Appeal by Minneapolis denied by Minnesota Supreme Court on ruling that requires the hiring of more officers

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court denied the city of Minneapolis’ request to hear an appeal on a court ruling that requires the city to hire more police officers.

The ruling was handed down by Hennepin County Judge Jamie Anderson on July 1. She granted a Writ of Mandamus sought by Minneapolis residents. City officials have argued that Anderson overstepped her bounds in ordering the city to hire at least 730 officers.

According to court documents, Chief Justice Lorie Gildea mentioned the court was denying the city’s request for "accelerated review," which would have bygone the Minnesota Court of Appeals if passed. The order did not explain the court’s decision.

According to the city’s charter, it must fund a police force of at least .0017 employees per resident. City attorneys argued the charter refers to the most recent decennial census, which would still be the 2010 census. However, the filing states attorneys for both the petitioners and the city agreed to have the court use the census’s 2019 population estimate of 429,606.

The city of Minneapolis provided the following statement on the decision:

"We are disappointed with the Court’s decision and are presently reviewing how best to proceed as we continue to pursue the appeal in the Court of Appeals."

To see the filing submitted on Tuesday, click here, or see below.