Mpls. City Council unanimously approves Brian O'Hara as police chief
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a new police chief Thursday morning.
Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Brian O'Hara two months ago. He currently serves as deputy mayor of Newark, New Jersey, a city he says was once marked by crime and mistrust, similar to Minneapolis. But Newark's reputation has changed under O'Hara's leadership. That is noted by a significant decrease in crime credited to a street team task force O'Hara started that relies on community citizens and local leaders.
"I believe that things happen for a reason," O'Hara said. "I believe very deeply that the experiences that I have had in the city of Newark, working with community and working with police officers to bring about some meaningful changes, are experiences that are directly applicable to the current challenges that are facing the residents of this community. I'm incredibly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to be part of the change here in Minneapolis."
"It's clear to me that you come from a police force that had a much higher standard of ethical practice than our existing police force," Councilmember Robin Wonsley said before O'Hara's confirmation.
All 13 councilmembers voted yes on O'Hara's confirmation, and nine members spoke in support of him at Tuesday's meeting.
"I'm not easily impressed, but I am very impressed with you," Councilmember Lisa Goodman said. "This community holds incredible hope for you and this department."
"People fall in love with you, they love what you have to say, they love the work that you've done," Councilmember Jamal Osman said. "When there's tough times in our city, we want to make sure you stand behind those words that you say."
WCCO's Reg Chapman sat down with O'Hara one-on-one last week. He said if he was selected for the job here, his top priority would be taking guns off the streets.
"The number one priority is gun violence. Absolutely," O'Hara said. "It's working with all of the law enforcement partners, particularly the federal partners under the leadership of the U.S. attorney. Which I know there is already great enthusiasm and great work being done already. But also trying to partner with community-based violence prevention groups, community stakeholders to ensure that we are doing everything we possibly to can to support that common goal of reducing the level of serious violence in the community,"
O'Hara will now become the first chief in 16 years to not come from within the ranks of MPD. He will serve as chief through January 2026 and would report to Dr. Cedric Alexander, the city's new commissioner of community safety.