Minneapolis officials have voted to cut $8 million from the city’s police budget, according to local media.
The funds will be redirected from the mayor’s $179 million policing plan to “violence prevention and other programs,” the Star Tribune reports.
“Tonight the City Council passed a budget that represents a compromise, and also a big step forward into a more compassionate and effective public safety future,” said City Councilor Steve Fletcher.
Violent crime, including shootings and homicides, has surged since the Minneapolis City Council announced plans to “dismantle” the police department in the wake of ‘George Floyd’ riots that rocked the city in May.
Officials are attempting to assuage residents’ concerns about slashing law enforcement spending, saying it won’t affect police staffing.
“We all share a deep and abiding reverence for the role our local government plays in service of the people of our city,” Mayor Jacob Frey claimed. “And today, there are good reasons to be optimistic about the future in Minneapolis.”
City council members championed reaching common ground after pushing to reduce the number of paid officers from 888 to 750.
“Tonight, the City Council passed a budget that represents a compromise, and also a big step forward into a more compassionate and effective public safety future,” said Councilor Fletcher.
While supporters are touting the so-called “Safety for All” plan, others see it as a progression of city officials’ plans to “dismantle” the police, as they vowed earlier this year.
Minneapolis residents recently filed a lawsuit against the city alleging police patrols have fallen below required minimums.
The pathetic radical left is attacking us with shallow virtue signaling and shaming.
