6-101 Relationships With Other Agencies

• Summary: Defines MPD's relationships with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

Establishing and maintaining channels of communication between law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice agencies is essential to cooperating and planning with agencies with differing mandates

It is the policy of this department to establish and maintain liaisons and relationships with criminal justice agencies and coordinating councils.

6-102 Requests From Other Agencies

• Summary: Outlines the process for responding to and requesting assistance from external agencies.
• Effective Date: 06-24-1988
• Last Review Date: 06-24-1988

Policy

Requests for non‑emergency assistance within the city limits shall be referred to a superior officer. Superior officers shall cooperate with other agencies and encourage good relations. Requests for assistance from police agencies outside the city limits shall be made through the on‑duty watch commander.

6-103 Transportation of Persons for Hennepin County Age

• Summary: Sets guidelines for MPD officers transporting individuals for outside agencies.
• Effective Date: 07-11-2000

Policy

The MPD will not respond to requests to pick up and transport juveniles for Hennepin County agencies or for other jurisdictions unless the MPD has specifically requested other jurisdictions or agencies to locate and/or hold a juvenile for Minneapolis. This includes requests from other law enforcement agencies to “meet them at the border” to transfer custody responsibility for the transportation to a truancy/curfew or other youth center, or any other location.

The following are the circumstances under which a Minneapolis officer will transport a person to or from a Hennepin County or social service agency, or other jurisdiction:

1. When a juvenile or adult is initially placed under arrest or taken into protective custody by MPD at the request of the Hennepin County agency;
2. The MPD requested other jurisdictions to locate and/or hold a juvenile;
3. When an abandoned or lost child is found in Minneapolis and a parent cannot be located;
4. When child abuse or abuse to a vulnerable adult is discovered and an officer is dispatched to write the initial 72-hour health and welfare hold;
5. When an intoxicated juvenile or adult is found within the City of Minneapolis and must be transported to a detox shelter; or (07/11/00)
6. When a person currently within the City of Minneapolis must be taken to the HCMC Crisis Unit to be placed under an emergency admission or transportation hold. (07/11/00)

In the following circumstances MPD officers shall not transport a juvenile or adult:

1. When a juvenile or adult has already been placed under an emergency hold and need to be transported to or from a Hennepin County or social service agency for any reason;
2. When a juvenile has been placed into custody of the Hennepin County Child;
3. Protection agency by either a parent or a court order;
4. When a juvenile or adult is under the care of a Hennepin County or social service agency but no criminal charge or emergency hold is requested;
5. When the placement of an emergency hold is requested for a juvenile or adult as a result of an incident which occurred outside the jurisdiction of the City of Minneapolis; or
6. When another jurisdiction requests transfer of custody of a juvenile or adult for transport (unless MPD requested a locate/hold). This includes requests from other agencies to “meet them at the border” to transfer juveniles to a truancy/curfew center or other social service agency. The MPD (i.e. Watch Commander) will contact a superior officer from any agency that drops off a juvenile at an MPD facility. The MPD will make arrangements for that agency to return to pick up and transport the youth to the proper facility. Transportation to a necessary destination of a person taken into custody by another jurisdiction is the responsibility (and liability) of the arresting or in-custody jurisdiction. (07/11/00)

None of the above precludes MPD officers from transporting children or adults to be examined or interviewed in the course of a MPD investigation.

6-104 Mutual Aid Agreement

• Summary: Establishes conditions under which MPD provides or receives mutual aid.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The policy of this department is to provide law enforcement assistance or to be assisted by other law enforcement agencies in adjoining or concurrent jurisdictions in the event of unusual occurrences, such as natural and man made disasters and civil disturbances.

The Minneapolis Police Department participates in a mutual aid agreement with the St. Paul Police Department and all law enforcement agencies within Hennepin County. The purpose of the agreement is to provide a legal vehicle for sharing law enforcement resources, both personnel and equipment.

6-104.01 Procedures for Requesting or Providing Assistance Under Mutual Aid

• Summary: Details steps for initiating mutual aid agreements.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993
• Last Review Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

1. The decision to request assistance from other law enforcement agencies is left to the discretion of the requesting agency. As a general guideline, any emergency incident or event that is beyond the capabilities of the requesting agency could reasonably justify assistance under mutual aid. The following personnel are authorized to request assistance from other law enforcement agencies:

• Mayor
• Chief of Police
• Bureau Heads
• On‑duty Watch Commander

These same personnel are authorized to respond to a request for assistance from other agencies covered in the mutual aid agreement.

2. The authorized official requesting assistance shall contact the appropriate responding official and include the following information in the request:

• The amount and type of assistance needed;
• The nature of the event or incident;
• When and where assistance is needed;
• To whom the responding agency's personnel should report.

The decision to provide assistance and how much assistance to provide rests solely with the responding agency. The mutual aid agreement does not obligate any agency to respond to a request for assistance and does not create any liability for any agency who chooses not to provide assistance when requested.

3. When an agency responds to a request for assistance, the responding official may recall all or part of the resources provided at any time, if needed by the responding agency.
4. The agency requesting assistance shall be responsible for managing the event or incident for which assistance is requested.

When Minneapolis police officers respond to a request for assistance from another agency, they shall remain under the direction and control of the superior or senior officer in charge of the Minneapolis detail. The superior or senior officer in charge of the detail shall coordinate with the commanding officer in charge of the event or incident from the requesting agency.

