Minneapolis, MDHR report progress toward consent decree

Minneapolis city leaders and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) say they’re making progress while working toward a consent decree following the state’s finding that the city and its police department have a pattern of race discrimination.

MDHR released the findings of its nearly two-year investigation in April, highlighting several concerns with how Minneapolis police work and are held accountable.

City leaders have disagreed with some of the findings and said work is underway to address others. But the city and MDHR continue to work toward a court-enforceable settlement agreement to address the state’s findings.

According to a document signed on July 13 by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Minneapolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins and MDHR Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, the sides have agreed on principles for their continued negotiations.

RELATED: Minneapolis City Council searches for agreement on consent decree, police oversight

The document also says they will have several more negotiation sessions and hope to agree on the framework of a settlement by fall.

“MDHR and the City recognize that the process of change, including changing organizational culture, is complex and will require sustained and coordinated effort from MPD and City leaders. These important changes will not occur overnight and will require clear goals and objectives,” the agreement states.

It goes on to say, “Any agreement reached will build on measures undertaken by the City and MPD and will be informed by input from Minneapolis community members, MPD officers, and City staff,” and says community input will continue to be sought.

Additionally, the agreement notes the Department of Justice’s active investigation into MPD and says the city’s agreement with MDHR will be modified to align with a possible consent decree with the DOJ. The city remained firm that there would be no more than one monitor.

Read the full agreement on principles below.