Accountability for MPD

Time and time again, we have seen MPD operate as if they are above the law. As a result, Minneapolis is on the hook for tens of  millions in misconduct lawsuits while MPD continues to murder our neighbors. I will continue to fight to rein in MPD.

In my first term, I have:

  • Led Council and public conversation on the city’s responsibility to hand over evidence to criminal defendants, known as Brady disclosure. This resulted in a commitment by the City Attorney’s office to bring Minneapolis into compliance with Brady standards, and 2023 Budget allocations for an attorney specializing in Brady compliance and needed technology.

  • Allocated $100k for community engagement on the Future of the Former Third Precinct, the first commitment from the city that the public will be included in the decision.

  • Pushed for more public engagement in police contract negotiations, resulting in public input sessions for the first time in city history.

  • Led Council to have a public discussion on MPD buyback and off duty contracts.

  • Spoke in support of r state legislation barring MPD officers who are members of white supremacist organizations.

This term, I will:

  • The current police union contract results in a dysfunctional and unaccountable police department. The upcoming contract bargaining must address:  

    • End the 70/30 staffing ratio: Public safety resources should be based on actual public safety needs, not on a system that creates intentional loopholes to escape accountability.

    • Equitable Scheduling: remove contract clauses that limit staffing during the times data shows law enforcement are most needed.

    • Transparent, open to the public bargaining sessions.

  • End Buy-back Contracts for neighborhood groups. This is a double tax on working-class residents and supports the perception that money buys access. Public resources should never be diverted for private interests.

  • Ban the Thin Blue Line on public property.

  • Pass a surveillance ordinance to halt the ongoing proliferation in police surveillance technology that is occurring without any community input or oversight.

  • Support state legislation that would allow cities to require police self-insurance so taxpayers don’t foot the bill for MPD misconduct.