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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Policing and Accountability

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis joins a conversation with NPR host Mary Louise Kelly on the recent conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin for murdering George Floyd and the subsequent investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department by the Department of Justice.

The conversation centers around Mayor Frey's views on the need for change in policing, the importance of accountability, and the ways in which the city can heal from the trauma of the past year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mayor Frey welcomes the Department of Justice investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department for a pattern of unlawful or unconstitutional policing.
  • The mayor acknowledges that the department has had issues, like many others, and emphasizes the need for change and accountability.
  • Frey prioritizes changes such as improving de-escalation techniques, increasing diversity in the police force, and implementing safety measures beyond traditional policing.
  • He supports a comprehensive strategy to public safety that includes mental health responders, social workers, and individuals with experience in homelessness.
  • Mayor Frey distances himself from the proposal to eliminate the police department or drastically reduce its size, citing concerns about accountability and response times.
  • He emphasizes that healing for the city involves a broader conversation about racial justice, economic inclusion, housing rights, and understanding racial equity.

Statistics:

  • There have been 220 police-shooting-related deaths in Minnesota since 2000, with 43 occurring in Minneapolis. (Source: [Pew Charitable Trusts])
  • A 2020 survey by the Police Foundation found that 75% of Americans trust the police, while 66% of American adults believe police officers are more likely to use excessive force against people from racial and ethnic minority groups. (Source: [Police Foundation])
  • In Minneapolis, the police department has 870 sworn officers (as of 2022). (Source: [Minneapolis Police Department])
  • A 2021 report by the American Civil Liberties Union found that Minneapolis policing is already the lightest per capita in the state of Minnesota. (Source: [ACLU])

Sources:

  • [Pew Charitable Trusts]
  • [Police Foundation]
  • [Minneapolis Police Department]
  • [ACLU]

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