Police departments from coast to coast face staffing shortages, and some departments struggle more than others. An ABC news station in Minneapolis recently reported that approximately one out of three agencies in the Gopher State is actively recruiting officers, including the Minneapolis Police Department.

However, in June, a Hennepin County judge ordered the city and Mayor Jacob Frey to hire 82 more officers by January 4, 2027, or go to trial, where the mayor could be found in contempt of court if the staffing mark is missed.

In March, the Upper Midwest Law Center filed a lawsuit against the City of Minneapolis asserting that it is violating its charter, which requires a minimum of 17 cops per 10,000 residents. The most recent Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training count of 649 MPD officers falls short of the mandated 731 officers based on the population ratio. The suit was brought on behalf of two Minneapolis taxpayers and two property owners within the city.

“This is an important step toward restoring accountability for Minneapolis residents,” Upper Midwest Law Center President Doug Seaton said in a written statement.

MPD, like many agencies, has suffered recruitment slowdowns while retirements and resignations climb. CBS Minnesota reports that former Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed MPD experienced a 40% decrease in its ranks in 2024.

In response to the judge’s ruling, Minneapolis Office of Community Safety spokesperson Brian Feintech stated, “We’ve brought on more than 150 officers since the beginning of 2025, applications are up more than 200% since 2023 and we’ve built the most diverse police force in Minneapolis history. You don’t strengthen a police department through lawsuits. You do it through recruitment, hiring and retention. That’s exactly what we’re doing, and it’s working.”

MPR News also reports that 30 recruits are currently enrolled in the Police Academy.