Brooklyn Center Leads on Police Reform, Minneapolis Follows

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

Just days after Brooklyn Center passed aggressive public safety reforms, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says his city is moving to make similar changes.
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Georgia Fort Reports:

The trial for the former Brooklyn Center Police Officer who shot Daunte Wright has been tentatively set for December 6. The former officer, Kimberly Potter, appeared in court Monday afternoon for a pretrial hearing with her attorney Earl Gray.

This after a weekend vote by the city of Brooklyn Center passed a new public safety resolution. Jonathan McClellan, the president of the Minnesota Justice Coalition says Brooklyn Center is setting an example for cities like Minneapolis by moving so swiftly after Wright’s death.

“Here we are 35 days later Brooklyn Center has taken historic steps to be a beacon of hope and show not only the city but the State and country leadership by example,” said McLellan.

Meanwhile Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he is moving on public safety issues as well.

“We’re committed to ending traffic stops solely for low level offenses, such as small objects hanging from rearview mirrors, inoperable license plate lights, or a busted taillight,” said Frey. “Likewise, we intend also to be in coordination with the State of Minnesota around the issue of expired tabs violations, making sure that these are no longer the primary reason for the traffic stop to begin with.”

Frey also used this moment to announce another public safety effort. He says he plans to launch new programs to address the city's uptick in gun violence.

“This year alone, not even at the halfway point, 19 children have been struck by gunfire,” said Frey. “This is not acceptable. This needs to be a turning point right now for our city.”

The announcement comes one day after a 9-year-old was shot in the head at a birthday party in North Minneapolis.