Minneapolis Vows to Advance Police Reforms Despite DOJ Move to Dismiss Consent Decree

By Abdirahman Mukhtar, Staff Reporter

MINNEAPOLIS — City leaders are pressing forward with sweeping police reforms in Minneapolis, undeterred by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) unexpected motion to dismiss a proposed consent decree. The move comes just days ahead of the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder and more than four months after the DOJ and the City jointly filed the agreement in federal court.

Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette reaffirmed their commitment Tuesday to fully implementing the reforms, regardless of whether the decree is upheld in court.

“We’re doing it anyway,” said Mayor Frey. “We will implement every reform outlined in the consent decree—because accountability isn’t optional. Our independent monitor has praised the meaningful progress we’ve already made, and residents will continue to see measurable, transparent improvements.”

On January 6, the City and DOJ filed a proposed consent decree outlining reforms to Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) policies, training, and resources. The decree was designed to work in tandem with the City’s existing settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR), forming the backbone of long-term efforts to overhaul policing in Minneapolis.

In the months since, the DOJ requested and received three consecutive 30-day stays in court proceedings. On Tuesday, the DOJ filed a motion to dismiss the case. The final decision now rests with the federal judge overseeing the matter.

Progress Recognized in First-Year Monitoring Report

A new report released this week by Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA)—the independent evaluator of the MDHR agreement—lauds Minneapolis for making “more progress toward building a foundation for sustainable reform in the first year of monitoring than nearly any other jurisdiction” under similar oversight.

The report details substantial accomplishments, including improved department policies, comprehensive training plans, enhanced officer wellness programs, and the near-elimination of a backlog of misconduct complaints.

Chief O’Hara emphasized the department’s determination to continue the work: “We have already achieved more in one year than many departments do under a full consent decree. But we’re not stopping there. We are committed to going beyond the baseline to create lasting, meaningful change. Our goal is to make MPD the best police department in the country.”

Support for Officers, Stronger Public Trust

City officials argue that the reforms are not only compatible with effective law enforcement but essential to restoring community trust and enhancing officer well-being. Since entering the MDHR agreement in 2023, Minneapolis has seen:

• A significant drop in violent crime
• A marked increase in police officer morale
• A surge in applications and recruitment
• Greater leadership stability within MPD

Commissioner Barnette underscored the City’s resolve: “The federal case isn’t over until the judge rules, but one thing is certain—we will continue this work. The reforms outlined in the consent decree are already reflected in our state agreement, and we are determined to move forward, with or without federal backing.”

Despite political pushback from the Trump administration, which has criticized consent decrees as detrimental to policing, Minneapolis leaders maintain that reform is essential and achievable.

“We are proving that you can improve public safety and police accountability at the same time,” said Frey. “And that’s exactly what we intend to keep doing.”

The City has already begun implementing the reforms and will continue to do so, regardless of the court’s final decision on the federal decree.

Watch the full press conference on the City of Minneapolis YouTube channel.