Last updated on February 2, 2024
Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation
Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) began investigation
In June 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, MDHR filed a charge of discrimination against the City and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) to investigate whether the City and MPD had engaged in a pattern and practice of racially-discriminatory policing in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
The City welcomed this investigation.
Temporary restraining order issued
On June 8, 2020, the City and MDHR agreed to a temporary restraining order. It required several changes to MPD policy, including banning chokeholds.
Minneapolis cooperated with investigation
As part of the investigation, the City and MPD:
- Responded to numerous information requests
- Provided dozens of witnesses for interviews
- Produced thousands of pages of documents to the MDHR
MDHR released the findings of its investigation
On April 27, 2022, MDHR issued a report stating that it had determined that there is probable cause that the City and MPD engaged in a pattern or practice of race discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
MDHR and the City agreed to a Joint Statement of Principles
After finding that there is probable cause that City and MPD engage in a pattern or practice of race discrimination, the MDHR and the City began working together to develop a court enforceable settlement agreement, to resolve the probable cause determination.
On July 13, 2022, the City and MDHR agreed to a Joint Statement of Principles that guided efforts to reach a court enforceable settlement agreement that fall.
The City and MDHR agreed to work together to develop a framework to ensure lawful, non-discriminatory policing and to better support public safety in Minneapolis. To specifically focus on:
- Use of force
- Supervision
- Traffic stop enforcement
- Arrests
- Training
- Accountability and oversight systems including disciplinary systems
- The organizational culture within MPD
- Community trust
- Officer wellness and support
- Data collection
- Transparency
The City and MDHR will work together to include a method of assessing, reporting on, and compliance with the agreement.
City Council and Mayor approved settlement agreement
The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey approved terms of a court-enforceable settlement agreement.
Department of Justice findings received
The DOJ issued a report about the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department. The report states that the DOJ has reasonable cause to believe that the City and MPD engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law.
Court approved settlement agreement
Hennepin County District Court judge approved the settlement agreement and entered it as an order. The agreement's effective date is July 13, 2023.
Independent Evaluator selected
The City and MDHR selected Effective Law Enforcement ALL (ELEFA) as the Independent Evaluator.