Written by Elyse Rau, Liz Stone, and Maggie Sweeney (Email: socialists_us AT yahoo.com), May 2004
"The
Minneapolis Police Department has continually faced allegations of misconduct,
most seriously (and alarmingly frequently) these incidents record brutality,
false arrests, and even wrongful death suits have been filed!
Although a few channels exist for complaints, many community members have
felt their grievances have gone unnoticed, unheard, or are not given the
legitimacy or follow-up that they deserve."
- From the Overview of this Project
The following papers cover the background of Minneapolis Police-Community conflict, current efforts to address the conflict, and the authors' additional suggested processes for transforming the conflict. Elyse Rau, Liz Stone, and Maggie Sweeney wrote the following papers as a part of a Conflict Resolution class at the University of St. Thomas in the Spring 2004 semester.
Table of Contents:
1. Overview of the Project
Note: This gives a two page summary of the full paper. Written by
Maggie Sweeney.
2. Background to the Conflict
Introduction
to the conflict
- History and Origins of the Conflict
- Significant Actors Involved
Different
Perspectives
- The Minneapolis Police Department
- The Minneapolis Civilian Community
- The City of Minneapolis
Structures
and Organizations Relevant to the Conflict
- Local Organizations
- Power Structures
- Outside Parties
Time
Line – Chronology of Key Events
3. Prospective Resolutions
Introduction
Key
Issues
Theories Involved
Options
for Resolution
Current
approaches
Federal
Mediation
Civil
Suit against the City of Minneapolis
Community
– Police Partnerships
Further
Recommendations
Community
– Police Partnerships/Education
Administrative
Reform
Use of
the Media