Officers from another agency responding to a request for assistance from Minneapolis shall remain under the direction and control of a superior or senior officer from their agency. The superior or senior officer from the responding agency shall coordinate with the commanding officer in charge of the event or incident in Minneapolis.

6-104.02 Costs and Liability Under Mutual Aid

• Summary: Specifies financial and legal responsibilities in mutual aid situations.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993
• Last Review Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

Minneapolis police officers directed to provide assistance to another agency shall be deemed to be performing in their regular line of duty as fully as if they were in their own jurisdiction. The City of Minneapolis assumes responsibility for the officer's wages, worker's compensation protection, and any other liability to the same extent as when the officer is serving in Minneapolis. The authorization to respond to calls for emergency assistance outside of Minneapolis does not extend to officers who are off duty or who are not serving in their regular line of duty.

The Minneapolis Police Department shall be responsible for its own personnel, including any injuries or death, and its equipment and supplies, including any damage or loss when responding to another agency's request for assistance. Agencies responding to a request for assistance from Minneapolis shall assume all responsibility for their personnel, including injuries or death, and equipment and supplies, including damage or loss.

6-105 Requesting National Guard Assistance

• Summary: Defines procedures for requesting National Guard support.
• Effective Date: 03-20-1996

Policy

When a natural disaster, civil disorder or other emergency requires assistance beyond the capabilities of local law enforcement agencies, military assistance from the Minnesota National Guard may be requested using the following procedures:

1. The on-scene Incident Commander will notify the Emergency Operations Center Commander of the need for additional military assistance. If the Emergency Operations Center Commander concurs with the request, the Emergency Operations Commander will telephone the Minnesota 24 hour Duty Officer and request assistance of the Minnesota National Guard, describing the situation and the intended role of National Guard personnel with instructions for reporting to a staging area.
2. The Emergency Operations Center Commander must then notify the Mayor that the request for assistance was made and notify the on-scene Incident Commander the request was forwarded.
3. The verbal request made to the Minnesota Duty Officer must be followed by a written request signed by the Mayor.
4. The National Guard assistance must not be requested until all other Mutual Aid resources have been utilized. When dispatched to provide assistance, the National Guard will provide a liaison officer to coordinate the activities of the National Guard with the on-scene Incident Commander.

6-106 University of Minnesota Campus

• Summary: Establishes MPD's jurisdiction and cooperative agreements for policing the University of Minnesota.
• Effective Date: 03-20-1996

Policy

In the event of an emergency situation on the Minneapolis Campus of the University of Minnesota, the University President or the President's designee may contact the Mayor of Minneapolis or the Mayor's designee and request police assistance. The request shall be made electronically, orally, or in writing. If the Mayor approves the request, the on‑duty watch commander will be ordered to coordinate activities with the University of Minnesota Police (UMPD). Minneapolis Police Department personnel will remain city employees under the direction of their superiors at the scene. UMPD personnel will remain university employees under the direction of their supervisors.

If the emergency situation requires a tactical response, decisions regarding such a response will be made only after consultation with civilian and police administrative officials from the University, the City of Minneapolis and the two police departments. A tape recording or chronological report of the events and decisions made shall be kept by the UMPD.

If Minneapolis Police command personnel or an Incident Commander wishes to request the assistance of the National Guard to the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus, the request should be forwarded through an Emergency Operations Center Commander for large scale disturbances, or forwarded to the Minnesota Duty Officer by the University President and the Mayor of Minneapolis.

Requests for National Guard Assistance must include an assessment of the emergency situation and the intended role of the National Guard personnel. 

6-107 Requesting Federal Law Enforcement Assistance

• Summary: Covers the process for requesting assistance from federal law enforcement agencies.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

Federal law enforcement agencies may be contacted for assistance in emergency situations through the Chief of Police, Chief's designee or the on-duty Watch Commander in their absence. The following Federal agencies may be called; the phone numbers are on file with the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center or may be found in the blue colored government pages of the Minneapolis Telephone Directory: 

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Immigration and Naturalization
• Department of Treasury
• U.S. Marshall
• ATF- Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
• U.S. Postal Inspector
• Civil Air Patrol
• Federal Protection and Safety Division
• U.S. Secret Service

6-108 Interagency Agreement – Bomb Unit/Water Related Incidents

• Summary: Details MPD's agreements for bomb disposal and water-related emergencies.
• Effective Date: 08-27-2002

Policy

As per Minn. Stat. §86B.105, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office shall investigate all drownings and watercraft accidents that involve personal injury or death; and damage or loss of property occurring in the County. MPD officers, via MECC, shall notify the Sheriff’s Office when a reportable accident, i.e., theft, vandalism, fire, assault, etc., has occurred on the lakes/rivers/ponds (water or ice) in Minneapolis.

Upon request of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department or any suburban law enforcement agency within Hennepin County, the Minneapolis Police Department's Bomb Unit shall respond to reported incidents involving bombs, explosives, or incendiary devices occurring within Hennepin County.

The agency providing service under this agreement shall do so at no cost or liability to the requesting agency.

