Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has his nominee for his newly created Office of Community Safety.
Mayor Frey says that this nominee is very important for a city that is trying to stop violence.
“This is a seminal moment for the City of Minneapolis. Since proposing a new, integrated department for our community safety work, I’ve met with candidates locally and nationally. Dr. Cedric Alexander’s qualifications, experience, and vision uniquely aligned with this generational opportunity to reshape our local government and how we achieve safety in Minneapolis. Dr. Alexander has driven reform forward at the highest levels and has effectively led public safety services in major metro areas. He is the right leader for this moment, and I look forward to the hard work ahead.”
Minneapolis saw one of it's worst weekends for crime this past Fourth of July holiday weekend where there were multiple shooting incidents and downtown being riddled with people shooting fireworks at bystanders, buildings and each other. Dr. Alexander says they plan to curb this kind of violence.
“Community safety and law enforcement have been my life’s work, and I am grateful that Mayor Frey asked me to step into this role. I know the path forward will not be easy, but I am committed to making sure Minneapolis residents, businesses, and visitors are safe when they are in this great city. I’m eager to begin building the Office of Community Safety alongside community and Minneapolis first responders to develop a more effective, integrated approach to public safety. I’m ready to support both our community and our emergency responders including our police officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and all of those who support them. I will be honored to serve the City of Minneapolis and am hopeful for what we will accomplish together.”
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Cedric Alexander has an extensive resume of law enforcement and political experience dating back to 1977, and served on former President Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Alexander has most recently worked as a law enforcement expert for several national media outlets.
In a job posting, the pay for this position will be $295,250 annually. Alexander reports directly to the Mayor and oversees multiple departments. That marks the highest-paid position in the city, including the Mayor and police chief.
Back in March, Mayor Frey announced the plan to create the new cabinet position within the city. The goal of the office is to help Frey supervise city departments, such as Minneapolis Police, as he takes on greater day-to-day responsibility with the new structure of Minneapolis government.
The Minneapolis City Council has the final say on Alexander's appointment and will consider it at their July 21rst meeting.