The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a 170-page federal consent decree that lays out a series of police reforms, the result of a yearslong probe into the Police Department following the murder of George Floyd.
The council discussed the document, which did not require the city to admit fault for any of its police tactics, during a closed door session yesterday. Here are five of the biggest takeaways:
New rules on policing protests
The federal consent decree requires Minneapolis police to use riot gear only as a last resort in order to avoid escalation. That means incident commanders and other police leaders may dispatch SWAT teams to quell protests only when necessary "to prevent loss of life, substantial bodily harm to officers or members of the public, or widespread or catastrophic damage to property."
The decree also requires police to give out their names when asked during demonstrations.
Updated use-of-force guidelines
Minneapolis police officers may no longer initiate foot chases just because someone runs away from them. They also won't be allowed to use neck restraints or chokeholds and must carry at least one less-lethal weapon if they're carrying a gun.
Officers will also be required to use the lowest level of force possible.
Intervention is now a requirement
Minneapolis police officers will be required to interfere if a colleague appears to break department protocols. Failure to do so may lead that officer to face the same consequences as their peer if they're prosecuted.
No handcuffs on kids younger than 14
The consent decree requires officers to consider the age of a suspect when they don't comply with demands. That means Minneapolis police may no longer handcuff anyone younger than 14.
It also means officers must also consider language barriers, potential mental impairments and a person's size if they don't comply with police orders.
Restrictions on outside work for officers on suspension
Minneapolis police officers on suspension may no longer take contracts for outside work, according to the decree. The document also lays out procedures for officers who want to use department vehicles for outside work — namely that they must get preapproval from a supervisor any time they do.
Reporters Deena Winter, Liz Sawyer and Louis Krauss have full coverage at the links below.
