Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner Dr. Cedric Alexander plans to retire in September.
Alexander was brought in last year to oversee the Office of Community Safety, which will consists of the Minneapolis Police and Fire Departments, as well as 911, the Office of Emergency Management, and Neighborhood Safety.
Alexander was highly compensated, making north of $330,000 a year, more than Mayor Frey or Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He was also vocal about not having the tools to bring his vision to light when it came to public safety.
“During the last year, I’ve worked alongside committed and talented leaders and personnel to strive towards excellence under the direction of Mayor Frey, who directed me to stand up the historic Office of Community Safety,” said Alexander. “As Minneapolis moves toward its continued vision for a 21st century comprehensive safety strategy, I am proud to note the foundation for success has been established. This is, and continues to be, a beautiful and vibrant city with endless opportunities for all. I am beyond honored to have served this community and have been humbled by the expression of support shown me over the past year.”
Alexander was confirmed by the Minneapolis City Council and began working in the city last August.
"Commissioner Alexander’s career has been defined by a commitment to public safety and public service,” said Mayor Frey. “When Minneapolis needed strong leadership and a clear vision, he answered the call. I am grateful for his dedication to our city and his excellent work to curb violent crime and make a comprehensive safety system a reality. I am honored to have worked alongside Commissioner Alexander and thank him for his disciplined, inclusive approach to community safety. I’m grateful to call him a friend and will be seeking his guidance well into the future.”
There were questions if Alexander and Police Chief Brian O'Hara were seeing eye-to-eye. And at times Alexander bumped heads with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey who went so far as to "discipline" Alexander after there were interactions on Twitter with people in the community.
"It falls below the conduct that we expect of our police department, of our office of community safety," Frey said. "He knows that. He recognizes that. He's off Twitter."
The news about Alexander stepping down comes on the heels of the City Council voting not to rebuild the Third Precinct in south Minneapolis, burned down during the George Floyd riots in 2020. Alexander did say while he understands the need of the community to heal following Floyd's killing by former officer Derek Chauvin, the community can't have it both ways when it comes to public safety in the city.
“We have to be able to help people in this community, and at the same time, we have to think, what do we want our public safety to look like going forward,” Alexander said.
The city is also facing a consent decree following an investigation by the Department of Justice. The Minneapolis Police Department will require the city to go through "transformational change" following a two-year investigation that found significant unconstitutional, or unlawful, policing.
While Frey and O'Hara were present at the Justice Department's press conference announcing the findings, Alexander was absent despite being in charge of the city's policing.
Alexander’s last day of employment with the City will be September 1, 2023. The mayor will outline a transition plan in the weeks ahead.
Related
