City Commission Faces Pressure Over Police Chief Evaluation Delays

During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered on the performance evaluation process for the Chief of Police and the communication of policy changes within the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). Council member Wansley raised concerns regarding the absence of a performance evaluation for the Chief, which is a responsibility of the Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO). Staff clarified that no evaluation has been conducted yet, and the CCPO's involvement will only commence once the evaluation process is initiated. The new Chief Human Resources Officer is currently addressing the city's performance evaluation processes, with plans to provide updates at the next CCPO meeting in August.

Another key topic was the need for clarity on how MPD policy changes are communicated to the CCPO. Staff indicated that there is a distinction between the review processes established by the city and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which are complementary but not identical. The CCPO has expressed a desire to revisit discussions on their role in the policy review process, particularly in light of ongoing reforms within the MPD.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the importance of training for CCPO commissioners. Staff are coordinating with the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOL) to ensure timely training and support for the commissioners. The upcoming August meeting is expected to further address training resources and technical assistance available to the CCPO.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance oversight and accountability within the MPD, with a focus on establishing clear processes and effective communication between the police department and oversight bodies.