Overview
- Mayor Jacob Frey appointed Bill Peterson, a 30-year Minneapolis Police Department veteran and current first-precinct inspector, to replace acting chief Katie Blackwell and lead the department until a permanent chief is hired.
- The move follows Brian O’Hara’s May resignation after an outside review concluded he likely interfered with an internal misconduct probe and the mayor said O’Hara would have faced discipline.
- Frey has pledged a national search for a permanent chief and scheduled a news briefing with Office of Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette to introduce Peterson and outline next steps.
- Multiple investigations and requests for fuller disclosure remain active, city officials say that about 17 additional complaints are under review and elected leaders are pressing for stronger civilian oversight.
- Peterson has said his priorities are stabilizing day-to-day policing, supporting officers, and rebuilding community trust, a short-term aim that city leaders hope will calm morale and shape the agenda for the upcoming national search.