Star Tribune: In Time of Greatest Need, Minneapolis Struggles To Recruit New Police Officers

No way.

Are you saying no one wants to be the next Derek Chauvin?

Star Tribune:

“There are plenty of vacancies to fill in Minneapolis.

Despite the graduation last month of 19 recruits, the department is still down more than 200 officers — nearly one-quarter of its authorized strength last year of 889. Those who’ve left the ranks either retired, resigned or went on medical leave, mostly for post-traumatic stress disorder. Scores of officers took voluntary buyouts this year, part of a push by the city to cut payroll in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The staff shortages come as the department also is the subject of separate state and federal investigations that could drastically reshape its future. City residents, meanwhile, will get a chance this fall to decide whether to adopt a charter amendment that would replace the MPD with a new public safety department that includes police officers, though the city would no longer be required to keep a minimum number. …”