Minneapolis Police Department Desperate for Recruits—Offers Free College Tuition

Following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, the department has experienced historically low recruitment numbers.

The disgraced department, which recently faced a Department of Justice investigation over discriminatory policing, is seeking 200 new officers and about 20 operators for its 911 call center.

Now, en lieu of extensive internal work to reform the department, they’re offering an added bonus for new recruits—free college tuition.

According to Chief of Police Brian O’Hara, as an incentive, the department will pay for your tuition and books if you choose to pursue college while working for the MPD.

Community Safety Commissioner Cedric Alexander, on the other hand, believes the Minneapolis Police Department is a changed entity.

In a WCCO radio interview, Alexander insisted, “The way that we're advancing ourselves. We look back, learn from our past, and we're moving forward. We have new ways of doing business, new ways of engaging our community, and our community that is actually reaching back to its public safety platforms."

Alexander continued, “I see these vacancies as an opportunity to staff our public safety departments with skilled, talented and competent staff who will support our efforts in transformative change.”

What do you think? A changed department, an incentive created out of desperation, or more of the same?

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