Minneapolis moves forward with national search for city’s next chief of police

An update from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the city is moving forward with a national search for its next police chief.

According to the mayor, dozens of applicants have already applied for the position, with a mix of internal and external candidates.

The city’s “executive search firm” is beginning an initial review of those who have already applied, though the position remains open for others to apply.

“We’ve spent the past couple of months listening to residents, officers, public safety leaders and other stakeholders about what they want and need from the next chief,” Frey said. “As the search moves forward, we’re carefully evaluating candidates and working to identify a leader who can continue moving Minneapolis forward.” 

The search for a new police chief began in May after former Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned following two internal investigations into his conduct.

RELATED: Brian O’Hara resigns as police chief after report shows he interfered with investigation

O’Hara was initially under investigation for allegations of a sexual relationship he was engaging in with one or more city employees. However, an investigative report showed those allegations were not substantiated.

A second internal investigation began after O’Hara reportedly deleted a contact from his phone, allegedly to obscure a connection to a witness in the aforementioned investigation. O’Hara was also alleged to have been telling others about the investigation when he was not supposed to.

After reviewing the second investigative report, Mayor Frey said he told O’Hara he would be taking disciplinary action, including discharge, after which O’Hara resigned.

The city will hold its final listening sessions with community members over the next week and expects to confirm the next chief in October or November.
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