The Minneapolis Police Department is launching a new approach to their safety strategy ahead of summer.
Minneapolis safety leaders presented a new 2026 summer safety plan to the Public Health Safety and Equity Committee to address seasonal crime through its specialized units and increased visibility.
Police Chief Brian O'Hara gave an update about where the city is in terms of crime right now, even as they continue to grapple with things like car thefts, and the recent blitz of smashed car windows across the city.
"The previous three-year average for robberies is 345, coming into 2026," says O'Hara. "So we're at a decrease of 36%. Police-focused enforcement details, that's something that we step up during the summer. We intend to do that again this year."
Committee members requested a formal memo on interagency funding before the plan fully takes effect this June.
Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette and O’Hara highlighted what they call the departments "enhanced coordination" for this time of year.
O’Hara says the number of violent shootings are down year to date, but they are increasing patrols over the summer anyway.
"The goal, obviously, is to try and set the tone as the weather is warming up, and to show a police presence focusing on those who are really driving a lot of community violence," O'Hara adds.
The department will now shift toward implementing this new plan as the council continues to monitor the initiative's impact on seasonal crime.
