Residents of Minneapolis have reportedly filed a lawsuit against the city alleging police patrols have fallen below required minimums amid a historic surge in crime.
Increases in carjackings, murders, and other violent crime have come after Minneapolis officials announced plans to “dismantle” the police department in the wake of ‘George Floyd’ riots that rocked the city in May.
“We are here because of people’s safety,” said activist Cathy Spann during a press conference. “We want law and order. We want reform. But we are in this city to say enough is enough.”
Don Samuels, former #Mpls city council member has also signed onto the lawsuit demanding adequate police staffing levels out on the streets. City wants suit dismissed. Claims, it is meeting minimum obligations spelled out in city charter. @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/reBLLIaA4U
— Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) October 19, 2020
Parents are afraid to let their children go outdoors, according to former councilor Don Samuels.
“We have made the emotional appeal,” Samuels said. “We have demonstrated the statistical uptick and now this is the legal action we are exercising because it seems as if the City Council cannot hear us and doesn’t feel what we feel.”
Minneapolis’s charter reportedly mandates minimum staffing levels for law enforcement.
The city claims it is meeting those obligations, but the lawsuit alleges otherwise, Fox 9 reports.
Petitioners who have signed on to the suit believe the high volume of resignations and leaves of absence taken by officers in recent months has shrunk the force to inadequate size.
“This is like all they are focused on is having a reimagined police department while we’re focused on staying alive,” said resident Sondra Samuels.
The suit comes weeks after more than 40 prominent members of the downtown business community signed an open letter to Mayor Jacob Frey and the Minneapolis City Council, pleading with them to address a storm of crises greatly affecting commerce, including surging crime and oppressive coronavirus rules.
In August, Minneapolis police advised residents they should “be prepared” to surrender to criminals and “do as they say” if confronted.
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