Early intervention system

We explain the early intervention system used to provide officers with help and support.
Three police officer looking at camera

 

Early intervention

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) helps identify and support police officers who are struggling.

Things that can make behavior and performance worse are:

  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Lasting effects of policing

Everyday stresses can make things even more challenging at work. If one officer does something wrong, it can affect the:

  • Person
  • Community
  • Police department
  • Whole profession

Early intervention system

An early intervention system (EIS) is a performance management tool utilized to help identify officers who are struggling personally or professionally to meet:

  • The community's expectations
  • The mission, values, and goals of the police department

The early intervention tool helps to find officers who might need help and connect them with resources such as:

  • Training
  • Support
  • Mental health services

It is not meant to be a punishment and is separate from the disciplinary process.

What EIS is not

EIS is not:

  • Discipline
  • Punishment
  • A replacement for the community complaint process
  • An alternative to current or future disciplinary processes

EIS is separate from discipline for violations of policy. Police officers still have to follow policy and training.

Early intervention systems and practices alone do not prevent adverse events from happening. They can identify potential risks as a way to decrease the frequency and severity of them.

What the system does

The Early Intervention System:

  • Uses data to keep an eye on how well police officers are doing.
  • It detects early trends in negative performance and diminished well-being.
  • It provides accountability measures to help ensure MPD is fulfilling their commitment to their officers.

What the supervisor does

By using EIS, the supervisor can:

  • Take an early approach to identify contributing factors for a negative performance trend.
  • Provide the proper support and care each officer needs.
  • Provide solutions to improve the officer's performance.

The goal is to ensure an officer's continued ability to keep providing high-quality police services.

How EIS benefits the community and officers

  • The EIS helps spot signs that an officer is struggling with stress from their job or personal life.
  • It gives a chance to step in early with the right help and support
  • It can prevent adverse events or harm from happening and keep everyone safer.
Police Commander talking with community member

 

Background

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) recognizes the value of an effective EIS and has been working to put one in place. This is a requirement of the court-enforceable agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Read paragraph 268 of the court-enforceable agreement

 

 

Status of implementation

MPD will review proposals and seek community feedback to ensure the vendor can accommodate the needs of the city and the community. We are currently on schedule to begin implementation of the updated EIS in early 2024.