DOJ Ends Minneapolis Police Reform Agreement Five Years After Floyd Death

Nearly five years after George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis, police reform efforts across the United States face both progress and setbacks. Minneapolis has struggled to rebuild its police force, which lost many officers following the 2020 protests, and continues to confront deep community wounds and challenges, according to current and former police chiefs. While some departments like Chicago have maintained and advanced reforms under state oversight, the U.S. Department of Justice has recently moved to terminate federal consent decrees in cities including Minneapolis and Louisville, raising concerns about the future of police accountability. Activists and experts warn that this rollback could undermine protections and slow progress made in reducing police violence and improving community relations. Meanwhile, states such as Connecticut swiftly enacted police reform legislation in the immediate aftermath of Floyd's death, illustrating ongoing efforts to protect Black lives and push for systemic change. The situation remains a critical moment for balancing reform, accountability, and public trust in policing nationwide.