Court Enforceable Agreement
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the City of Minneapolis reached a court enforceable agreement.
City and MPD to be Held Accountable by Court
Unlike any previous effort to improve public safety in Minneapolis, this is the first time a court will require the City of Minneapolis to make transformational changes through a court enforceable agreement.
Transformational Changes to Organizational Culture
The court enforceable agreement requires the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department to make transformational changes to their organizational culture by recognizing the humanity and civil rights of community members, addressing race-based policing, and strengthening public safety.
Independent Evaluators to Monitor Progress
The court enforceable agreement incorporates independent oversight through an independent evaluation team who will support the City and MPD, monitor their progress, and provide regular, public reports.
The agreement contains many provisions that are based on what Minneapolis community members and MPD officers shared during extensive engagement conducted by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
What Community Members Shared
Throughout the summer of 2022, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights worked with the Minnesota Justice Research Center to organize events across Minneapolis, including events with those most impacted by race-based policing.
Summary:
- Community members want MPD to move away from a culture of violence to a culture that prioritizes humanity.
- Community members want MPD to prioritize building relationships.
- Community members want the City and MPD to be held accountable.
What Police Officers Shared
In August 2022, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights worked with 21 CP Solutions to hold a total of 15 focus groups at all MPD precincts with officers of all ranks and assignments.
Summary:
- MPD officers say that they receive too little guidance and training on policies that are overly long and convoluted – which leads to misunderstanding, confusion, and concern.
- MPD officers want more comprehensive health and wellness programs and services.
- MPD officers shared they lack confidence in and/or are frequently frustrated by MPD’s information and technology systems.
What to Know About Court Enforceable Agreements
- Binding and enforceable. A court enforceable agreement is a legal agreement that is submitted to the court after the parties have reached a settlement. Once approved by the court, the agreement is binding and enforceable on all parties through ongoing oversight by the court.
- They have many names. Court enforceable agreements are also often referred to as court enforceable settlement agreements, consent orders, or consent decrees.
- Used in Minnesota. Under the Walz-Flanagan administration, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has entered into several consent decrees.
- Provide a Roadmap for Change. The U.S. Department of Justice and other state government enforcement entities have similarly entered into court enforceable agreements with cities across the country to address unlawful policing and to provide a roadmap for change.