Can new rules for Minneapolis police improve interactions with community?
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The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the city of Minneapolis last month reached an agreement on how to overhaul the Minneapolis Police Department. A lot of hope is riding on the new legally-binding settlement. It marks the first time in Minnesota that a court will enforce specific changes in police operations.
The agreement aims to reset the culture of the department after the murder of George Floyd. It follows a state investigation into the Minneapolis police that found a pattern of illegal and racist behavior in officers’ behavior.
It covers a wide range of procedures from traffic stops to how officers use force. For example, officers will no longer be allowed to pull over a driver only for a broken taillight, stop and frisk someone just because they smell of marijuana. And there are new restrictions on when officers can use tear gas or another chemical irritant to control a crowd.
But will these new requirements be enough to improve the way Minneapolis police officers interact with the people they serve?
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MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what’s in the agreement and whether it will usher in real change.
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Guests:
Rebecca Lucero is the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
Yohuru Williams is a professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas.
Giovanni Veliz retired in January 2023 as a commander with the Minneapolis Police Department after serving 30 years.
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Correction (April 20, 2023): An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Minneapolis officers can no longer use chemical irritants to control a crowd. Officers can use tear gas and other chemical irritants, but under limited conditions, which include approval from the chief of police or the chief’s designee.