NCJ Number
83730
Date Published
1981
Length
98 pages
Annotation
The most significant problem identified with regard to operations of the Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments is the lack of community input into departmental policy and failure to review police practices.
Abstract
The Minnesota Advisory Committee evaluated the use of force policies and practices, police services delivery, and the employment of females and minorities by the two police departments. The Committee found that, in Minneapolis, minority citizens distrust the police and believe that their communities suffer greater abuse at the hands of police than do their white counterparts. In St. Paul, tensions between minority communities and the police persist. In both cities, younger and inexperienced officers are more likely to use force against civilians. Unavailability of essential data to persons outside the two cities has resulted in a lack of monitoring activities which are necessary to ensure police accountability. In Minneapolis, police personnel records indicate that there is a serious underutilization of women and minorities. Above the entry rank of police officer, minorities and women are underrepresented in St. Paul. The City Councils of Minneapolis and St. Paul should establish formal administrative rulemaking procedures for their police departments. Neighborhood police advisory councils should be established throughout Minneapolis to encourage community participation in law enforcement. The St. Paul Police Department should take an active role in ensuring the continuing vitality of the established neighborhood advisory committees. Tables and 108 footnotes are provided.