Overview

We explain the settlement agreement background and process.

Background

Summary

On March 31, 2023, the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey approved terms of a court-enforceable settlement agreement. It resolves the Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ (MDHR) probable cause determination that the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) have engaged in a pattern or practice of race discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

  • The MDHR investigation launched June 1, 2020, one week after former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd.
  • On April 27, 2022, MDHR announced its findings.
  • On July 21, 2022, the City and MDHR agreed to a joint statement of principles related to the MDHR findings. 

See MDHR investigation timeline

Read the joint statement of principles

Road map for change

The settlement agreement outlines a framework for:

  • Lawful, non-discriminatory policing
  • Better support for public safety in Minneapolis

The agreement:

  • Includes many requirements that are already consistent with MPD policy
  • Is a broad and extensive road map for positive change in the department
  • Covers major reforms that will take time to accomplish

City and MPD commitment

The settlement agreement shows the City’s and MPD’s commitment to:

  • Have MPD operate lawfully and free from discrimination
  • Ensure that MPD officers recognize people’s humanity, dignity and civil rights
  • Take necessary measures to build trust between MPD and all communities in the City
  • Invest in the important work ahead

Effective date

The settlement agreement will be effective once it is approved by a Hennepin County District Court judge.

Read the settlement agreement

Process for court-enforceable settlement agreement

Read the process for the court-enforceable settlement agreement:

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process for agreement

Before City approval of court-enforceable settlement agreement

  • The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) investigated the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD).
  • The City and MDHR agreed to a temporary restraining order requiring several changes to MPD policy.
  • MDHR and the City agreed to a joint Statement of Principles and agreed to negotiate a court-enforceable settlement agreement.

On March 31, 2023, the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey approved the court-enforceable settlement agreement.

After City approval of court-enforceable settlement agreement

MDHR filed the following in the Hennepin County District Court:

  • Complaint alleging racial discrimination
  • Settlement agreement
  • City and MDHR joint motion asking the court to approve the settlement agreement

The agreement will improve the MPD’s relationship with the community through more:

  • Transparency and public input
  • Oversight and accountability
  • Support for officers

Common questions

See answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the court-enforceable settlement agreement.