MINNEAPOLIS – Violent crime in Minneapolis is continuing to drop. Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell reported the frequency homicides and gun violence was down 24% in the first half of 2024 compared to a year earlier. Carjackings were down nearly half, she said. During Blackwell’s report to the City Council, she was asked whether this were a good time to reduce the size of the force. Her response: No. With only 515 slots filled, the Department is way short of its full complement of 800. Being short-handed puts stress on officers, she said: “Cops are getting tired.” There comes a point when mental health and judgment are affected, she said.
