Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey nominates Interim Chief Bill Peterson as city's next police chief
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is tapping Interim Chief Bill Peterson to permanently take on the mantle as the city's police chief.
Frey made the official announcement at a Friday afternoon press conference, saying the next chief must be someone who "understands where we have been, who understands where we are presently, and most importantly ... know exactly where we're going."
Peterson stepped into the interim position after the abrupt resignation of Brian O'Hara, who vacated the position after an internal investigation revealed he had concealed information during a probe into his alleged sexual relationships with city employees.
Frey said that during the search — which included conversations and public forums with community members across the city's five precincts — the overwhelming majority of constituents wanted a chief who was an internal candidate. They wanted someone who had experienced what the department had gone through over the last six years, Frey said.
During discussions, Peterson's name came up again and again as a strong candidate, Frey said.
Peterson has been with the Minneapolis Police Department for 31 years and has held several leadership positions during that time, including as leader of the First Precinct.
When he was first named interim chief, he said that he was not interested in the permanent chief job because of the "constant public scrutiny" he would have to withstand.
On Friday, Peterson acknowledged that becoming the city's police chief was never part of his personal or professional plan.
"But when the department needed someone to step forward, I answered that call," he said. "I am honored by this nomination, and if confirmed, I'm all in."
One of the first things Peterson did when he started as interim chief was to restructure the command staff.
"I had to build a team with people I could count on, people that others within the department and within the community, with the city enterprise knew and respected as well," he said.
If he is approved, Peterson said he'd focus on four initial areas: Public safety, public trust, accountability and the health and wellness of personnel.
He says he is interested in forming partnerships and hopes to work with the City Council to ensure Minneapolis is a safe city to work, live and play in.
"If for some reason I am not confirmed by the council, I am going to keep my head high and I'm going to keep working hard, wherever I land," he said.
Frey said he's "very optimistic" he has the votes to get Peterson's nomination approved by the City Council. He hopes they can confirm Peterson by mid-November.
