Iran Press/America: The nine councilmembers, who form a veto-proof majority, committed to de-funding the department and moving toward a community-based public safety model during a rally at the city’s Powderhorn Park, local reports said.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a statement Sunday addressing the need for reform, but said he doesn't support disbanding the police department.
The alternative offer had to do with taking the department money and putting it toward community initiatives that strengthen safety, CBS Minnesota points out.
Concrete details about how to do the work of dismantling MPD were less defined, although council member Philippe Cunningham said the upcoming budget is a great place to start.
"We're not going to tomorrow all the sudden have nobody for you to call for help. There will be thoughtful and intentional work that's done, research engagement, learning that happens in a transition that will happen over time," Cunningham said.
On Friday, Frey signed a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the state of Minnesota, forcing immediate policing reforms for the MPD in the wake of George Floyd's death on Memorial Day.
Some of those changes include banning the use of chokeholds by police and requiring officers to report and intervene if excessive force is being used by another officer.
The demonstrations are underway to protest the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after being pinned down by a white police officer.
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