Amelia Huffman named interim chief of Minneapolis Police Department

A day after Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced he’ll retire instead of seeking a third term next month, an interim chief has been named.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced Tuesday that Deputy Chief of Professional Standards Amelia Huffman will lead the department on an interim basis while a national search for a new chief is conducted.

Huffman joined MPD in 1994, serving in the Third and Fifth precincts before becoming an investigator in the financial crimes, crimes against children, and internal affairs units.

Frey said Huffman came with a strong recommendation from Arradondo. She will officially become the interim chief on Jan. 15.

"In my time working with Deputy Chief Huffman, I’ve found that she works extremely hard, she’s a do-er. She’s the person that you will so often go to when you quite simply want to get things done," Frey said.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected as the interim chief and I look forward to continuing the work to lead the Minneapolis Police Department toward building a better future in collaboration with our communities," Huffman said.

"Deputy Chief Amelia Huffman is aptly capable, competent, and qualified for this unique role," Arradondo said in a statement. "She has a thoughtful and real understanding of the complex public safety challenges our city is experiencing. She is a true leader, bridge builder and problem solver."

Huffman listed public safety — particularly the recent rise in violent crime — as well as rebuilding the city, hiring new officers and investing in training as just a few of the challenges and priorities for the department.

Huffman also said she is interested in becoming chief on a permanent basis and hopes to have conversations about that with Frey at a later time. Frey noted the search for the next chief will include both internal and external candidates.

Click the video box above to watch Tuesday’s full press conference.