Minneapolis Police Department

June 23, 2023

George Floyd was killed by police on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis. Dangerous and very destructive riots immediately began in many US cities seeking justice for the Floyd family. The white police officer was found guilty and sentenced to 22 years in prison.

The tragic death of George Floyd triggered an investigation of the Minneapolis police dept. by the US. Dept. of Justice. Results of that 2+ year investigation were made public this week.

Here are the key findings:

• Police use excessive and deadly force when not necessary.
• Investigators have “reasonable cause” to conclude Minneapolis police used racially bias conduct against Black and Native Americans citizens, especially during traffic stops. After the Floyd death, police stopped reporting the race of people they stopped. Hmmm? Reporting the race is required.
• When racial bias was reported the department did little to address, and to hold officers accountable. Below is a picture Maderia Arradondo, Minneapolis Chief of Police from 2017 to 2022. He was responsible for the police actions. Chief Arradondo retired in 2022. Arradondo was the first Black Chief of Police in Minneapolis.

• The DOJ investigation also revealed poor accountability and oversight. The police force accountability process was “fundamentally flawed” and unwilling to police its own!
• Interestingly, the prior Police Chief, Janee Harteau, pictured below, served as Chief from 2012 -2017. She was the city’s first female chief and openly gay. She resigned after the tragic death of Justine Damond. She was shot by police. The city was sued for wrongful death and Damond won a $20 million judgement.

The citizens of Minneapolis deserve a well-trained police force. Defunding the police is exactly the opposite of what city should do. Minneapolis needs an experienced police chief with a very long and impressive track record. If the local government talks about defunding, the city will never attract top talent.