The Minneapolis City Council passed a new ordinance on December 14 to update the process of reviewing complaints against the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). The new Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO) will replace the Police Conduct Oversight Commission (PCOC). The PCOC had not met for six months, and many of the positions on that commission were not filled.
The work to write the City code for the new commission will be underway. The specifics are yet to be published, but right now, here is what I can report on.
- The Commission will have 15 members.
- Thirteen will be appointed by the City Council (one person by each Council member).
- Two will be appointed by the Mayor
- Reviews of police complaints will be heard by a panel of five: three CCPO appointees (from the 15) and two sworn police officers
- Complaints will be assessed, and the findings will be presented to the Chief of Police for action.
The Minneapolis Community Safety Department’s evolution continues with the arrival of the new Chief of Police, Brian O’Hara. Chief O’Hara’s first day on the job was November 7. He understands the history of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and the mixed emotions some citizens have toward the MPD. Mayor Frey had this to say about Chief O’Hara: “He is an inclusive leader, a forward thinker, and a person of the highest moral integrity.”
While everyone is hopeful that Chief O’Hara will be a strong leader with great integrity, the City Council moved forward with their responsibility to refine some aspects of the police conduct oversight process. The council members held listening sessions with residents across Minneapolis to understand what the citizens wanted to see changed to enhance the Public Safety Department.
Some have reported that there is disappointment in giving the appointed police officers a voice in the information gathering, and that the results are presented to the Police Chief. Others believe the effort to create a better relationship between the MPD and the citizens requires the Chief of Police to be accountable for the actions of his officers.
The changes to the police oversight commission require the City Code to be updated. The process to appoint the members of the Commission will be reported in the upcoming Camden Community News.