In a stunning turn of events, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has stepped down amid an internal investigation into his conduct, as announced by Mayor Jacob Frey on Tuesday evening. This decision marks a significant moment for the Minneapolis Police Department, which has faced ongoing scrutiny and challenges.

During a press conference, Mayor Frey expressed the importance of trust in leadership, stating, “When you serve as chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, trust is not secondary to the job, it is the job.” He emphasized that breaches of trust can severely hinder effective leadership.

The investigation reportedly revealed that O’Hara interfered with a prior inquiry concerning allegations of inappropriate relationships with city employees. According to Frey, O’Hara allegedly deleted a contact card from his city-issued phone in an effort to conceal evidence related to the investigation. Additionally, he reportedly discussed the investigation with another city employee, despite being instructed not to do so.

Frey’s reprimand to O’Hara highlighted that while the original allegations were not substantiated, the chief’s actions posed a significant risk to the integrity of the investigation and constituted a breach of trust. Following O’Hara’s resignation, Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell has stepped in as the acting police chief.

Just earlier this month, O’Hara had been re-nominated by Frey, who described him as “the right leader for this moment.” O’Hara, who took the helm as chief in November 2022, had focused on rebuilding the department amid challenges. A New Jersey native, he previously served as an officer in Newark and held various leadership roles before his appointment in Minneapolis.

The resignation has sparked criticism from city officials and community members. City Council President Elliott Payne voiced his disapproval, labeling the mayor’s decision to re-nominate O’Hara as a “massive error in judgment.” He argued that the situation reflects a troubling trend of prioritizing political optics over accountability.

Council members Soren Stevenson and Jason Chavez echoed Payne’s sentiments, with Chavez expressing hope that the mayor would collaborate with the City Council in selecting a new chief. A news conference is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, where council members plan to address O’Hara’s departure further.

The backdrop of O’Hara’s resignation includes ongoing concerns regarding the Minneapolis Police Department’s spending and community relations. Reports indicate that there have been 30 complaints filed against O’Hara during his tenure, with eight closed without disciplinary action, while the remaining complaints are still open.

As the city grapples with the implications of this leadership change, many are left wondering what the future holds for the Minneapolis Police Department and its community relations.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minneapolis-mayor-frey-announcement-police-chief-brian-ohara/