RIP George Floyd. I've been at a loss. I spent 3 years working to reform MPD. This crisis, after 5 years of concerted effort by many, many committed Minneapolitans & city officials, underscores the tenacity of this oppressive system. "Cutting edge" police reform is not enough.

In 2015, after Jamar Clark was killed by the Minneapolis Police, MPD began its work with a DOJ pilot project seeking to marshal the best new research on police reform. They were generally committed partners, took steps to institutionalize reforms, & are led by a progressive chief

MPD was also checked by an incredibly robust civil society. There is next level engagement from community groups in the city. They have been fighting for change for decades, and have incredible infrastructure, knowledge, and organization.

I say this to say that Minneapolis had everything they needed to get this right, on paper: an outraged, organized community; a horrific tragedy; relatively progressive police & city leadership; outside "expertise" & resources.

Clearly, all of that wasn't close to enough.

The sad truth is that a "pattern and practice investigation" - which is totally implausible w/ this DOJ - is the police reform nuclear option, & I don't think it would do much in Minneapolis. The city has overhauled much of its training, policies, etc. They've basically done it.

There are many good ideas, mostly from community organizers, for going beyond consent decrees. And consent decrees themselves - and the reforms the involve - can have positive impacts. But today is about reflecting on our failures and recognizing the grief they have allowed. /end