Minneapolis Council Cuts Police PIO Job, Chief Arradondo Objects

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minneapolis City Council Friday voted to cut the public information officer (PIO) position from the Minneapolis Police Department. John Elder, who serves as the current PIO, is tasked with providing police-related updates to media and the public.

The council approved the move despite objections from Chief Medaria Arradondo. Overall city communication officials who don't work for the MPD will take over Elder's duties later this year.

The office of the PIO was criticized after police sent a news release about George Floyd's death that said he "physically resisted officers" and died after "medical distress," omitting any role the officers may have had in his condition.

After the vote Friday, Arradondo praised Elder for his service.

"We have been lucky to have Director John Elder help serve as the face and voice of an organization of 1,000 dedicated public servants," Arradondo said in a statement.

"Through our Public Information Office, we have had the opportunity to get to know community members and the media in great depth. This position has afforded the department an avenue for building stronger relationships and better serving the stakeholders throughout Minneapolis."

"I made my position on this matter clear," Arradondo continued. "Today, the City Council opted to go in a different direction."

Elder will continue in the role of PIO until Sept. 30, when the city will take over his role.

Elder is not sure what he will do next for work.

"Unless I find a job within the city, I will be unemployed," he told Patch. "Lots up in the air right now."