Minneapolis Residents Sue City over Police Staffing

A group of residents have had enough of the crime and violence in the city of Minneapolis, arguing in a lawsuit that there aren’t enough police patrolling the streets right now.

The lawsuit claims the city is falling short on MPD staffing levels required in its own city charter.

“We are here because of people’s safety,” said Cathy Spann, a community activist. “We want law and order. We want reform. But we are in this city to say, enough is enough.”

Former Councilor Don Samuels and his wife say children can’t go outside right now as violent crimes including shootings, carjackings and murders have increased since the death of George Floyd.

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“We simply want to have enough police on the streets to keep Minneapolis safe,” said James Dickey, an attorney.

While not providing specific employment data, the city and its attorneys insist Minneapolis is meeting and funding the mandated number of sworn officers dictated by its current population.

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