'Dismantling' Minneapolis Police May Require Voters At Ballot Box

MINNEAPOLIS — The movement to "dismantle," "disband," or defund the police has gained steam in Minneapolis and other cities across the nation following the death of George Floyd. Activists say incremental reforms aren't good enough, and that the entire framework around what it means to police a city must change.

Leaders have not revealed details on what type of law enforcement operation would replace the police. However, on Sunday, a majority of the Minneapolis City Council members pledged to end the Minneapolis Police Department as we know it.

But without the support of Mayor Jacob Frey — who says he supports strong reforms but not the ending the department all together — the council will likely need the support of voters at the ballot box on Election Day. The Minneapolis city charter requires a minimum police force for its residents.

"The City Council must fund a police force of at least 0.0017 employees per resident, and provide for those employees' compensation, for which purpose it may tax the taxable property in the City up to 0.3 percent of its value annually," the charter states.

Amending the Minneapolis City Charter

Under Minnesota law, there are two ways a city can change its charter:

By ballot question: An amendment to the charter is approved by a majority of voters in the city on Election Day.

By ordinance: An amendment may be enacted by ordinance if passed unanimously by the Minneapolis City Council and the approved by the mayor.

"Implementing an alternative to MPD as it currently exists will probably need to go on the ballot in 2021 for approval by voters, and may also require some changes in state laws," Minneapolis City Council Member Andrew Johnson told his constitutions."I support this effort to re-imagine what a better model can be and to move towards one."

"I understand many are skeptical, but what I ask is for folks to remain open-minded and participate in community conversations as they get established," he continued. "We must have a solid plan that has community support. We cannot have a vacuum of law enforcement in the meantime. And the end result must be a safer community for all."

Frey at odds with activists, city council

Frey was booed Saturday after he told demonstrators in Minneapolis that he does not support abolishing the police department. Protesters yelled "Go home, Jacob!" and "Shame!" as he quietly walked away.

Court Orders Minneapolis Police To Make Immediate Changes

Hennepin County Court Monday gave the OK to the structural changes state officials are requiring of the Minneapolis Police Department. The changes are part of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights' ongoing civil rights investigation into the department, which began after the death of George Floyd. Read more.