Accountable, responsive and trustworthy; these are just some of the words Minneapolis residents have used in describing the next Police Chief. Last month, Mayor Jacob Frey assembled a search committee to work with a firm in a nationwide search. In January, former chief Medaria Arradondo retired. Since then, Amelia Huffman has served as Interim Chief. Huffman said she wants to be considered for the job.
Now, Councilmember LaTrisha Vetaw will host five community listening sessions throughout the city. Vetaw who represents ward 1, spoke with NewsTalk 830 about what the public can expect from the listening sessions.
*Answers have been edited for length and clarity.*
Q: What are you expecting from these community listening sessions?
A: I'm really expecting the community to give us some great feedback on who our next Chief of Police is going to be. I'm hoping we'll get input from folks on what qualifications they want to see, and what the highest priorities for next Chief should be.
Q: As a Minneapolis resident, what would YOU like to see in the next Chief?
A: I want to see someone who has a commitment to our community. I also want to see someone who is understanding. Minneapolis has been in the spotlight when it comes to policing, so I want someone who is aware of that. I don't want to start out by having a conversation with the next Chief around what's happening in Minneapolis. I want to have someone who also wants to hold officers accountable, when we have officer-involved incidents within MPD.
Q: These listening sessions will be in different parts of the city. How do you feel about managing and listening to the different interests across the city?
A: I feel good about it. Because the concept of this is for me to listen, right? I'm not going out to talk to people about what I want to see. They'll tell me what they want to see moving forward. I was selected by the mayor to be a part of his selection committee. Some of the committee members are going to attend these sessions as well. So we're going to be there to listen to community--- what I hear over and over again, is that people aren't feeling heard in these decisions. This is a huge decision, who our next chief is, it's extremely important.
I don't know what's going to happen during these listening sessions, but I'm going to be there to listen. So I'm hoping people show up to really talk about this and have great ideas for the selection committee to use in selecting our new Chief. The Mayor is committed to what comes out of these listening sessions. [The input] can be used as a part of the job description for the next Chief. It was very important to me, to provide [these listening sessions] to community. I feel good about it.
Q: Back to those residents who don't feel heard. What message do you have for those who have lost faith in MPD?
A: I really want them to show up. If they can't come in person, we have other options for people. You know, I get it. I see these people in the grocery store. I see these people in my neighborhood, who feel like this is a lost cause. I just want this to be a part of the healing for our city. I know it's not one thing that's gonna change, or fix relationships. But I don't want us to stop trying.
Q: Councilmember Vetaw, is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: Like I said earlier, this is super important. I'm looking forward to folks showing up, voicing their opinions and sharing their thoughts on who our next Chief of MPD is gonna be.
City leaders hope to find the next Chief by this summer. Click here to find out dates and locations for upcoming listening sessions.
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