After lengthy attrition, Minneapolis police welcome largest graduating recruitment class in years

The Minneapolis Police Department welcomed 33 new officers in its largest recruitment class in years, signaling a turning point as new hires surpass recent departures. Chief Brian O’Hara reported that the department currently has around 605 sworn officers, with another class of 25 recruits set to start training shortly. This number is still significantly lower than the pre-pandemic figure of about 900 officers, a decrease exacerbated by civil unrest following George Floyd's murder. O’Hara highlighted that previous classes often had only 10 to 12 recruits, insufficient to maintain staffing levels. The new recruits are notably diverse, representing various backgrounds, including those from Liberia, Kenya, and Mexico, and many are local residents.

Mayor Jacob Frey expressed optimism regarding the recruitment pipeline, indicating a positive shift in officer retention and recruitment strategies. This graduation comes amid a difficult month for Minneapolis, with multiple mass shootings, emphasizing the importance of effective police response. The department's efforts to recruit locally and expedite the hiring process reflect a commitment to community representation and service.