Minneapolis Charter Group To Vote On Dismantle Police Proposal

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minneapolis Charter Commission will vote Wednesday to block or advance a charter amendment — unanimously passed by the City Council back in June — that would dismantle and replace the city's police department. If the group OKs the proposal, the City Council will have the opportunity to place it on the November ballot, giving residents the choice to approve or reject it.

Last week, the commission rejected a ballot referendum that would have asked voters if they want to remove the charter's requirement to fund a city police department. Charter members will meet again at 4 p.m. Wednesday to vote on the much bigger proposal to replace the department altogether.

Movement to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department

Following the death of George Floyd, a majority of the Minneapolis City Council members pledged to end the city's police force. Instead of a police department, they want to amend the charter to require that the city maintain "a department of community safety and violence prevention."

"The City Council must establish, maintain, adequately fund, and consistently engage the public about a department of community safety and violence prevention, which will have responsibility for public safety services prioritizing a holistic, public health-oriented approach," the proposed charter reads.

The director of the new public safety department would be required to have non-law enforcement experience in fields such as public health and restorative justice.

The amendment would also remove the need for a "fire police" in the city.

Voters would have to approve the changes on Election Day in order for the charter to be amended. If approved by voters, the changes would become effective May 1, 2021.

Read the City Council's proposed amendment to the city charter below:

The city charter serves as the city's constitution, and the charter commission serves as a constitutional convention. It's a state agency that is made up of 15 members appointed by the district court.

Watch Minneapolis City Council or committee meetings on Comcast Channel 14 or 799, CenturyLink Channel 8001 or 8501, or stream live on City Council TV.