The City of Minneapolis, in partnership with park, county and transit agencies, today announces a coordinated effort to increase enforcement on open-air drug markets operating in the city. In addition, several indigenous organizations are partnering with the City to strengthen the commitment to enhanced public safety, while expanding opportunities for healing and recovery throughout Minneapolis.
“We’ll never stop helping people who are struggling with addiction, and we will provide every opportunity to get care and get better,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “But if you’re dealing drugs, openly using drugs, or exploiting vulnerable people in any neighborhood, there will be consequences. People deserve to feel safe where they live, and we’re working hand in hand with law enforcement, jurisdictional partners, and our Native community to deliver on that promise.”
Strengthened public safety efforts
The strengthened public safety efforts are focused near known open-air drug markets and their related activity like narcotics sales, assaults and weapons crimes. This dedicated effort is designed to change this trend with partners like Minneapolis Park Police, Metro Transit, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and more. In particular, the efforts include:
- Installing cameras to monitor activity
- Adding more patrolling officers
- Citing and arresting more drug sellers and users according to the city ordinance.
“We shouldn’t be arresting our way out of addiction, but we can’t and won’t ignore it,” said Minneapolis Police Department’s Assistant Chief Mark Klukow. “Open-air drug use will not be tolerated. The surrounding communities should not bear the burden of these issues. Everyone deserves a safe place to live, work and play in Minneapolis.”
"People struggling with addiction need help. Drug dealers and traffickers who profit from addiction need accountability. Neighborhoods need safety. Government needs to act,” said City Council Vice President Jamal Osman, Ward 6. “Open-air drug markets prey on people who are already struggling, put children and families in harm’s way, and force people in recovery to walk past the very crisis they are fighting to survive. The community has been clear: we cannot keep managing this pain the same way and call it compassion.”
This increased effort does not negate resources and services for people struggling with addiction.
“Recovery and public safety are not competing priorities. They are complementary responsibilities,” said Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki. “This commitment is not the end of the conversation. It’s the beginning of even stronger partnerships and a shared vision for healthier communities, stronger families and a brighter future for all.”
Addiction resources
The City of Minneapolis’ Homeless Response Team will continue daily efforts at all sites, offering shelter, treatment and services. The commitment remains to building relationships with a human-centered, compassionate approach. The City’s Health Department will also continue to deploy the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) to provide opioid addiction resources, health care check-ups and more. Three NARCAN vending machines in the City have distributed more than 11,000 life-saving doses to date.
“People living with untreated mental illness or substance use disorders deserve access to coordinated care rather than cycles of crisis,” said Ellie Skelton, CEO of Touchstone Mental Health.