Efforts to reform the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) are approaching a critical moment as a federal settlement awaits final approval from U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson.
The consent decree, which promises significant changes to enhance police accountability and improve practices, has already been approved by the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey. But the changes won’t take effect until the judge signs off, marking an essential milestone in the reform process.
Even with concerns about political shifts under the incoming Trump administration, both local and federal officials — including the Department of Justice (DOJ) — remain committed to ensuring accountability and implementing police reforms. In a recent virtual meeting, Cynthia Coe, deputy chief for the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, reassured the public.
“All the people you see here are career personnel,” she said. “That means we do our work regardless of changes in administration.” Her comments highlight the DOJ’s resolve to continue its reform work regardless of political transitions in Washington.
On the ground, the Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO) has grown stronger, with Michelle Phillips stepping in as the director of Civil Rights. Phillips’ leadership has brought renewed energy and focus to the commission, helping it play a crucial role in overseeing police reform efforts and ensuring that community voices remain central to the process.
Latonya Reeves, chair of the CCPO, expressed optimism about the city’s ongoing reform work despite initial roadblocks. “We’ve had some challenges in the beginning, but we’ve been able to overcome them,” Reeves said.
“The city is really trying to find ways to build trust and move things forward. It’s important to get the community involved and to hear their voices.” Reeves also stressed the importance of collaboration between local officials and the police to ensure these reforms are effective and impactful.
“I’m glad they focused on the Community Commission in the consent decree, because it shows they want the community involved in this process,” Reeves continued. She also praised Russell Fujisawa, the new director of the Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR), for his hands-on approach. “Russell’s background in Oakland is really helping him understand what we need to do here,” she added, noting that the commission is in a strong position as it marks its second anniversary.
The timing of the settlement’s approval rests with Judge Magnuson, though Coe emphasized that the DOJ is pushing for swift action. Once approved, the consent decree will enforce changes within MPD, many of which overlap with a prior settlement between the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the city. The DOJ has pledged to work alongside the city and other partners to create policies that address the root causes of previous findings, with the goal of enacting policies that foster genuine reform.
“We’re hoping this will lead to effective policies that address the underlying issues,” said Katie Chamblee-Ryan, a DOJ trial attorney. She also highlighted the DOJ’s ability to enforce compliance, noting that if the city were to reverse any policies — such as allowing neck restraints or chemical agents like CS gas — the DOJ would be able to take action in federal court.
Patrick Kent, another DOJ attorney, underscored the importance of involving both civilians and officers in the reform process. “The goal is to have a mixture of civilians and officers involved, which ensures accountability from all sides,” Kent said. This approach is key to building trust between the community and law enforcement, fostering a more collaborative and effective system.
A key element of the reform is the expanded use of body-worn cameras by officers. Amy Senior, a DOJ attorney, emphasized the importance of transparency. “Officers must activate their body-worn cameras before initiating any law enforcement activity,” she said, signaling a broader effort to ensure greater oversight and accountability.
Though concerns about leadership transitions in Washington linger, the commitment from both federal and local authorities to ensuring meaningful police reform remains strong. Through continued collaboration — whether in policy review, training, or legal enforcement — the goal is to create lasting change that improves the relationship between the police and the communities they serve.
With Judge Magnuson’s final approval, a new chapter in Minneapolis’ reform journey is set to begin.
Clint Combs welcomes reader responses to ccombs@spokesman-recorder.com.