Minneapolis Policing Practices Are Changing. But is it Enough?

After the 2020 murder of George Floyd, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) opened a multi-year investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and the City.

The investigation found that the MPD engaged in a pattern of racial discrimination and race-based policing, which disproportionately resulted in traffic stops, arrests, and deaths of residents of color.

The MDHR filed a lawsuit against the city based on its findings and laid out a series of recommendations and policy changes.

The city and the MDHR have settled upon a court-enforceable agreement, which the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved earlier this week.

According to the court document, it “is designed to facilitate an improved relationship between MPD and community members through increased transparency and public input…”

The agreement is set to be completed in four years but, according to reports, could be extended if changes haven’t been fully executed.

The 144-page agreement, which can be found on the city’s website, outlines a new set of rules covering policing practices including use of force restrictions, banning “consent searches” and searches based on the scent of cannabis, as well as creating limitations regarding the use of chemical irritants and less-lethal weapons, among other policy changes.

The agreement also states that officers must attempt to deescalate a situation first and, if force is used on an individual, officers must immediately seek medical help for them.

Additionally, the document states that it is an officer’s duty to intervene if they see another officer, regardless of rank, using excessive force on someone.

These policies, along with extensive guidelines for the reporting of all incidents, documentation, review, and investigation, hope to combat the rampant discriminatory practices which have become commonplace within the Minneapolis Police Department.

Do you think it’s enough?

Read the entire document HERE.

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