Minneapolis mayor issues executive order implementing police department’s consent decree after DOJ’s dismissal

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has signed an executive order mandating the full implementation of police reforms outlined in a now-dismissed federal consent decree.

Mayor implements Minneapolis police consent decree

The move comes just weeks after a federal judge granted the DOJ’s request to dismiss the consent decree, which had been negotiated in the wake of George Floyd’s 2020 murder. Despite the dismissal, Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara pledged to carry out every reform detailed in the agreement, and Tuesday’s executive order puts that promise into legal motion.

“We are committed to police reform, even if the Trump administration is not,” Frey said in a statement. “Our residents demanded meaningful change, and we’re delivering on that promise with this executive order, ensuring the work outlasts politics and any one administration”.

Reform outlined

The directive tasks the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office with identifying all reform provisions from the federal consent decree that are not already included in the city’s existing settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Within 30 days, the office must also advise on how to enable Effective Law Enforcement for All—a nonprofit police reform monitor—to independently evaluate the implementation of both sets of reforms.

Key reforms include stricter use-of-force policies, limits on military-style tactics during protests, and a ban on handcuffing children under 14. The original federal consent decree also emphasized the sanctity of human life and prohibited race, gender, or ethnicity from influencing use-of-force decisions.

While the executive order bypasses City Council approval, it can be rescinded by a future mayor. Still, Frey’s administration insists the reforms will be enforced with transparency and accountability, regardless of federal involvement.

Chief O’Hara echoed the mayor’s resolve: “Our continuing goal is making sure the MPD is the best police department in the country and providing the people of Minneapolis the excellent policing service they deserve”.