the department.
“These new leaders bring invaluable experience and expertise that will help guide our continued transformation as a forward-thinking, community-focused department,” said Chief O’Hara. “Navigating a consent decree or settlement agreement requires skilled oversight and expert guidance. Bureau Chiefs Famodu and Martin will lead this effort, ensuring that our officers receive the support they need while fostering public trust and accountability.”
Media Availability Today at 11:30 am with the BCs and the Chief – Minneapolis City Hall Room 130 - RSVP to Sgt. Parten at policepio@minneapolismn.gov if you plan to attend
Bureau Chief Ayodele Famodu brings a wealth of public service experience and legal expertise. Most recently, she served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Minnesota, where she was Attorney General Keith Ellison’s designee to the Minnesota Cannabis Expungement Board. Famodu’s career also includes roles as Consent Decree Counsel at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, felony prosecutor at the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Hennepin County Public Defender, medical malpractice defense attorney, and Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. She also served in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps, retiring in 2023 after distinguished service.
In her new role, Bureau Chief Famodu will oversee all internal investigations and guide the Internal Affairs Division, Force Investigations Team, and Candidate Investigations in maintaining the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and professional conduct.
Bureau Chief Ganesha Martin has an extensive background in strategic leadership, policy development, and community engagement. She has served as Chief of Staff to the Baltimore Police Commissioner, Director of Legislative Affairs, Chief of the Community Engagement Bureau, and Chief of Compliance, Accountability, and External Affairs. Martin also served as Deputy Mayor of Public Safety and Emergency Management and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice under two different mayoral administrations, guiding the Baltimore Police Department through federal Consent Decree compliance from 2015 to 2018.
Martin is a nationally recognized expert in constitutional policing and community engagement, and her leadership has been highlighted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and other notable organizations.
In addition to these historic appointments, Chief O’Hara announced several internal promotions within MPD:
- Commander Rebecca Lane has transitioned from the Intelligence Division to lead the Special Crimes Investigations Division (SCID).
- Lt. Paul Albers has been promoted to Commander and will now lead the Intelligence Division.
- Commander Rolf Markstrom will now lead the Force Investigations Team within Internal Affairs.
- Lieutenant Renee Lewis has been promoted to Commander of the Inspections Unit, effective April 20.
“These leadership changes underscore our commitment to building a stronger, more accountable department,” said Chief O’Hara. “I am confident that these leaders will continue to make a positive impact as we advance our mission to serve the Minneapolis community with integrity and professionalism.”
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