Council committee approves legislative directive seeking answers on MPD leadership after chief's resignation

The Committee of the Whole of the Minneapolis City Council voted June 23 to approve a legislative directive seeking information and policy changes related to the Minneapolis Police Department following the resignation of former Chief Brian O'Hara.

Council Member Wonsley, an author of the directive, told the committee the measure responds to constituent concern and apparent red flags around the circumstances of the chief’s departure. Wonsley said the directive requests details on organizational structures and promotional processes, the role and authority of the Office of Community Safety in external oversight, and the city’s plan to stabilize leadership while a new chief is selected. "There is never going to be one police chief who is going to single handedly save MPD," Wonsley said, arguing that stronger systems and oversight are required to avoid repeating systemic failures.

Wonsley also raised concerns about off‑duty scheduling and pay, citing allegations that off‑duty hours had been hidden or double‑billed and saying past Department of Justice findings had identified MPD's off‑duty system as vulnerable to corruption. The directive asks the Frey administration to explain decisions about administrative leave in the recent investigation (including why the mayor's administration applied certain leave actions to a lower‑ranking officer rather than to higher‑level leaders) and to clarify written policies on paid administrative leave and who makes those decisions.

Council members who spoke in support said constituents were seeking clarity about public safety, accountability and the department’s stability. One member voiced opposition during the voice vote; the motion to approve the directive was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters City leaders said they need clearer, citywide policies and outside oversight mechanisms — not only a new chief — to align promotions and discipline with the city's consent‑decree obligations and public expectations. The directive seeks both factual information (staffing, policies, administrative‑leave decisions and investigative backlog) and policy options the council could pursue to increase transparency and oversight during an interim leadership period.

What happens next Authors requested responses and analysis from the Frey administration and relevant departments; the legislative directive will generate follow‑up staff reports and potential council actions once the administration provides requested materials.

Ending The committee recorded the motion as carried and moved to the next agenda item.