Minneapolis City Council Questions Chief: 'Where Are The Police?'

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Members of the Minneapolis City Council Tuesday questioned police Chief Medaria Arradondo about crime plaguing neighborhoods across the city and what plan public safety officials have to combat it.

Early on in the Council Study Session, Council President Lisa Bender said police officers have told her constituents they are not responding to property and other crimes.

"This is not new. But it is very concerning in the current context," Bender said, suggesting that some officers are standing down as an act of protest against city leaders.

"Residents are asking, ‘Where are the police’?" said Jamal Osman, who represents Ward 6. Osman, who was elected to the council in August, said carjackings and other crimes are far too common in the neighborhoods he represents.

"That is the only public safety option they have at the moment. MPD. They rely on MPD. And they are saying they are nowhere to be seen," he added.

About 100 officers have left in 2020, according to Arradondo, doubling what's typical in a year.

Data reviewed by Minnesota Public Radio shows that violent crimes and property crimes in Minneapolis are up compared to 2019. The number of homicides over the first 9 months of 2020 surpassed total homicides for all of 2019.

The relationship between the council and the city's police department is as strained as ever.

Following the death of George Floyd, council members pledged to end the Minneapolis Police Department. Instead of a police force, they moved to amend the charter to require that the city maintain "a department of community safety and violence prevention."

However, the push to dismantle the department was stalled by the Minneapolis Charter Commission in August. By a vote of 10-5, the group moved to take 90 more days to review it, meaning the proposed charter amendment won't be on the November ballot as council members and activists had hoped.

Bob Kroll, the head of the Minneapolis police union and a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, has vowed to stay in office in order and fight progressive reformers and activists.

Arradondo Tuesday promised his department would work to support and protect the city.