Minneapolis police contract approved by city council despite reform calls

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Leaders in Minneapolis have agreed to terms on a new police contract while vowing to continue pressing for reforms that further transparency and accountability within the state’s largest officer ranks.

Under the new contract, veteran officers with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) would get a nearly 22% pay raise over the next three years, making the MPD one of the highest-paying departments in the state. The contract was approved on Thursday by an 8-4 vote.

"We have a responsibility to protect every member of our city, and maintain a functional police department," said council member Linea Palmisano prior to the vote, noting the contract should improve staffing levels within the department and praising the "historic levels" of public input. "This contract offers a lot of improvements over how the department should function."

The city and the Police Federation of Minneapolis agreed on the contract, which they say aims to incentivize police officers to stay on the job for more than two years as part of a plan to address the department’s staffing shortage.

Veteran officers will receive a 5.5% pay bump starting July 1. On Jan. 1, they’ll receive an additional 2.5% increase, followed by a 3.5% jump next July. Along with prorated back pay, officers will receive a 21.7% raise over three years.

Police have been working without a contract since December 2022. 

"This is a groundbreaking contract that symbolizes a new era," said council member Emily Koski prior to the vote.

However, despite its approval, several council members lamented the lack of sustainable reform within MPD under the new terms.

"I remember after the murder of George Floyd, city leaders, and this mayor, said this contract was one of the main factors of police accountability, and one of the reasons why cops like Derek Chauvin were able to remain on the force," said council member Robin Wonsley prior to the vote. "I’ve received several complaints over why the city has pulled a bait-and-switch on how this contract could be a tool for reform."

The city council planned to vote on the matter in June, but it was delayed to allow more time for public comment. Some said the department needed the new deal to increase staffing, and others urged leaders to continue to push for reforms.

Council president Elliott Payne described the vote as, "one of the biggest we will take this term."