Minneapolis residents plan to take their push for more police to state Supreme Court

Last July, a group of north Minneapolis residents successfully sued the city to hire more police officers under the city charter, which requires, according to current census data, the city to maintain a police department with a minimum of 730 sworn officers.

But late last week, the Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed that decision. The eight plaintiffs have told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they plan to appeal their case to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

RELATED: Minnesota Court of Appeals reverses order for Minneapolis to hire more police officers

Auduay Pugh is one of the plaintiffs who told KSTP the group does not intend to give up its legal fight to require the city to immediately hire new officers.

“I was disappointed, very disappointed. Because what about my safety? What about the people of Minneapolis?” Pugh said. “We need to feel safe. I don’t even feel safe in my own home. How is that not OK?”

Pugh said the rise in violent crime in the city, particularly on the north side — where she and the other plaintiffs live — is a constant concern that has some people leaving their neighborhoods for what they believe are safer areas.

“Just yesterday, I am sitting where I am sitting right here — yesterday, at this time yesterday — and saw it with my own eyes,” said Pugh. “I heard the gunshots, saw the people running with guns and everything. Are you kidding me? I shouldn’t have to keep living like this.”

Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis City Council leadership declined comment on the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling because the case is still considered to be under litigation.