Minneapolis Police Staffing Lawsuit Escalates as City Faces Legal Pressure

A lawsuit filed this week seeks to compel Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to comply with the Minneapolis City Charter’s minimum police staffing requirement, reigniting a legal battle over public safety in the city. The Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) filed the petition on behalf of Minneapolis residents Ronald Peterson and Laverne Turner, along with Minneapolis property owners John Tschohl and Mary Holmberg.

Supreme Court Ruling and Ongoing Shortfall

The case stems from a 2022 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that affirmed Mayor Frey has a clear legal duty to employ at least 731 sworn police officers, as mandated by Section 7.3 of the Minneapolis City Charter. Despite this ruling, the Minneapolis Police Department currently employs approximately 617 sworn officers, falling short of the required number by over 100.

Plaintiffs Cite Increased Crime and Safety Concerns

The lawsuit alleges that the staffing shortage has contributed to increased crime, slower police response times, reduced investigative capacity, and a growing fear of crime among residents. Ronald Peterson, a plaintiff in the case, reported experiencing property theft and vandalism, stating he often doesn’t bother calling the police due to perceived ineffectiveness.

City’s Response and Recruitment Efforts

The City of Minneapolis maintains that it is actively working to increase police staffing levels. City spokesperson Jess Olstad stated that the city rejects allegations of suppressing police numbers and highlighted recent recruitment efforts, including $2 million in funding and a 22% pay raise approved in 2024. The city projects having over 700 officers by 2027.

UMLC Calls for Stronger Action

The UMLC argues that the city’s efforts are insufficient and that a “failure of will” exists among city leadership to prioritize police staffing. Rachel Paulose, an attorney with the UMLC, suggested raising salaries and improving benefits to attract and retain officers. The UMLC is also seeking a court order to set a deadline for meeting the charter-mandated staffing level or imposing fines for non-compliance.

Historical Context: Police Staffing Decline

The Minneapolis Police Department experienced a significant decline in staffing following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the subsequent unrest. The force decreased from 889 sworn officers in early 2019 to as low as 503 in February 2024. While the department has recently added 145 recruits in 2025, it remains below the minimum staffing requirement.

Next Steps

The lawsuit was filed in Hennepin County District Court on March 17, 2026. As of now, the city has not filed a formal response, and no hearings have been scheduled. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for public safety and the future of policing in Minneapolis.