Police Reform in Two Cities: Baltimore and Minneapolis

Social Justice Policy Brief #155 | By: Inijah Quadri | February 06, 2024

Featured Photo taken from: www.cnn.com

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In the United States, the path to police reform has been a complex and diverse journey, significantly influenced by local contexts and challenges. By examining the police reform efforts in two cities—Baltimore and Minneapolis—we can gain insights into the differences in approach and outcomes in these cities.

Baltimore: A Model of Comprehensive Reform

In Baltimore, following the death of Freddie Gray and the resulting civil unrest in 2015, the city entered into a consent decree with the Department of Justice in 2017. This agreement mandated a series of reforms aimed at addressing the use of excessive force, racial profiling, and overall accountability within the Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

The BPD has since implemented significant changes, including overhauling its transport vehicles for detainee safety, improving data collection and auditing practices, and updating policies for detainee searches. These reforms have led to a noticeable reduction in detainee injuries and an overall enhancement in the accountability of officers. The department has also seen a reduction in the use of serious force and improvements in responses to behavioral health crises. Entry requirements for joining the force now emphasize values such as integrity, respect, and commitment to community-oriented policing. The training for recruits and serving officers includes an increased focus on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and bias-free policing​​.

Minneapolis: Challenges and Progress in Reform

Contrastingly, Minneapolis’s path to police reform has been marked by challenges. The killing of George Floyd brought international attention to the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), leading to calls for drastic reform. After Floyd’s death, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights conducted a two-year investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department, revealing a pattern of racial discrimination, racist language, and excessive force. Significant steps have been made, including the appointment of a Commissioner of Community Safety and a police chief experienced in implementing consent decrees. Proposed reforms include limiting the use of tasers, mandatory documentation for stops, and the prohibition of certain traffic stops. The city also plans to improve its field training program and create a publicly searchable database of use-of-force incidents​​.

Comparative Outcomes and Crime Rates

In terms of outcomes, Baltimore’s efforts appear to have made more significant strides in reforming its police practices compared to Minneapolis. However, both cities continue to face challenges in fully realizing the goals of their respective reform initiatives.

According to a report by the Baltimore Police, reform efforts have resulted in a 16% decrease in violent crime since 2018. The report also notes that the city has seen a reduction in the number of police-involved shootings and civilian complaints. Even murder rates, while still high in comparison to other cities, are dropping when compared to past years in Baltimore. However, some reports also acknowledge that the city still faces challenges, including a strained relationship between the police and the community and a lack of resources and support for the reform process.

In Minneapolis, while significant steps are being taken toward police reform, the city continues to face several challenges as most of these changes are still in their infancy. Even given  the allocation of $16 million for police reform in the 2024 budget, including the hiring of new police oversight workers,  there are ongoing issues that need to be addressed. One of the main problems is the high crime rate, particularly violent crimes. The city has struggled with instances of aggravated assaults and homicides, which remain high compared to its decade-on-decade records. These issues highlight the ongoing need for effective policing strategies that also respect community relations and civil rights.

While these cities are by no means perfect, other US cities can embark on effective police reform by focusing on a few key strategies. Embracing external oversight through consent decrees can provide the necessary accountability. Reforming core police policies, particularly around the use of force and community interaction, is essential. Additionally, fostering deeper community engagement ensures that reforms are responsive to local needs. Finally, investing in robust training and support for officers can help inculcate a culture of respectful, community-oriented policing. These steps, rooted in transparency and continuous evaluation, offer a blueprint for meaningful and sustainable police reform.

Engagement Resources

• Campaign Zero (campaignzero.org): Provides data-driven policy solutions to end police violence in America.
• National Police Accountability Project (nlg-npap.org): Dedicated to ending law enforcement abuse through litigation and public education.
• ACLU Policing (aclu.org): Advocates for a fair and effective law enforcement system.
• Center for Policing Equity (policingequity.org): Produces analyses identifying and reducing the causes of racial disparities in policing.
• Law Enforcement Action Partnership (lawenforcementactionpartnership.org): Advocates for effective and just law enforcement policies.
• For a comprehensive look at how states are expanding their role in regulating law enforcement use of force and other reforms, see the National Conference of State Legislatures report: Law Enforcement Legislation | Significant Trends 2022

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