6-109 Response to Special Jurisdictional Areas

• Summary: Defines MPD's responsibilities in special jurisdictions such as airports and federal buildings.
• Effective Date: 06-24-1988
• Last Review Date: 06-24-1988

Policy

Certain areas within and outside of the geographic boundaries of the City present special problems because of uncertainty about which agency has primary jurisdiction. Officers dispatched to an emergency situation where the jurisdiction is unclear or where the response is out of the Minneapolis jurisdiction shall take the appropriate action to relieve the emergency at hand until properly relieved by the appropriate authority.

Theodore Wirth Park: Although the park is located in both Minneapolis and Golden Valley, the entire park is considered a Minneapolis Police response area. Calls for service to Golden Valley Police will be referred to MECC.

Veteran’s Hospital: Police response within hospital grounds and buildings is the primary responsibility of the Veteran's Administration Police Department. Assistance by the Minneapolis Police Department will be provided upon request.

Minneapolis police will be the primary responders for events occurring on Minnehaha Ave. S. from 54th St. S. to the intersection of Minnehaha and the Crosstown Highway even though this area is technically a state highway. The State Highway Patrol may be requested to provide investigative assistance, if needed.

Twin Cities International Airport: The Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC) police are the primary responders for events occurring at the airport. Minneapolis police assistance may be requested in potential or actual crash situations through the mutual aid agreement.

Minneapolis also has an agreement with the Air Reserve Base and the Metropolitan Airport Commission for the use of the Minneapolis Emergency Response Unit (ERU). In the event of a hostage, high-jacking, or barricaded suspect in the Air Reserve Compound, Minneapolis ERU personnel may be deputized by the U.S. Marshal and used to supplement the F.B.I. Tactical Team. The MAC police would defer any hostage, high‑jacking, or barricaded suspect incident outside of the main terminal to the F.B.I. The Minneapolis ERU may be requested by the ranking MAC officer to assist in perimeter security and/or to supplement the F.B.I. Tactical Team. Minneapolis police personnel will be sworn in by the U.S. Marshal when supplementing the F.B.I. Tactical Team.

Historic Fort Snelling/Fort Snelling: Police response for Historic Fort Snelling and Fort Snelling is the responsibility of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department. Minneapolis police may be requested to respond to high priority emergency calls because our units will usually be closer. Assistance to this area should be treated as any other request under the mutual aid agreement.

Hennepin County 62/E/W 62nd St: East and West 62nd Street are not the same as Crosstown Highway 62. On East 62nd Street, all even numbered addresses are the jurisdiction of the Minneapolis Police Department and all odd numbered addresses belong to the City of Richfield. On West 62nd Street, the even numbered addresses as far as 3300 West Xerxes belong under the Minneapolis jurisdiction and the odd numbered addresses belong either to Richfield or Edina.

Crosstown Highway: In general, the Minneapolis Police Department will provide the primary police response anywhere from Highway 55 on the east to Xerxes Avenue on the west. If the event is known for certain to be EASTBOUND between Portland Avenue and Xerxes Avenue, the call will be given to the Richfield Police Department. If the location is not known for certain, Minneapolis police will respond. In the Commons area where the Crosstown merges with I-35W for a short              distance (area west of 2nd Ave S and east of Fremont), the State Highway Patrol will provide the primary police response.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Department shares responsibility for the Crosstown with Minneapolis and Richfield. The Sheriff cannot always provide rapid primary response, but can provide assistance when requested. The State Highway Patrol has no primary jurisdiction on the Crosstown, but will respond if requested.

I-35W/I-94: The State Highway Patrol provides the primary police response for I-35W and I-94. Assistance from Minneapolis police may be requested by the Highway Patrol in special circumstances.

6-110 Minneapolis Fire Department

• Summary: Establishes collaboration procedures with the fire department.
• Effective Date: 06-24-1988
• Last Review Date: 06-24-1988

Policy

The Minneapolis Fire Department is the primary responder for all fires, hazardous materials incidents, and water rescue from the lakes in the City. Officers shall assist the fire department with traffic and crowd control when requested. They shall also take proper measures to assure that all hydrants are accessible to fire equipment. The on‑duty watch commander shall be notified of all major fires.

When officers are at the scene of a fire extinguished by someone or something other than the fire department, they shall notify the dispatcher who will in turn notify the fire dispatcher.

Officers shall notify a supervisor of the fire department anytime they suspect arson, the use of molotov cocktails or other incendiary device. Any use of, or suspected use of, incendiary devices also requires the notification of the Minneapolis Police Bomb Unit.

6-111 Minnesota State Patrol Helicopter

• Summary: Provides guidance on using State Patrol helicopters for law enforcement operations.
• Effective Date: 03-19-1999

Policy

The Minneapolis Police Department considers the use of helicopters an asset and an effective law enforcement tool. The State Patrol helicopter is available 24 hours per day, and the MPD encourages its use. The State Patrol Helicopter Unit has been assigned an MPD call sign and has the capability of communicating via our radio channels.

Upon request of the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minnesota State Patrol Helicopter Unit may be requested to respond to reported incidents requiring helicopter services occurring within the city of Minneapolis.

Any supervisor or dispatcher may make an inquiry via radio as to whether the State Patrol Helicopter Unit is available for assistance.

The official request for assistance shall be made through MECC. MECC shall contact the State Patrol Helicopter Unit stating the type of assistance needed and location, and requesting an estimated time of arrival (ETA). The Watch Commander shall also be notified when assistance has been requested.

