Minneapolis Approves Federal Police Reform Agreement

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a consent decree on police reforms following a federal investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), which uncovered systemic civil rights abuses and excessive force, particularly against Black individuals and Native Americans. This agreement, which requires federal court approval, aims to implement significant changes in policing practices, including the prohibition of certain stop-and-search methods and the use of specific crowd-control weapons. The urgency of finalizing this decree is heightened by the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously criticized such federal oversight. The decree, the result of a two-year investigation initiated after George Floyd's murder in 2020, mandates independent monitoring of the MPD's compliance with the reforms. Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized that this plan reflects the community's demand for accountability and meaningful change. The consent decree represents a pivotal moment in efforts to address police brutality and systemic racism in Minneapolis.