Minneapolis police release latest Operation Endeavor update

Minneapolis police are providing an update as “Operation Endeavor” continues into its third month.

As previously reported, the plan is aimed at reducing crime within the city, and is being led by the city’s Office of Community Safety, and includes help from multiple other agencies, such as the city’s police department, the Hennepin County Attorney and Sheriff’s Offices, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and others.

Within the first few weeks of the plan, the Minneapolis Police Department told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS it made 50 arrests and seized 30 firearms, 520 fentanyl pills, 270 grams of heroin, 196 grams of cocaine and more than $39,000 in cash connected to crime.

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According to the latest report from Oct. 25 to Nov. 21, the amount of ShotSpotter activations decreased by 47%, and the detection for fully automatic shots decreased by 55% compared to the same time period last year. In addition, carjackings declined by 67%.

In regard to drug-related confiscations, police said they took 76 guns during the latest 28-day period, more than 10,300 fentanyl pills and $22,500 in cash.

So far, this period has resulted in 53 people being charged, with another three cases being deferred, five others being declined and six still to be determined. Police add during the last 28 days, cases made through the operation had a charging rate of about 87%, which they say is above the charging rate for similar crimes throughout Hennepin County.

The latest report also shows teams of Violence Interrupters gave out more than 300 locks to community members for guns, as well as mediation sessions, which are used to de-escalate conflicts which could lead to violence.

Members of the Downtown Improvement District, also known as DID, were also credited with starting a pilot program in the skyways during daytime hours on Nov. 1. The group also bought hats, gloves and hand warmers to give to those needing the items. City leaders say the group also increased the number of pedestrian assists and building occupancy in the downtown area.

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Although police say the operation has “helped build confidence in residents, employers and employees,” the question of “what happens after Operation Endeavor — we can’t go backwards” has now been raised.

“I think that the city needs this type of news as we continue to move forward into 2023,” Minneapolis Police Cmdr. Jason Case said.

Case has been a key part of operations, telling 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS consistency in their approach has led them to the positive results they were hoping for.

While patrols have changed their focus to different areas over the past couple of months, Case said using data and information from partner organizations has been instrumental to the campaign.

One area that continues to be a focus is downtown. Stationed squad cars and officers on foot have been a constant throughout downtown Minneapolis.

“You can really feel it on the street, just the sense of safety and calm [that] has been restored on Nicollet [and] Hennepin, some of the areas that we have been struggling with,” said Steve Cramer, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.

As one of the local partners in Operation Endeavor, the Minneapolis Downtown Council started a pilot program in early November to make the skyway system safer. More of their ambassadors, along with more community outreach and security, will spend time in the skyway system during the busiest times of the day.

“I think that’s going to help continue this positive momentum that we’re seeing at the end of this year, into throughout 2023,” Cramer said.

Officials originally said they’d give Operation Endeavor until the end of the year, but MPD says after the two positive reports people can expect some type of similar patrol heading into the new year.

“Will it scale down? Will it maybe look a little bit different as we move forward? Sure,” Case said. “But the idea, the philosophy around Operation Endeavor is going absolutely nowhere. If anything, it’s going to be elevated.”

View the full public report below: