The City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey have approved appointees to the new Community Commission on Police Oversight. The civilian commissioners will serve as review panelists on a rotating basis to review investigations of alleged police misconduct.
As panelists, they will have direct access to investigatory case files being reviewed and provide recommendations on the merits of misconduct allegations that will be forwarded to the Chief of Police. When a panel recommends a finding of merit for allegations of misconduct, the panel will recommend an appropriate range of corrective actions.
The commission will provide an opportunity for residents to observe presentations, listen to discussions and provide public input.
“People in our city have been calling for effective police oversight and this commission represents our neighbors and city answering that call,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “The people of our city are now further embedded in reform efforts – a critical step in building public trust. I look forward to the work ahead and appreciate the commitment these 15 individuals have made to our city.”
“Thank you to all of the people who stepped forward to start this improved era of police accountability in the city of Minneapolis,” said City Council President Andrea Jenkins. “This is a heavy responsibility on behalf of the entire city and your contributions and input will greatly impact decisions relating to police oversight.”
The City sought applicants for the commission that represent a cross-section of Minneapolis, including formerly incarcerated individuals, LGBTQ community members, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, people with different abilities, as well as community members from every ward of Minneapolis. More than 160 people applied to serve on the commission.
The 15-member commission includes 13 people appointed by the City Council (one per ward) and two appointed by the mayor.
Commission appointments
- Josh Loar (Ward 1) for a two-year term.
- Mara Schanfield (Ward 2) for a two-year term.
- Paul Olsen (Ward 3) for a two-year term.
- Melissa Newman (Ward 4) for a one-year year term.
- Jennifer Clement (Ward 5) for a one-year term.
- AJ Awed (Ward 6) for a two-year term.
- Mary Dedeaux-Swinton (Ward 7) for a one-year term.
- Fartun Weli (Ward 8) for a one-year term.
- Stacey Gurian-Sherman (Ward 9) for a two-year term.
- Alexis Pederson (Ward 10) for a one-year term.
- Philip Sturm (Ward 11) for a two-year term.
- Nichelle Williams-Johnson (Ward 13) for a one-year term.
- Louis Smith (mayoral appointment) for a two-year term.
- Latonya Reeves (mayoral appointment) for a one-year term.
(Note: James Westphal (Ward 12) has withdrawn his appointment and a new appointee will be named in the next Council cycle.)
Next steps
The commission is scheduled to meet for the first time on May 16.
Learn more about the Community Commission on Police Oversight on the City’s website.