The Minneapolis City Council approved a $7.8 million budget cut for the police department on Thursday as the city continues to tackle a soaring crime rate following the May 25 death of George Floyd. According to the budget, funds will be diverted to expand programs like mental health response and violence prevention.
The city council initially approved a cut to the police force from the current 888 officers to 750 officers starting from 2022, local media reported. But the policy push was dropped after Mayor Jacob Frey threatening to veto the budget over the move, calling it “irresponsible.” The council then voted to keep police force numbers at 888 in a narrow 7-6 vote on Wednesday.
