After months of contentious negotiations, city officials and community leaders in Minneapolis have reached a tentative agreement that could reshape the future of policing in the city.
The proposed plan, which still requires approval from the City Council and state regulators, would create a new Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention to oversee public safety efforts in the city. The department would be led by a director with "non-law enforcement experience" and staffed by both police officers and civilian personnel.
"This is not about abolishing the police," said Mayor Jacob Frey during a press conference announcing the agreement. "This is about taking a step forward toward meaningful change."
Under the proposal, traditional policing functions such as 911 response and investigations would remain under police department control. However, non-emergency calls involving issues such as mental health crises or homelessness would be redirected to teams trained to handle those situations without resorting to force.
The agreement also includes provisions for increased accountability measures for police officers, including stronger disciplinary action for those found to have engaged in misconduct. Additionally, funding will be allocated toward alternative public safety programs aimed at preventing crime before it occurs.
Community leaders involved in negotiations expressed cautious optimism about the proposal's potential impact on policing practices in Minneapolis.
"We're hopeful that this marks a turning point," said Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality. "But there's still much work to do before we can say we've truly achieved justice."
If approved by regulators and implemented successfully, Minneapolis' new approach could serve as a model for other cities grappling with issues related to police brutality and community relations.