Minneapolis Faces Costs to Implement Court-Mandated Police Reforms
Minneapolis is in for a hefty bill to fulfill court orders aimed at eradicating racial bias and unconstitutional practices within its police force. According to a report by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the city will need to hire nearly three dozen new employees at an annual cost of millions of dollars for years to come.
This financial commitment emerged as the Minneapolis City Council delved into Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed budget for 2024. Notably, this budget represents the first direct link between taxpayer expenses and the specific positions mandated by court orders in the wake of the George Floyd killing in May 2020.
In 2024, the proposed budget will allocate an additional $7.6 million to accommodate these new roles, encompassing 34 full-time positions spanning four city departments. These roles will include lawyers, IT professionals, individuals responsible for reviewing body-worn camera footage, counselors, and trainers for police officers, along with overtime expenses.
Beyond 2024, these positions will persist, incurring an annual cost of nearly $6 million for the foreseeable future.
Key Reforms Follow George Floyd’s Tragic Death
The roots of these substantial budgetary changes can be traced back to the tragic events of May 25, 2020, when Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on George Floyd’s neck for a harrowing 9 1/2 minutes, ignoring Floyd’s pleas for air. This incident ignited worldwide protests, triggered a nationwide examination of racial injustice, and set the stage for an extensive overhaul of the Minneapolis Police Department.
In addition to the costs associated with hiring new personnel, there are other expenses stemming from court-sanctioned agreements, notably a settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and an anticipated consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice. While the exact figures remain undisclosed, they will undoubtedly add to the financial burden.
Furthermore, the city will need to allocate an estimated $1.5 million for the salary and potential staffing of an independent monitor responsible for ensuring compliance with the reform agreements.
In the words of Mayor Frey, “Change isn’t cheap, and change isn’t optional.”