When responding to an incident, the State Patrol helicopter pilot will advise dispatch and communicate via radio with MECC and the ground units requesting assistance.

The Minneapolis Police Department shall be responsible for managing the event or incident for which assistance is requested.

As soon as the supervisor in charge determines that assistance is no longer needed, the supervisor shall notify MECC and the State Patrol Helicopter Unit immediately.

Supervisors shall also make non-urgent or pre-planned event requests.

Landing zones in each precinct have been established, enabling the State Patrol helicopter to land if needed. A file copy of landing zone locations shall be kept on file at each precinct, MECC, with the Watch Commander, and the State Patrol Helicopter Unit.

MECC shall maintain records via CAD event data, which includes the date and time of request for assistance, name and rank of officers, location, type of incident, and squad numbers involved.

If the State Patrol helicopter pilots have recorded an incident on videotape, a supervisor may request a copy of the videotape through MECC. A nominal charge may be incurred. MECC shall make such requests through the State Patrol Aviation Officer at 651-296-3170.

6-112 Social Service Agency Relationships

• Summary: Defines MPD's working relationships with social service agencies.
• Effective Date: 09-08-2005

Policy

The nature of police activity requires that all department personnel at times, work closely with private and public social service agencies. When providing assistance to citizens that is beyond police department capabilities, department personnel should consider referring citizens the agencies listed below.

• Minnesota Directory of Community Services (First Call for Help) (2-1-1)
• Hennepin County Adult Protection Common Entry Point (612-348-8526)
• Hennepin County Child Protection Intake (612-348-3552)

6-113 District Court Liaison

• Summary: Establishes MPD's liaison role with the district court system.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The police Court Liaison provides interagency communications and coordination between the department and the offices of the Hennepin County Attorney and the Minneapolis City Attorney. 

6-113.01 Juvenile Court Liaison

• Summary: Outlines responsibilities of the MPD liaison to juvenile court.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

Juvenile Division personnel will liaison with the Juvenile Court on a daily, ongoing basis for the exchange of information. 

6-113.02 Liaison With District Court Prosecutors

• Summary: Defines MPD's role in supporting court prosecutors.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

Precinct, division and unit manuals outline the activities and responsibilities for maintaining liaison with the District Court prosecutors on an ongoing basis. 

6-114 Corrections Department and Probation/Parole Agency Liaison

• Summary: Sets policies for coordinating with corrections and probation agencies.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

Adult and juvenile probation and parole agency liaison will be maintained on an as-necessary basis by all department personnel for increased understanding and effective relationships. Division, precinct and unit manuals describe these exchanges of information and reports. 

6-115 Law Enforcement Agency Liaison

• Summary: Establishes MPD's responsibilities in liaising with other law enforcement agencies.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

It is essential for law enforcement communication and investigations to maintain professional liaison with other law enforcement agencies. Precinct, division and unit manuals describe these liaisons with adjoining jurisdictions and those of concurrent authority. All department personnel are expected to assist and to cooperate with other Federal, State, County and Local law enforcement agencies. 

6-116 Traffic Safety Liaison

• Summary: Defines MPD's involvement in traffic safety initiatives with other agencies.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

Traffic safety, education, enforcement and planning requires Minneapolis Police liaisons with public safety agencies at city and state levels in addition to those of private agencies. 

6-117 Hennepin County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

• Summary: Details MPD's participation in county-level justice coordination efforts.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

It is the policy of this department to participate in Hennepin County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council activities and task forces. Liaison assignments may be made to department personnel periodically and precinct and division manuals further describe additional activities and responsibilities. 

6-118 Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services Liaison

• Summary: Establishes procedures for MPD's interaction with EMS and fire services.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The effective delivery of emergency service often requires a coordinated response from police, fire and emergency medical personnel. All department employees are encouraged to develop and maintain good working relationships with fire department and emergency medical department personnel.

The department Administration participates in a 911 User Board with the Fire department, Emergency Medical Services and Minneapolis Emergency Communication Department for planning and a coordinated emergency response.

6-119 Regional Services

• Summary: Covers MPD's participation in regional law enforcement services.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The policy of this department is to participate in regional services providing communications and informational data for law enforcement agencies as follows:

6-119.01 Metro/Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System

• Summary: Defines MPD's use of the statewide radio network for communications.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The Minneapolis Police Department, through MECC, has access to Channel 8, a metro-wide emergency channel. If a need exists for a link-up to the Minnesota Statewide Emergency channel, MECC will patch the statewide channel into the Metro channel for use by the department. 

6-119.02 Centralized Statewide Fingerprint Records System

• Summary: Establishes procedures for accessing state-managed fingerprint records.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The Department participates in the Minnesota Automated Fingerprint Network (MAFIN) for evidentiary and identification purposes in compiling fingerprint records for Department use.

6-119.03 Centralized Statewide Crime Information System

• Summary: Covers MPD's use of state crime data systems.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The Minneapolis Police Department participates in the Criminal Justice Information System to track wanted persons and stolen property. 

6-119.04 Statewide Crime Reporting System

• Summary: Details MPD's responsibilities in crime data reporting.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The Department participates and complies with the Minnesota Uniform Crime Reporting Standards (UCR) and retains the UCR reports per Department/Division policy. 

