Watch CBS News

Minneapolis City Council to hold hearing on mayor's choice for new public safety commissioner

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis City Council is looking to the future during a meeting on public safety Tuesday.

The council is holding a public hearing to consider Mayor Jacob Frey's pick for public safety commissioner, Toddrick Barnette.

If confirmed, Barnette — Hennepin County's current chief judge — would oversee fire, police, 911, and emergency management in the new role.  

RELATED: Minneapolis public safety commissioner nominee Todd Barnette on improving partnerships, police retention

todd-barnette.jpg
Chief Judge Toddrick Barnette WCCO

Mayor Frey says this is a chance to change the way people think about community policing.

"What I'd like to see is a comprehensive safety system that certainly includes police officers, but also includes social workers, mental health responders, violence interrupters," Frey said. "I want to make sure we're not just providing a [new MPD Third Precinct] building."

Other items on Tuesday's docket include an update on re-development efforts at George Floyd Square and a review of the latest proposal for a new building to replace the Third Precinct building.

MORE NEWS: On George Floyd's 50th birthday, Joe Biden calls for Congress to pass "meaningful" police reform

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue