Major Restructuring Of The Minneapolis Police Department Takes Effect

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara on Monday announced what he describes as the most significant changes to the department's organizational structure in the modern era.

"Today, I want every officer in this department to know we are moving forward," O'Hara said at a press conference, stating the last three years have been "defined by unprecedented darkness and trauma."

The restructuring, which took effect Monday, divides MPD into two

divisions: operations and community trust and engagement.

Operations, to be led by Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell, will oversee daily crime fighting operations, including the patrol bureau and investigations bureau.

Blackwell, who is originally from Minneapolis, is a 23-year veteran of the department and the highest-ranking female enlisted member of the Minnesota National Guard.

Christopher Gaiters, a 29-year veteran of the department, has been appointed to lead the community trust and engagement division.

A new internal affairs bureau, new Constitutional policing bureau and the professional standards bureau will report to Gaiters.

"The department is in the midst of a defining and historic moment and I am confident, with the appointments that I am announcing today, we will have the right people in the right positions to move the MPD out of the darkness and trauma of the last three years, into a brighter future together," O'Hara said.

Additional appointments announced Monday

John Kingsbury, an attorney and 24-year department veteran, has been named Deputy Chief of Patrol.

The five precinct inspectors will report to Kingsbury, including the newly-appointed Commanding Officer of the 2nd Precinct, 30-year department veteran Nick Torborg. The 5th precinct also has a newly-appointed Commanding Officer, 26-year department veteran Christie Nelson.

Jason Case, a 25-year department veteran, has been named Deputy Chief of Investigations.

In the new community trust and engagement division, DeChristopher Granger, a 28-year department veteran, will serve as Deputy Chief of Internal Affairs.

Travis Glampe, the Deputy Chief of Constitutional Policing, will oversee the implementation of measures related to the settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. A federal settlement with the Department of Justice is also anticipated.

Mark Montgomery, whose mother was the first female officer in St. Paul, will lead the professional standards bureau.

SOURCE: Bring Me The News