6-120 Contractual Agreements for Law Enforcement Services

• Summary: Governs contracts between MPD and other entities for police services.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The policy of this department is to provide and to utilize paid law enforcement services based on precise contractual agreements in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 471.59 - Joint Exercise Of Powers. 

6-120.01 Assessment of Needed Services

• Summary: Provides criteria for assessing law enforcement service needs.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The purchase of law enforcement services will be preceded by an assessment of needed services by the requesting agency. Written documentation of an analysis of problems, needs, capabilities and alternate methods of obtaining law enforcement services will be provided and/or retained by the agency providing the services. 

6-120.02 Joint Powers Agreement Required

• Summary: Specifies legal requirements for MPD to enter joint power agreements.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

All contracted law enforcement services provided to, or by, the City of Minneapolis shall require a written Joint Powers Agreement to include a precise description of the law enforcement services, facilities and equipment to be provided, with the date and duration of services. 

The agreement shall also stipulate terms of contract modification and the termination of contract.

6-120.03 Contractual Cost Accounting

• Summary: Establishes financial procedures for contracted police services.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The Joint Powers Agreement shall specify the terms of payment to the provider agency. The cost of contracted services shall include personnel salaries, fringe benefits, equipment costs, maintenance costs, accounting costs and all indirect costs. The Minneapolis Police Department will maintain cost accounting records for the services provided to another agency. 

6-120.04 Indemnification

• Summary: Defines liability protections for MPD in contractual agreements.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

All agreements for contracted law enforcement services shall contain an indemnification clause to establish liability for suits or legal actions and shall identify by name and authority, those persons authorizing the Joint Powers Agreement. 

6-120.05 Personnel Status

• Summary: Establishes employment status considerations for officers under contract agreements.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

The Joint Powers Agreement will state that both the requesting agency and the providing agency shall maintain control over their respective personnel with regard to hiring, training, assignment, discipline and dismissal. The employment rights of all personnel assigned under an agreement shall not be abridge by the agency providing the contracted law enforcement services. 

6-201 Media Information and Media Releases

• Summary: Defines rules for sharing information with the media, including restrictions and permitted disclosures.
• Effective Date: 02-24-2006

Policy

The policy of the MPD is to establish a cooperative relationship with the news media in supplying information on matters of public interest. Only Information that violates the constitutional rights of the victim or the accused, interferes with an on-going investigation, or is legally privileged may be withheld from the public.

6-201.01 Public Information Officer

• Summary: Outlines the responsibilities of the Public Information Officer (PIO).
• Effective Date: 05-19-2008

Policy

The MPD may designate at its discretion, sworn or non-sworn personnel to serve as Public Information Officer(s) for the MPD. The PIO will work closely with Police Department personnel, MPD Command Staff and the City Communications Director or his/her designee. For chain of command purposes, the PIO will report directly to the Chief or his/her designee.

The PIO may occasionally receive calls and requests during off duty hours to assist in resolving issues. A PIO who does not respond or is unable to respond during off duty time will not be subject to discipline, unless the PIO has been placed on standby in accordance with Section 10.4 of the Labor Agreement. The MPD may, in accordance with Section 3 of the Labor Agreement, change, amend or delete the duties and/or responsibilities of the PIO at any time.

6-202 Responsibility of MPD Employees

• Summary: Sets requirements for employees regarding media interactions.
• Effective Date: 02-24-2006

Policy

All inquiries, including requests for interviews, will be directed to the Public Information Officer (PIO). Inquiries regarding “on-scene” incidents shall be referred to the ranking officer (or designee) in charge at the scene. Only factual public information related to that incident shall be released. Updates to that incident may be obtained by contacting the PIO during normal business hours.

• No MPD employee should initiate a media contact without going through the PIO.
• Inquiries regarding current investigations shall be referred to the PIO.
• MPD employees shall not release information on any case where the progress of an investigation may be jeopardized by premature media coverage.
• MPD employees shall not represent opinion as fact.

6-203 Release of Information (News Media Release Form)

• Summary: Requires completion of a form for official media releases.
• Effective Date: 02-24-2006

Policy

Completing a News Media Release Form (MPD 8877) will be the responsibility of the Public Information Officer (PIO). All written media releases and/or press conferences must be approved by the Chief of Police, a designated member of the Police Administration, or the PIO. Such information will be distributed to all news media outlets which regularly cover department activities.

6-204 Major Incidents

• Summary: Details media coordination during significant events such as homicides and officer-involved shootings.
• Effective Date: 02-24-2006

Policy

When major incidents such as homicides, officer involved shootings, natural disasters, etc. occur; the Public Information Officer (PIO) will proactively contact media organizations which regularly cover department activities. When possible, the on-scene supervisor or PIO will direct media to a staging area. Media briefings and updates will be held at these designated areas.

6-205 News Release on Vehicular Accidents

• Summary: Establishes procedures for media releases concerning vehicle accidents.
• Effective Date: 02-24-2006

Policy

MPD employees should only give the name, address, age and a short description of how an accident occurred. This also includes any juvenile, unless the juvenile will be cited, arrested, incarcerated or otherwise substantially deprived of liberty. Under these circumstances, age and sex may only identify a juvenile.

