Minneapolis police chief search ramps up with community listening sessions

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The search for a new leader of the Minneapolis Police Department will start to take shape this week, with community listening sessions on the books to hear from residents.

It is a position that has been plagued by high-profile challenges and controversies in recent years, and Minneapolis police will soon have a new leader.

Search for a new Minneapolis police chief

What we know:

Bill Peterson is the department’s interim chief after being appointed interim police chief earlier this year. However, Peterson has said he is not interested in taking the position permanently.

Mayor Jacob Frey said it would take about 16 weeks to find a permanent replacement to lead the state’s largest police force following the sudden resignation of Brian O’Hara.

Why did Brian O’Hara resign?

The backstory:

In May, O’Hara was accused of interfering with an investigation into an alleged sexual relationship with a subordinate member of the department.

Frey said he had informed O’Hara that he could be discharged, which Frey said prompted O’Hara’s resignation.

O’Hara navigated several historic events during his tenure, including low staffing levels, Operation Metro Surge, the Annunciation School shooting and police reforms.

Minneapolis police leadership

Big picture view:

O’Hara took over the department after the 2022 retirement of Medaria Arradondo, who was at the helm during the death of George Floyd and widespread protests throughout the city.

Before that, the department’s first female chief, Janeé Harteau, resigned amid controversy following the police shooting of Justine Damond.

Local perspective:

The community listening sessions are the first step in a six-part timeline for picking a new police chief.

The city is partnering with a national search firm while also encouraging internal candidates to apply.

The Minneapolis City Council will have to confirm the mayor’s nomination, so Frey will need the council’s support for his selection.

What's next:

According to Frey’s timeline, a nominee for police chief should be submitted to the City Council for approval in October or November.

The three community listening sessions will be led by City Council members, with the first scheduled for Tuesday.