Minneapolis council blocks Peterson from leading police department

Residents of Minneapolis face continued uncertainty in local law enforcement leadership after the city council rejected the nomination of Bill Peterson on Thursday. Peterson served as the interim police chief and was set to become the 60th chief of the Minneapolis Police Department. The council voted 8-5 against his confirmation.

Supporters argued that Peterson’s long tenure with the department gave him an advantage. He told KSTP 5 Eyewitness News last week that an internal candidate has a jumpstart over an external hire. "I’ve been immersed in it for 31 years, and I believe that I’m ahead of the game," Peterson said. He maintained that his decades of service made him the best choice for the role.

Opponents disagreed. They argued that an outsider was needed to address trust issues within the community. Some council members pointed to Peterson’s decades within the MPD as a disqualifier. They cited the department’s history of miscounts and a lack of trust as reasons to look beyond the current ranks.

Mayor Jacob Frey did not immediately confirm whether he will veto the council’s rejection. Frey noted that he does not yet have the votes to secure a majority if the council tries to override a veto. "To a certain extent, a decision like that could put it into no man’s land where the decision would remain with the council because they likely don’t have the votes to override the mayoral veto," Frey said.

This situation mirrors events from April of this year. The council rejected Todd Barnette for Community Safety Commissioner. Frey vetoed that rejection. The council then lacked the nine votes needed to override the mayor, leaving Barnette in a state of limbo. Frey praised Peterson’s performance during the confirmation process. "He went through like five hours’ worth of questioning, did an incredible job," Frey said.

Frey expressed doubt about Peterson’s desire to remain in the interim role. "I don’t know that he wants to continue," Frey told reporters. "I don’t know that he wants to continue on in this interim role." Despite this, Frey stated he would like to see Peterson continue as interim chief.

For now, Peterson will act as the department’s interim chief. He remains a candidate for the full-time position. Frey said that situation could change in the coming days. The decision to remain as interim or continue as a candidate for Chief of Police is entirely up to Peterson.

The council’s vote leaves the department without a permanent leader. Peterson will continue his duties in the interim role while the mayor considers his next steps. The outcome of the potential veto will determine the path forward for the Minneapolis Police Department.