Minneapolis Police Chief Withdraws From Union Negotiations

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced Wednesday that his department is immediately withdrawing from contract negotiations with the city's police union. The current contract will be reviewed in light of the death of George Floyd and national calls for police reform, according to the chief.

Arradondo says the move is a part of a longterm plan to remove the barriers to change. He said there is "nothing more debilitating" to a chief's job than when you have grounds to terminate an officer for misconduct, but a third-party mechanism "allows the officer not only to be rehired, but patrolling in our communities."

On Sunday, a majority of the Minneapolis City Council members pledged to end the Minneapolis Police Department, though details on the plan have not been revealed. Asked about the "dismantle the police" movement Wednesday — which has spread into cities across the nation — Arradondo said he will "not abandon" the calls to provide safety to the residents of Minneapolis.

Lt. Bob Kroll, president of the police union, has been a vocal opponent to police reform during his tenure. Kroll is an outspoken conservative and supporter of President Donald Trump, which puts him in sharp contrast with the progressive city council and mayor in Minneapolis.

Kroll is currently working to reinstate the four police officers charged in the death of Floyd.

Asked about Kroll Wednesday, Arradondo said he hopes the union president chooses to be an agent of positive change.

Court Orders Minneapolis Police To Make Immediate Changes

Efforts to reform Minneapolis police from the outside have begun as well. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights — which has launched an investigation into the department — has ordered a number of changes that must take place immediately.