Minneapolis Approves Landmark Police Reform: Federal Consent Decree to Address Racial Bias and Use-of-Force

Minneapolis Approves Federal Agreement to Reform Police Practices

The Minneapolis City Council has approved a landmark agreement with the federal government to overhaul police training and use-of-force policies, marking a significant step towards addressing police brutality and racism in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

The 171-page agreement, known as a consent decree, places the Minneapolis Police Department under long-term court supervision and emphasizes the sanctity of human life while prohibiting racial, gender, or ethnic bias in use-of-force decisions.

This development follows a critical Department of Justice report issued in June 2023, which highlighted systemic racial discrimination and constitutional violations by the police. The report was based on a two-year investigation that confirmed longstanding citizen complaints about police conduct.

An independent monitor will oversee the implementation of changes, pending court approval. The agreement aims to be finalized before any potential change in federal administration, as concerns have been raised about the enforcement of such decrees under different leadership.

Council President Elliott Payne stressed the importance of community unity and acknowledged the long journey ahead for reform. However, some council members, including Robin Wonsley, expressed skepticism about future federal commitment to enforcing the agreement and emphasized the need for local political will to ensure accountability.

This federal agreement complements a similar state-level agreement approved in 2023 between Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. It also joins a growing list of similar investigations and settlements initiated by the Justice Department in cities across the United States since April 2021.

Implementation of the consent decree is expected to be a lengthy and costly process, with specific goals required to be met before federal oversight can be removed. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who has experience with consent decrees, aims to exceed expectations and create meaningful change.

Mayor Jacob Frey expressed confidence in the police department’s ability to implement the changes and set an example for constitutional policing nationwide. As Minneapolis moves forward with this significant reform effort, the city joins other major urban centers like Seattle, New Orleans, and Chicago in navigating the complex process of police department overhaul under federal supervision.