OutFront Statement Regarding MN Department of Human Right's MPD Investigative Findings

Following an almost two-year investigation, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has released a damning report detailing extensive patterns and practices of race discrimination routinely carried out by the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis. These acts are in direct violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

The investigation found racial disparities in how "MPD officers use force, stop, search, arrest, and cite people of color; in MPD officers' use of covert social media to surveil Black individuals and Black organizations, unrelated to criminal activity; MPD officers' consistent use of racist, misogynistic, and disrespectful language."

These conclusions were made after investigators analyzed hundreds of hours of camera footage, official interviews with officers, experts and witnesses, and read through thousands of pages in documents and materials.

The human rights agency said Wednesday that it will work with the city to develop a consent decree -- "a court-enforceable agreement that identifies specific changes to be made and timelines for those changes to occur."

While this is a step towards accountability, the possibility of true reformation of this system remains to be seen as any type of reality. We know that there are alternative options for community safety with proven results, including properly resourcing communities’ basic needs and access to responsive health and mental health care. 

Outfront stands in solidarity with the Black community and the organizations and advocates who are working towards inclusive public safety for all of our Minnesota residents. To learn more about the work that’s being done in our state, please visit: 

• Yes 4 Minneapolis
• Reclaim the Block 
• Black Visions MN
• MPD150