The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously approved a radical proposal to change the city charter that would allow the police department to be dismantled, following mass public criticism of law enforcement over the killing of George Floyd. Activists had long accused the department of being unable to change a racist and brutal culture, and earlier this month, a majority of the council proclaimed support for dismantling the department. Draft language of the amendment posted online would replace the department with a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention, “which will have responsibility for public safety services prioritising a holistic, public health-oriented approach”. Council members who support the change are looking to seize on a groundswell of support for significant policing changes following Mr Floyd’s death. Mr Frey also questioned whether policing practices would vary, based on ward or other factors.

Source: Irish Independent June 26, 2020 15:56 UTC