At a Nov. 20 panel hosted at The Glass House, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, MPD Constitutional Policing Bureau chief GaneishaEff Martin and independent monitor Arlinda Westbrook agreed that it is too early to tell if the state consent decree is transforming MPD culture. The conversation highlighted ongoing concerns about technology, transparency, public input and whether community voices are truly shaping reform, even as federal oversight has been withdrawn.
consent decree
Posted inNews
Hennepin County joins shift away from ‘pretextual’ enforcement
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the county will stop prosecuting charges from pretextual traffic stops—expired tabs, window tint, and similar low-level violations—starting Oct. 15. Officials say the move reduces racial disparities and frees resources for violent crime; skeptics warn about losing an enforcement tool. The shift mirrors Ramsey County’s 2021 policy and Minneapolis’ consent-decree limits on stops.
Posted inMetro
Sen. Smith decries fed’s withdrawal from MPD oversight
Sen. Tina Smith is condemning the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the MPD federal consent decree, which was intended to drive reforms following the DOJ’s investigation into civil rights violations. Smith calls the move a betrayal of justice.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
5 Years Since the Murder of George Floyd: A Statement from Minnesota Justice Research Center
Five years after George Floyd’s murder, MNJRC reflects on community progress and urges continued transformation of Minnesota’s criminal legal system.
Posted inMetro
Minneapolis Police reform effort awaits judge’s approval
The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey have approved a federal settlement to reform the Minneapolis Police Department, which includes the use of body-worn cameras and increased community involvement in the police reform process.
Posted inMetro, News
Community to DOJ: Look beyond policing
So far this summer, the Department of Justice has held at least 20 meetings around Minneapolis to better understand what the community wants to include in the consent decree with the MPD.
Posted inMetro, News
An interview with Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara
When the search for the next chief of police in Minneapolis was launched, the city had one major task for the right person: reform.
Posted inFeatured, Metro, News
State aims to rein in Minneapolis police
The City of Minneapolis and the Department of Human Rights have agreed to enter into a consent decree.