Frey Nominates Newark Deputy Mayor To Restore Trust In MPD

MINNEAPOLIS — Mayor Jacob Frey on Thursday nominated Newark Deputy Mayor Brian O’Hara to serve as the next chief of the Minneapolis Police Department.

If confirmed by the City Council, O’Hara will serve a four-year team as chief.

Former Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo retired in January. Amelia Huffman is the current interim chief of police.

"Minneapolis has been asking for change, and Brian O’Hara is ready to deliver longstanding solutions," Frey said in a statement.

"I’ve said all along that this is among the most consequential hires I will make as mayor, and I know that Brian is the right choice. He has proven his ability to lead a department that is both accountable to the community and that can reduce crime – seeing the city to nearly the lowest number of shootings in history. I am appreciative to Brian for his already deep commitment to the job, our officers, and our residents and for his willingness to be the change agent we need."

Before becoming the city's deputy mayor, O'Hara served on the Newark police force for 20 years before he was promoted to be the city's public safety director.

O'Hara has been praised for successfully reforming the Newark Police Department after a U.S. Justice Department investigation found that officers used excessive force disproportionately against minorities.

Minneapolis Police Department is currently under a similar investigation.

Under O'Hara's training, Newark's police officers did not fire a single round at any point during 2020, NJ.com reported.

A national search for the next Minneapolis police chief began in March when Frey hired Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc. (PSSC) to oversee the process. Frey also formed a local search committee to work with PSSC to find candidates.

The public's relationship with the Minneapolis police has deteriorated significantly in the last 10 years, culminating in riots and protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of officers in 2020.

However, Minneapolis police survived a referendum in 2021 which would have dismantled and replaced the department. Residents voted down that measure, despite backing from Rep. Ilhan Omar and other top Democrats.

But tust in the MPD sank further earlier years this when police killed a bystander during a no-knock raid on an apartment.

O’Hara is tasked with reforming the police department and repairing the damaged relations it has with residents.

"I am grateful and honored at the prospect of serving the people of Minneapolis, under the leadership of Mayor Frey, with Commissioner Alexander and the support of the City Council," O’Hara said.

"The foundation of policing is trust, and as the Minneapolis Chief of Police, I will work day and night to ensure that the residents of Minneapolis can feel safe, and that all people can trust the MPD to have their backs. Law enforcement is a collaborative effort, and we will engage not just with other law enforcement partners, but with as many community partners who are willing to have their voice heard – because you can’t have public safety without the public."

According to Frey's office, O’Hara’s experience "has equipped him with the holistic perspective required to redefine policing in Minneapolis. Throughout his career, he has worked collaboratively with communities and other public safety divisions, including alternatives to policing strategies, to enact enduring change."