Minneapolis police chief resigns in wake of fatal shootingsteemCreated with Sketch.

in murder •  7 years ago 

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(This is a follow up to the story)
Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau resigned Friday, less than a week after a city officer shot and killed a woman who had called officers for help.

Harteau, chief since 2013, said the killing of Justine Ruszczyk was among several factors that led her to step down.
"Last Saturday's tragedy, as well as some other recent incidents, have caused me to engage in deep reflection," she said in a statement. "I've decided I am willing to step aside to let a fresh set of leadership eyes see what more can be done for the MPD to be the very best it can be."
No charges have been filed, but the officers have been placed on administrative leave. Noor had been with the force for two years and was his precinct's first Somali-American officer.
Police have not offered a complete explanation for the killing and the department has come in for heavy criticism because the two officers wore body cameras but had not turned them on.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation and her death is being investigated as a police shooting.
Thursday, in her first comments on the case, Harteau said the shooting "should not have happened. ... On our squad cars, you will find the words: 'To protect with courage and serve with compassion.' This did not happen."
Other police shootings
Police violence is a major issue in the Minneapolis area.
Philando Castile was killed outside the city, but the trial of the officer who shot him -- which ended in acquittal -- was held in Ramsey County, Minnesota, 15 miles from Minneapolis. Protesters marched through the city afterward.
A fatal police shooting that happened in Minneapolis also led to street protests.
Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old African-American, was killed in a scuffle with white Minneapolis officers in front of an apartment building during the early hours of November 15, 2015.
The officers were not charged with a crime. A police internal investigation determined they did not violate department policies and will not face discipline.
A call for change
Bob Kroll, president of the Police Officers Federation, applauded Harteau's resignation and the appointment of Arrando, and said Hodges should step down, too.
"I don't think people should be confused and obviously by what's going on there now (the news conference interruption), they're not. The next one to resign should be Mayor Hodges," he said.
Harteau's resignation heartened protesters who came out to demonstrate at Loring Park.
"I think it's a really good sign," Lauren Rice said. "I think you need to start with those people at the top, and when you have this many citizens involved, that's how it trickles down. It starts at the top, and the citizens just keep pushing for change."
At a Friday meeting, city council member Linea Palmisano said the Castile shooting could have happened in Minneapolis.
"I think we need to fundamentally change the way police operate in our city, and if this means a change in leadership ... then so be it, because we have a systemic problem," she said.

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