6-206 Site Access for News Media

• Summary: Governs media access to crime and emergency scenes.
• Effective Date: 02-24-2006

Policy

MPD employees shall not unnecessarily obstruct news media personnel from performing their duties at emergency scenes. However, news media will not be allowed to cross police lines, which are set up to protect a crime scene. Members of the media must follow all municipal, state, and federal statutes. Media can be restricted from an area where their presence can jeopardize police operations. Only the ranking on-scene officer may grant news media representatives access to any area closed because of investigation or health and safety hazards.

6-301 Public Access to Police Facilities

• Summary: Outlines public access policies, including facility tours and visitor escorts.
• Effective Date: 01-01-2026
• Last Review Date: 09-26-2022

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the authorized access areas, restrictions, and approval guidelines for public access to police facilities.

Policy

Access

1. Each command will define the public or community areas of the facility and the areas restricted to members only.
2. All visitors to areas of MPD facilities authorized for MPD members only shall be escorted by an MPD member while in the facility.

1. When escorting visitors, attention shall be given to assure that equipment, protected data, and other sensitive material is not available to the visitor.

3. Members shall not permit any person to enter a police facility to sell goods, offer them for sale, or to canvas or solicit for any purpose without authorization from the member in charge of the facility (Inspector, Commander, Lieutenant, etc.).

Tours

1. Escorted tours of police facilities may be conducted for approved groups who have expressed an interest in observing the functions of the Minneapolis Police Department.

2. Tour screening and coordination is the responsibility of Inspectors, Commanders or unit Lieutenants, or their designee, and shall be conducted by department member volunteers.

6-302 Precinct Community Rooms

• Summary: Sets rules for public use of precinct community rooms for meetings and events.
• Effective Date: 04-18-2008

Policy

When not needed for official MPD business, the community rooms at each precinct shall be made available to community groups for public safety related meetings. The Precinct Commander or his/her designee shall determine whether a legitimate public safety reason exists. All community groups shall have equal access.

The following policy shall be adhered to:

1. Community rooms are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

2. All meetings shall be open to the public.
3. Meetings involving the sale or promotion of commercial products or services are prohibited.
4. Meetings involving the campaign of political candidates or parties are prohibited.
5. No admission fee, registration fee, donation or monetary solicitation may be sought by meeting organizers.
6. Any group or organization interested in using a community room must first fill out a “Community Room Reservation” form. This form is available at the precinct stations, MPDnet and online at the public MPD website. These forms shall be submitted at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting date. Subsequent reservations can be made by telephone.
7. Reservations will not be confirmed until the reservation form has been completed, signed and processed. This may be done at the precinct if the paperwork is completed.
8. Groups may reserve space for up to six meetings in a six-month period. No single group may have more than six meetings in a six-month period unless written approval is obtained from the Precinct Commander.
9. An adult representative must be present during the meeting.
10. Reservations may be canceled at any time by the precinct should a Department or City need arise. If a cancellation is necessary, the requestor will be contacted by the precinct.
11. Users agree to accept responsibility for all damages caused to the building and/or equipment beyond normal wear.
12. The group/organization is responsible for cleaning the meeting room after use and may be assessed a cleaning fee if not properly cleaned.
13. Meetings must be held during the hours of 0800 (8 a.m.) - 2200 (10 p.m.) and must end on time.
14. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
15. Failure to abide by the above policy may disqualify the group or organization from future use of these facilities. 

6-303 Department Speakers

• Summary: Details procedures for scheduling MPD officers as speakers for public events.
• Effective Date: 04-01-1993

Policy

Requests for department speakers will be referred to Precinct or Division Commanders. Requests for a specific officer will be sent to the officer at his/her place of assignment. 

Commanding officers are responsible for the recognition of superior performance of officers who participate in department speaking engagements. Recognition could include informal or formal letters of commendation.

6-304 Ride Along Program

• Summary: Provides guidelines for civilians participating in MPD's ride-along program.
• Effective Date: 04-18-2008

Policy

The purpose of allowing citizens to ride with police employees is to add to the public’s knowledge and understanding of the complexities of law enforcement. For details regarding the MPD’s Ride Along Program, refer to Policy and Procedure Manual Section P&P 6-400.

6-401 Ride-Along Program

• Summary: Purpose of the Ride-Along Program with some details.
• Effective Date: 05-10-2004

The purpose of the Ride‑Along Program is to improve police and public relations by familiarizing participants with the complex and unpredictable nature of police work.

Inquiries about the Ride-Along Program and requests for rides should be referred directly to the precinct/unit/division that the caller is interested in riding with. Each precinct/unit/division will handle its own ride-along requests.

Participants must normally be eighteen years of age. They will be assigned to a squad or vehicle with two officers unless an officer, with the approval of a supervisor, chooses otherwise.

Ride‑alongs are limited to one participant per squad or vehicle. The time limit for a ride-along is four hours; however, the supervisor and officers may agree to more hours.

An officer's involvement with the program is voluntary, but an officer who has taken friends as riders can reasonably be regarded as volunteering to take others.

Any variation or exception to the ride-along process requires the written permission of the Chief of Police or the Deputy Chief of the appropriate Field Services Bureau.

