Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is no stranger to debates over police staffing levels, and on Thursday, he appeared on the Chad Hartman show to voice his frustration over the latest development: a vote Wednesday by a Minneapolis City Council committee to reject allowing the city to apply for a $1.3 million federal grant. The money would have covered a portion of the cost of hiring 10 additional officers for the traffic unit.
The funds would have been contingent on the results of a study, which was authorized by the City Council, on whether or not the city needs more officers.
“I'm going to follow the study. You know, if the study says we need more cops, then it makes sense to have money available to hire those new cops. And that's why this decision yesterday makes no sense,” Frey told Hartman.
Councilmember Steve Fletcher told the Star Tribune that he feared the, “allure of federal grant money could lead to unnecessarily growing the police force,” and that increasing the size of the traffic unit could worsen racial discrepancies in traffic stops. He also claimed that the police had reneged on a promise to hand over data on traffic stops.
While the grant was for $1.3 million, the city would of needed to match it with another $4.6 million. Frey argued that by not applying, the council was setting up a scenario in which the city might have to cover the full cost by itself.
“It’s not like we're flush with dollars right now. The taxpayers deserve for us to be doing things that are fiscally responsible for them. And I'll be just very honest — this is not,” he said.
Hartman said he thinks the city needs more police downtown. Frey replied by saying he's been clear about where he stands on that issue.
“I've advocated for more cops since having taken office. This is not a new position for me. But you know, people wanted to have a study to see what the objective data says. And I think there's a very good chance that you're going to be right on that Chad, and assuming you are right, let's not spend tons of money from city coffers to do it. Let's save some money,” he said.
Listen to the full interview here: