The city of Minneapolis is one step closer to appointing their first ever Commissioner of Community Safety. Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated Dr. Cedric Alexander for the role.
Dr. Alexander is a former police chief who more recently served on President Barack Obama’s task force on 21st century policing. He is also the author of multiple books including In Defense of Public Service: How 22 Million Government Workers Will Save Our Republic.
“Community safety and law enforcement have been my life’s work, and I am grateful that Mayor Frey asked me to step into this role,” Alexander said. “I know the path forward will not be easy, but I am committed to making sure Minneapolis residents, businesses, and visitors are safe when they are in this great city. I’m eager to begin building the Office of Community Safety alongside community and Minneapolis first responders to develop a more effective, integrated approach to public safety.”
The first of its kind role would include being responsible for improving oversight and coordination within the Minneapolis Police Department, expanding community safety and violence prevention services and programs, and streamlining existing internal practices related to 911 response. Policy reform and safety beyond policing would also be under the purview of the appointee.
