Proposal Would Cut 'Police Department' From Minneapolis Charter

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis City Council Members Phillipe Cunningham, Steve Fletcher, and Jeremy Schroeder Friday will introduce a charter amendment that would remove "Police Department" from the city's charter and replace it with the "Division of law Enforcement."

The Division of Law Enforcement would be made up of sworn peace officers responsible for the core functions of law enforcement and would fall under the Department of Public Safety, according to the councilmembers.

The amendment would require majority-approval from Minneapolis voters on Nov. 2.

"Minneapolis residents have a unified vision for a broader public safety system that keeps everyone in our communities safe and treats us all with dignity," said Council Member Jeremy Schroeder in a statement.

"This change would not only expand our public safety toolbox, but would also improve oversight and accountability -- both of which are critical building blocks of a Minneapolis that is safe and equitable for all."

Known as the "Transforming Public Safety" charter amendment, the proposal aims to create a "more accountable and expansive public safety system," according to the councilmembers.

The councilmembers also note that unlike the last public safety charter amendment in Minneapolis, which was introduced following the death of George Floyd, this proposal clarifies that the city will retain "traditional law enforcement."

"Throughout 2020, we heard from residents from all walks of life about what they want to see from a system of public safety," said Council Member Phillipe Cunningham. "The changes in this proposal reflect that we listened to that feedback."

Under state law, the amendment must be reviewed by the Minneapolis Charter Commission before going on the ballot, even if a majority of councilmembers support it.

The Minneapolis Charter Commission was responsible for keeping the previous public safety charter amendment off of the November 2020 ballot.

The councilmembers are currently working on an ordinance that would clarify the structure, powers, and role of the Department of Public Safety.

"Minneapolis residents are imagining a comprehensive public safety approach that is more effective and more reflective of our values, and they are calling on the city to act," said Council Member Steve Fletcher.

"This charter amendment creates a structure that supports that vision and allows our city to innovate."