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Congresswoman Angie Craig Opposes Ballot Initiative to Replace Minneapolis Police Department

August 24, 2021

Craig denounces referendum as “shortsighted, misguided and likely to harm the very communities that it seeks to protect”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Angie Craig released the following statement spelling out her opposition to a Minneapolis ballot initiative that would replace the city's police department with a new Department of Public Safety:

"There is much shared consensus around many police reforms across our communities and much work to do before all of our communities feel safe for everyone. However, I am strongly opposed to the Minneapolis Ballot Initiative, which I believe would jeopardize public safety and diminish accountability. The Yes 4 Minneapolis referendum is shortsighted, misguided and likely to harm the very communities that it seeks to protect. Furthermore, the passage of an amendment that could lead to the dismissal of Chief Medaria Arradondo at a time when his sound, trusted leadership is needed more than ever is simply unimaginable. Given the gravity of this situation and the implications that it could have on our great state and region, I feel a responsibility to speak out against this initiative, which would create confusion and uncertainty around public safety in the largest city in our state – while potentially undermining the safety and security of our communities."

Congresswoman Craig has worked to promote accountability in policing and voted to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act – the single most substantial policing reform bill in federal history. However, she opposes any effort to defund or eliminate police departments or otherwise diminish the ability of law enforcement officers to ensure the safety and security in Minnesota communities.

While serving in Congress, Craig has voted to increase funding for local police departments and is currently working with several departments in the Second District to secure federal grant dollars to increase hiring and improve training programs.