In response to the 2020 police killing of George Floyd, the Minneapolis City Council has unanimously approved a groundbreaking agreement with the federal government. This agreement aims to comprehensively reform the city's police training and use-of-force policies.

Building upon changes implemented since Derek Chauvin's conviction for Floyd's murder, this consent decree mandates officers to prioritize the sanctity of life and execute their duties with professionalism and respect. It explicitly prohibits officers from letting race, gender, or ethnicity influence their use-of-force decisions.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, along with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara, addressed the media regarding the agreement. (AP)

This agreement places the Minneapolis Police Department under long-term court supervision, formalizing negotiations that began after a 2023 Justice Department report criticized the department for systemic racial discrimination, constitutional rights violations, and disregard for the safety of individuals in custody. The report highlighted excessive force, including unjustified deadly force, and violations of First Amendment rights.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the significance of this moment, stating that George Floyd's death served as a catalyst for change. The consent decree provides a roadmap for reform, aiming to facilitate community healing and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the public.

The agreement focuses on overhauling police training and use-of-force policies in Minneapolis. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

An independent monitor will oversee the implementation of these changes, subject to judicial approval. City Council President Elliott Payne acknowledged the long and challenging journey, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in addressing this critical issue.

This federal agreement follows a similar 2023 state agreement prompted by a Minnesota Department of Human Rights report that revealed a decade-long pattern of racial discrimination within the Minneapolis police force. The DOJ has initiated similar investigations into other law enforcement agencies nationwide, particularly in response to high-profile police killings.

The Minneapolis City Council voted to discuss the federal consent decree. (AP)

The DOJ has established agreements with several cities, including Seattle, New Orleans, and Chicago. A consent decree with Louisville regarding the Breonna Taylor case awaits court approval. While some cities have embraced these reforms, others, like Memphis, have resisted federal intervention. The finalization of the Minneapolis agreement before the next presidential transition could limit future administrations' ability to alter the terms.