Criminal Justice & Policing
Taser, gun are focus of testimony in Potter trial
Testimony in the manslaughter trial of Kimberly Potter on Monday centered on the differences between the former police officer's Glock firearm and Taser.
Kimberly Potter’s former supervisor says it was legal for her to fire gun at Daunte Wright
Kimberly Potter’s former supervisor, who was halfway inside Daunte Wright’s car when Potter shot Wright, testified Friday that Potter was justified in firing her gun at Wright, even though she has said she mistook her gun for her Taser.
Hennepin County sheriff under investigation for potential DWI
Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson is under investigation for a potential drunk driving incident, the Minnesota State Patrol announced Wednesday. Hutchinson crashed a Hennepin County vehicle near Alexandria around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to the State Patrol. Hutchinson, who was elected in 2018, said in a statement that he is “deeply sorry” for making the […]
Lawyers lay out opposing views of police shooting that killed Daunte Wright
Prosecutors said former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter violated many years of training when she fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop on April 11.
Jurors in Derek Chauvin’s trial were offered free counseling
Jurors in Derek Chauvin's trial were offered free counseling by the presiding judge.
Sheriffs’ group disavows MPD criticism by one of its directors
The head of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association distanced his organization from public comments made Wednesday by a member of his board of directors criticizing the Minneapolis Police Department.
State board plan would broaden its powers over police misconduct
The red-hot topic of police reform was vigorously debated Wednesday when opposing sides sparred over a plan that would allow the Minnesota police licensing board to revoke the licenses of cops who commit what would otherwise be crimes, even absent a criminal conviction.
Cities seek changes to disability pension laws as cops quit in droves
Calling the current situation “fiscally unsustainable,” Minnesota cities will seek help from the state in covering costs of the skyrocketing number of police officers retiring due to post-traumatic stress and seeking workers’ compensation benefits. The League of Minnesota Cities plans to push again in the next legislative session for a bill that would fully reimburse […]
Second Minneapolis officer disciplined for conduct during civil unrest
A second Minneapolis police officer has been disciplined since George Floyd was killed by police on May 25, 2020, this one for failing to report his use of force — hitting two people with marking rounds — three days after Floyd died.
Does Minneapolis need another police advisory board?
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey plans to unveil new boards made up of community leaders and experts to provide recommendations on policing and public safety, but some question the need when several have already been set up, only to fade away or be ignored.
Surging catalytic converter thefts spur state crackdowns
If you start your car one morning and hear a loud roar when you hit the gas pedal, you might have been robbed. That disturbing sound could signal that a thief has cut out the catalytic converter, a device mounted near the tailpipe that changes environmentally hazardous engine exhaust into less harmful gases. The number […]
St. Paul man sues MPD after being acquitted of attempting to murder SWAT team
A St. Paul man who was acquitted of attempted murder and assault after shooting at a Minneapolis SWAT team — after it fired rubber bullets at him without warning from an unmarked van — has sued the city of Minneapolis and multiple police officers from sergeants to a commander.