MPD Chief Medaria Arradondo showered with praise during re-appointment
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KMSP) - The re-appointment of Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo had a big turnout Thursday.
Arradondo was appointed by Minneapolis City Council after the former chief was let go in July of last year. The hearing took place during the Public Safety and Emergency Management Committee Meeting.
One by one residents from all areas of Minneapolis spoke in support of Arradondo, using words to describe him like "accessible," " honest," " passionate" and an "innovative thinker."
There were even those that stood up and couldn't believe they were doing so.
“Growing up, you know, the police were never good. So, to be standing right here to be in support of Arradondo, that means something. My knees are shaking, I don't know what I’m doing half the time,” said one resident.
“I've never had a police chief ever that you can call and say, ‘Man, you got a police officer that's lost his mind.’ And he looks into it right away. I've never had that happen,” said John Thompson.
Organizations like the Minneapolis Downtown Council, the Building Owners and Managers Association and the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce also spoke in support.
Mayor Jacob Frey also clearly is ready to continue working with the chief and to help him carry out the work ahead.
“Chief Arradondo has managed to do something perhaps no one before has been able to do,” Frey said. “Which is both articulate and take clear action steps towards a shift in the culture of the Minneapolis Police Department.”
All committee members also voiced their support today. His official re-appointment is expected to come next Friday, Dec. 7.
Jan. 1, 2019 would be the start of his new full three year term.