MINNEAPOLIS — On Monday, the Minneapolis City Council gave its approval to an agreement with the federal government aimed at reforming the city’s police training and use-of-force policies following the murder of George Floyd.
This arrangement builds upon the modifications already implemented by the Minneapolis Police Department since Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a white officer in 2020, igniting national discussions on police brutality and systemic racism.
The comprehensive 171-page agreement was filed in federal court immediately after the council voted unanimously, 12-0, in favor of it.
Central to the document is the requirement that officers “promote the sanctity of human life as the highest priority in their activities.”
Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement duties be carried out with respect for the dignity of all individuals and prohibits any influence of race, gender, or ethnicity on the choices made regarding the use of force.
This agreement, termed a consent decree, places long-term court oversight over the police department, a measure that had been under discussion since the Department of Justice issued a damaging evaluation of Minneapolis police practices in June 2023.
The Department highlighted instances of systematic racial discrimination, constitutional violations, and neglect of custody safety long before Floyd’s death.
The report was the outcome of an extensive investigation spanning two years, affirming numerous complaints made by citizens regarding police behavior.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who heads the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, stated, “George Floyd’s death was not merely a tragedy; it served as a catalyst for change both in the city and across the nation.”
She emphasized that with this consent decree, there exists a framework for reform that will not only aid community healing but also foster trust between law enforcement and community members.
Oversight of the proposed changes will be conducted by an independent monitor, with judicial approval required for the alterations.
Although a court hearing date is still pending, officials express hope for a swift endorsement.
While President-elect Donald Trump previously criticized consent decrees as being anti-police during his first term, finalizing the Minneapolis agreement before his anticipated return to office on January 20 could complicate efforts to undermine such deals, as any modifications would necessitate court consent.
Clarke refrained from commenting on how the incoming administration might approach enforcement of the consent decree.
Following an extensive closed session, the council’s public vote was brief.
Council President Elliott Payne expressed gratitude towards the community’s solidarity and patience throughout this challenging process, acknowledging that this is just the beginning of their long journey ahead.
He conveyed that success hinges on collective efforts regarding what he termed a crucial issue for the city.
Council member Robin Wonsley voiced skepticism regarding the Trump administration’s commitment to the agreement’s implementation, noting the need for local political determination to ensure accountability for its enforcement by the city and the Mayor Jacob Frey administration.
In 2023, a similar agreement was authorized by a state court judge between Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, following a critical report from the agency published in 2022. This investigation revealed that police misconduct had established a pattern of racial discrimination over at least the past decade.
Since April 2021, the Justice Department has initiated 12 similar investigations into state and local law enforcement entities, often as a reaction to high-profile fatalities involving police.
If court approval is granted, Clarke indicated that the Department will be managing 16 policing settlements nationwide, noting her three-decade experience underscores their potential to effectuate significant and constructive changes in policing practices.
The Justice Department previously reached agreements with various cities, including Seattle, New Orleans, Baltimore, Chicago, and Ferguson, Missouri. Moreover, a consent decree arising from an investigation into the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, awaits court endorsement.
In Memphis, the mayor recently resisted calls for a consent decree, pointing out that the city had made numerous positive strides since the death of Tyre Nichols.
Consent decrees stipulate that law enforcement must achieve specific objectives before the cessation of federal oversight, a process that typically extends for years and incurs significant expenses.
The city’s choice of Brian O’Hara as chief of police was mainly due to his experience in executing a consent decree in Newark, New Jersey.
O’Hara emphasized that Minneapolis would become the first jurisdiction to be governed by both federal and state consent decrees.
He expressed confidence in the transformative potential of consent decrees, citing successful examples from Newark.
“Our approach will be to not only meet the requirements but to surpass expectations, ensuring that real change resonates with the public,” O’Hara declared.
“Together, we will cultivate a Minneapolis where safety is felt by all, and the local police will stand ready to support the community.”
Mayor Frey assured reporters of the department’s commitment to living up to the agreement’s tenets.
“I believe in the dedication of our officers, who are prepared to demonstrate the change outlined in this agreement,” he stated.
“Officers must embody the capability, obligation, and responsibility to set a positive standard. Let us demonstrate to the nation and the world what exemplary constitutional policing truly looks like.”