6-401.01 Ride-Along Program Authorization

• Summary: Authorization needed to participate in the Ride-Along Program.
• Effective Date: 05-10-2004

Policy

Each participant in a ride-along must read and complete a Ride-Along Program Release Form (MP-3009) prior to the ride-along. Participants under eighteen years of age must have the parent's/guardian's authorization section completed in order to be allowed to go on a ride-along.

Supervisors and officers taking the ride-along should request proper identification from the participant. Officers may request any additional information they deem necessary in order to review the ride-along application or screen the applicant.

Supervisors and officers may also evaluate the ride-along applicant immediately prior to the ride, making the final approval or denial decision at that time.

Upon completion of a ride-along, the Ride-Along Program Release Form and any supporting paperwork shall be kept on file at the precinct/unit/division, where they will be retained for one year.

Applicants who are not approved for the Ride-Along Program will be notified at the earliest opportunity and provided with the reasons for the denial. Those reasons shall be documented on the Ride-Along Program Release Form. Within three days, a copy of the form will be forwarded to the precinct/unit/division commander for review. Copies of ride-along denials shall be kept on file at the precinct/unit/division for a period of one year.

6-401.02 Ride-Along Instructions

• Summary: Instructions for supervisors and officers participating in a Ride-Along session.
• Effective Date: 05-01-1992

Policy

Supervisors shall ensure that officers instruct their ride-along of expected behavior prior to the ride. Ride-alongs shall be instructed to follow the directives of the officers during the ride.

Officers will also advise participants that failure to comply with reasonable directives or injecting themselves into a situation improperly will result in termination of the ride-along.

Ride-alongs are not authorized to operate any MPD equipment.

6-401.03 Ride-Along Termination

• Summary: Guidelines for reasons to terminate a Ride-Along.
• Effective Date: 05-10-2004

Policy

Officers may terminate a ride-along at any time. Reasons may include, but are not limited to, ride-along conduct or call-load needs.

In such incidents, the officers shall notify a supervisor that they have terminated the ride-along. The supervisor shall note the incident and reasons on the Ride-Along Release Form. The form should be forwarded to the precinct/unit/division commander for his/her review, where it will be kept on file for one year. 

6-402 Special Participants for Ride-Alongs – City Employees

• Summary: Specifications for city employees participating in Ride-Along Program.
• Effective Date: 05-01-1992

Policy

City employees required to participate in the Ride‑Along Program may participate without signing the Ride-Along Release Form (MP-3009). Shift supervisors will assign participants to whatever squad they deem appropriate. Participation in this category is limited to four hours unless otherwise ordered by a supervisor.

Note: Permit and temporary employees are not considered City or MPD employees and must follow the ride-along application procedures described in P&P 6-401.

6-402.01 Special Participants for Ride-Alongs – MPD Employee

• Summary: Specification for MPD employees participating in Ride-Along Program.
• Effective Date: 05-01-1992

Policy

Supervisors may authorize some allowances for MPD employees participating in the Ride-Along Program as deemed appropriate for job-related knowledge needs.

6-402.02 Special Participants – Under Eighteen Years of Age

• Summary: Regulations for Ride-Along Programs participants under eighteen years of age.
• Effective Date: 05-10-2004

Policy

In order for a person under 18 years of age to participate in a ride-along, written parental or guardian approval is mandatory, per the City Attorney, and is included on the Ride-Along Program Release Form. For curfew concerns, refer to County Ordinance No. 16, Juvenile Curfew for Hennepin County, Section 4: Defenses, "the juvenile was going to, attending, or returning home from an official school, religious, or other recreational activity sponsored and/or supervised by a public entity or a civic organization. 

The MPD grants permission for youths involved in a MPD-sponsored law enforcement program to go on ride-alongs. MPD-sponsored programs are: the Explorers; Public Safety Internship Program; and the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.). 

No one under the age of sixteen years and not involved in a MPD-sponsored program will be authorized to go on a ride-along without the written permission of the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of the appropriate Field Services Bureau. Participants may ride along with precinct officers, Traffic officers, and CCP/SAFE personnel.

6-403 Officer’s Right to Decline

• Summary: Allow for officers to decline participation in the Ride-Along Program, reasons listed.
• Effective Date: 05-01-1992

Policy

An officer may request to decline participation in the Ride‑Along Program for reasonable cause. Reasonable causes include situations that may result in discomfort for the participant, officer or MPD. Final decisions on all assignments are the responsibility of the commander.

6-404 Responsibility of Commanders – Ride Along Program

• Summary: Allow for officers to decline participation in the Ride-Along Program, reasons listed.
• Effective Date: 05-01-1992

Policy

Commanders are responsible for the operation of the Ride‑Along Program within their command. They are authorized to approve, modify or reject any request for participation. 

Commanders are responsible for ensuring that Ride-Along Program Release Forms are completed and applicants are approved prior to the ride-along.

Commanders shall make every effort to assign ride‑along participants to a squad or vehicle that patrols the applicant's stated area of interest. Officers are not expected to participate more than once a month with no more than three days consecutively assigned. Exceptions may be made for volunteers and special assignments. Commanders should seek to be equitable in assignments.

