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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has named an interim police chief as the city looks to replace Brian O’Hara, 

Frey announced Tuesday that Bill Peterson, the current 1st Precinct inspector and a 30-plus-year veteran of the department, will fill that role. The First Precinct includes downtown Minneapolis and the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.

Over his career with MPD, Peterson has held leadership roles in emergency response to major incidents, and in implementing new training for officers. 

Frey said Peterson’s experience makes him the right choice to serve in the interim role.

“Bill Peterson is the right leader for this moment,”

Frey said in a press release announcing his decision. “He’s spent three decades serving Minneapolis, he’s earned the respect of officers across the department, and he understands that trust with the people of Minneapolis is paramount. Bill understands that trust is earned, and he has established a reputation of working every day to earn it.” 

Peterson takes over from Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell, who had been serving as acting chief in the immediate wake of O’Hara’s resignation.

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced Tuesday that Bill Peterson, the current 1st Precinct inspector and a 30-plus-year veteran of the police department, will serve as the city’s interim police chief.

A profile headshot of a police officer with a U.S. flag in the background.

Frey names 30-year department veteran as interim Minneapolis police chief

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