Minneapolis vows to ramp up police misconduct investigations

Minneapolis will take increased measures to ensure investigations into misconduct by city police officers are carried out properly, MPR News reports.

The series of policy changes are meant to create “a more fair, a more just and accountable police department,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) said.

City attorneys will now be part of each investigation into complaints regarding law enforcement, Frey announced Tuesday alongside other local officials. The attorneys will help to analyze evidence, determine next steps, provide legal advice, and more, according to KTSP. 

City officials believe having external parties involved will strengthen investigation integrity and restore the public’s trust in law enforcement.

“I think this is an opportunity to create meaningful and swift impact,” said Tracey Fussy, assistant city attorney. “With [our] expertise, our hope is to offer support.”

The new plan also will tackle the issue of fired officers being added back to the police force.

A July investigation by MPR News found that half of Minnesota police officers who are let go for disciplinary infractions have their cases either reduced or overturned.

“Our communities, especially our communities of color, have too often paid the price for internal shortcomings,” Frey said. “We, as a city, cannot allow a file languishing on an overworked investigator’s desk to boost the odds of a bad cop being put back on the street.”

The policy revisions are the latest changes instated by the city after the killing of unarmed Black man George Floyd by a Minneapolis police department officer in May sparked months of nationwide protests.