6-405 Ride-Along Participant Identification

• Summary: Directions for Ride-Along participants' identification requirements.
• Effective Date: 02-14-2001

Policy

All participants authorized for the MPD's Ride Along Program shall wear identification. Participants shall be issued ID cards marked "Ride-Along" that must be worn on their outermost garment during the duration of the ride-along, including when accompanying an officer outside the squad. All non-MPD ride-along participants shall sign the Visitor’s Log at the precinct/unit/division when they obtain the ride-along ID card. MPD employees may wear their MPD-issued photo ID cards in lieu of the "Ride-Along" ID.

Definitions

• Civil Disturbance: A civil disturbance, also known as civil disorder or civil unrest, is when a gathering or assembly becomes violent or involves a collective threat of imminent violence, including but not limited to, assaults, significant property damage, arson fires, and bodily injury to people.
• Crisis: An event or situation where a person's safety and health may be threatened by behavioral health challenges, to include mental health conditions, intellectual or developmental disabilities, substance use, or overwhelming stressors. A crisis can involve a person's perception or experience of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the person's current resources and coping mechanisms and may include unusual stress in their life that renders the person unable to function as they normally would.
• Crowd Control: Techniques used to address unlawful public assemblies.
• Firearms/Ammunition/Firearm Accessories: A device that projects either single or multiple projectiles at high velocity. Ammunition is a term meaning the assembly of a projectile and its propellant. Accessories include but are not limited to holsters, gun cases, firearm optics, suppression devices, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Incident Commander:

  The Incident Commander (IC) is the first officer or supervisor to arrive on the scene of a call for service where multiple units, scenes, or assisting agencies are dispatched. The Incident Commander has overall command of the incident, until properly relieved by a supervisor of higher rank if necessary, and will be based at the incident command post. The priorities of the Incident Commander include:

  1. Assess incident priorities.
  2. Determine strategic goals and tactical objectives, not related to the operations of SWAT or ESU personnel.
  3. Identify a staging area, if needed.
  4. Develop and implement incident action plan.
  5. Develop appropriate incident management structure.
  6. Assess resource needs.
  7. Coordinate overall on-scene emergency activities.
  8. Authorize information to be released to the media.
• Investigation: A structured process of gathering, examining, and evaluating facts and evidence to determine what occurred, assess compliance with laws and policies, and support appropriate actions or decisions.
• Juvenile: An individual who is under the age of eighteen (18) years.
• Limited English Proficiency: Designates individuals whose primary language is not English and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. LEP individuals may be competent in certain types of communication (e.g. speaking or understanding), but still be LEP for other purposes (e.g. reading or writing). Similarly, LEP designations are context specific. An individual may possess sufficient English language skills to function in one setting, but may find these skills are insufficient in other situations.
• Lost Child: Any child who strayed from the supervision of the parent or guardian and is not considered abandoned, may be considered lost.
• MECC: Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center is the city's 911 center that answers emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinates the appropriate response by public safety services.
• Media Affiliate: Media means any person who is an employee, agent, or independent contractor of any newspaper, magazine or other periodical, book publisher, news agency, wire service, radio or television station or network, cable or satellite station or network, or audio or audiovisual production company, or any entity that is in the regular business of news gathering and disseminating news or information to the public by any means, including, but not limited to, print, broadcast, photographic, mechanical, internet, or electronic distribution. For purposes of this policy, the following are indicia of being a member of the media: visual identification as a member of the press, such as by displaying a professional or authorized press pass or wearing a professional or authorized press badge or some distinctive clothing that identifies the wearer as a member of the press.
• Planned Event: An event with adequate notification, designated Incident Command structure, pre-committed resources, operational planning and an approved Incident Action Plan (e.g. Aquatennial, festivals, protests, and protection details).
• Public Information Officer: Disseminates information to the public and media.
• Transport Hold: When a peace officer or health officer takes a person into custody and the person is transported to a hospital for emergency admission and held until they are evaluated, under the authority from MN Statute section 253B.051, Subd. 1.
• Vulnerable Adult:

  As defined by MN Statute section 626.5572 Subd. 21, a Vulnerable Adult is any person 18 years of age or older who:

  1. Is a resident or inpatient of a facility (as defined in MN Statute section 626.5572 Subd. 6);
  2. Receives services at or from a facility required to be licensed to serve adults under MN Statute sections 245A.01 to 245A.15,
     except that a person receiving outpatient services for treatment of chemical dependency or mental illness, or one who is committed as a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person under MN Statute chapter 253B, is not considered a vulnerable adult unless the person meets the requirements of clause 4;
  3. Receives services from a home care provider required to be licensed under MN Statute sections 144A.43 to 144A.482; or from a person or organization that exclusively offers, provides, or arranges for personal care assistance services under the medical assistance program as authorized under MN Statute sections 256B.0625 Subd. 19a, 256B.0651 to 256B.0654, and 256B.0659;
  4. Regardless of residence or whether any type of service is received, possesses a physical or mental infirmity or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction:
     1. That impairs the individual's ability to provide adequately for the individual's own care without assistance, including the provision of food, shelter, clothing, health care, or supervision; and
     2. Because of the dysfunction or infirmity and the need for assistance, the individual has an impaired ability to protect the individual from maltreatment.
• Worker’s Compensation: Benefits for medical care and lost time prescribed by state law for members who are injured while on the job. Submission of a Supervisor's Report of Injury form is required for work-related injuries as directed by State law and MPD policy. NOTE: Worker's Compensation is separate from the Injured on Duty (IOD) program (refer to POFM labor agreement)