Minneapolis council may end Office of Community Safety

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The office formed in 2022 oversees emergency response, alternatives to policing and the Minneapolis police and fire departments.

The Minneapolis City Council has moved forward a proposal to eliminate the city’s Office of Community Safety, which was created in 2022 to oversee 911 operations, alternative public safety programs and city police and fire.

Council member Robyn Wonsley said the office has failed to show it's value during the last four years and has cost the city millions of dollars. She cited spending overruns in the Minneapolis Police Department and problems implementing the city’s court-enforced agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on policing.

“Since its inception, it’s fueled deep skepticism about the city’s seriousness about advancing both public safety reform, as well as public safety beyond policing,” Wonsley said.

Council member Jamison ...