What’s on the ballot: The Minneapolis public safety charter amendment

Minneapolis voters this November have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposal that would replace the Minneapolis Police Department in the city charter with a new Department of Public Safety. 

The proposal was put on the ballot after supporters gathered more than 20,000 signatures in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

If the measure passes, the Minneapolis City Council would have to create the new public safety department from scratch. The Minneapolis Police Department would not be abolished but would no longer be required by the charter.   

MPR News host Angela Davis speaks with a supporter and an opponent of the ballot measure, and MPR News reporter Jon Collins explains the measure. 

Guests:

• Minister JaNaé Bates is the communications director for Yes 4 Minneapolis. She supports the measure. 

• Rev. Jerry McAfee is the pastor at the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in North Minneapolis. He opposes the measure. 

• Jon Collins is a senior reporter on MPR News' Race, Class and Communities desk. He has been covering the public safety charter amendment.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.