Minneapolis PD welcomes largest group of cadets, community service officers in 5 years
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Just a day after the Minneapolis Police Department agreed to a federal consent decree to remedy some of the problems from its past, it is looking toward the future.
"This is fantastic. This is what we've been working towards. It is a sign of what is to come this year, and I'm really, really incredibly proud," said MPD Chief Brian O'Hara.
MPD welcomes new cadets
What we know:
The department welcomed 24 cadets and eight community service officers during a ceremony at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in North Minneapolis on Tuesday night.
Police officials say it's the largest group hire for the department in five years and the most diverse group the department has ever hired.
"I wanted to be a part of an organization that values community engagement, respect and accountability," said community service officer Joel Santana.
"I chose Minneapolis because I want to be a person of service and I see a community that desperately needs officers that want to serve and help as much as possible," said cadet Nick Radunz.
"I believe law enforcement is where the rubber meets the road. I couldn't see myself working behind a desk for 30 years," said cadet Mohamed Abdirisak.
History of MPD recruiting and staffing
The backstory:
City officials say the department used to have more than 900 officers, but more than 500 have left since the murder of George Floyd by former officer Derek Chauvin in 2020.
They say they have revamped the recruiting process, increased officer compensation and the mayor and police chief both reach out to potential recruits personally to convince them to join MPD.
"I'm telling them they are about to embark on an incredible opportunity. I'm telling them they are about to enter an honorable profession that is policing. I'm telling them they are coming to the exact right department at the right time which is Minneapolis," said Mayor Jacob Frey.
City officials say while the challenges in Minneapolis are unparalleled, they say the opportunities are unmatched.
"Today is evidence that we have turned a corner in Minneapolis. That there clearly is hope. That we will rebuild. That we will get through this," said O'Hara.
The chief says the new hires come from everywhere from Minneapolis to Vietnam to Turkey.
He says he especially wants young children in the city to know this could be an option for them.