New ordinance would charge MPD officers conducting off-duty police work

A proposed ordinance before the Minneapolis City Council would allow the city to charge fees to Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officers who conduct off-duty police work, while using city-issued weapons, vehicles and uniforms.

The ordinance passed the Minneapolis Public Health and Safety Committee by a unanimous vote on Wednesday, and will head for a full council approval at its next meeting.

MPD off-duty police work

The backstory:

A mid-1990s court case ruling requires that Minneapolis must allow MPD officers to do off-duty work – allowing police to take private security jobs paid directly by private entities, while still using city weapons and vehicles. Officers also wear city-issued uniforms, and carry city liability while working the jobs.

Earlier this month, the Minneapolis City Council voted in favor of a consent decree between the Department of Justice (DOJ) aimed at reforming policing practices within the MPD, brought forth in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by former MPD Officer Derek Chauvin.

Why you should care:

On Jan. 6, 2025, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called a special closed-door meeting to discuss the federal consent decree with the DOJ that would implement major reforms within the police department. 

The consent decree will have the MPD instituting both a Force Investigation Team to review use of force in the department, and a Force Review Board.

MPD will also be implementing strategies to "help further collaboration between police and community members" while receiving additional training on behavorial health responses.

The department will adopt policies related to the First Amendment, to help community members and journalists to exercise their First Amendment rights while also maintaining public safety. 

Advocates hoped it would pass before President-elect Donald Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20.

The Trump administration has been vocal about its opposition to similar reforms in the past, saying they are part of a "war on police."

What's next:

Council Member Robyn Wonsley and Council President Elliot Payne are advancing the legislation that would enable the city to charge the fees and recoup the costs associated with the off-duty work through the new ordinance.

If approved, the ordinance would go to the full council for adoption at its Jan. 30 meeting.

The Source: Public notices from the Minneapolis City Council and previous FOX 9 reporting.

Minneapolis Police DepartmentMinneapolisCrime and Public SafetyMinneapolis City Council