Minneapolis Police Chief O'Hara Faces Divisive Reappointment Vote

Councilors raise concerns over police spending and conduct complaints as chief's confirmation looms.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:18pm

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An extreme close-up of a solitary police cruiser parked on a dimly lit city street, with warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows creating a cinematic, nostalgic mood that reflects the political tensions surrounding the future of the Minneapolis Police Department.The Minneapolis Police Department faces renewed scrutiny as the city council weighs Chief O'Hara's reappointment amid concerns over spending and accountability.Minneapolis Today

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara is facing a potentially divisive reappointment vote by the city council, with several councilors expressing concerns over police spending and conduct complaints against the chief. The vote comes after the council rejected the reappointment of the city's community safety commissioner, putting a renewed spotlight on O'Hara's leadership.

Why it matters

O'Hara's reappointment is seen as a key test of the city's commitment to police reform and accountability, with the council's decision potentially shaping the future direction of the Minneapolis Police Department.

The details

Councilors raised several issues related to the Minneapolis Police Department's spending, with the department overspending by $19.6 million in 2025 and $5.2 million in January 2026 alone. Councilors LaTrisha Vetaw and Soren Stevenson expressed concerns over this spending, as well as the 22 open conduct complaints against O'Hara. While the nature of the complaints is unknown due to state law, the number has raised eyebrows among policing experts.

  • In 2025, the Minneapolis Police Department overspent its budget by $19.6 million.
  • In January 2026, the police department spent $5.2 million responding to Operation Metro Surge, about double the amount of budgeted overtime.
  • Last year, the council voted against reappointing Todd Barnette as the commissioner of community safety.

The players

Brian O'Hara

The current Minneapolis Police Chief who is facing a divisive reappointment vote.

LaTrisha Vetaw

A Minneapolis city councilor who has expressed concerns over the police department's spending and the number of conduct complaints against O'Hara.

Soren Stevenson

A Minneapolis city councilor who has also voiced concerns over police spending and the need for reform at the Minneapolis Police Department.

Jamal Osman

A Minneapolis city councilor who has voiced full support for O'Hara's reappointment, stating that the chief has earned the respect of the city.

Jacob Frey

The Mayor of Minneapolis who is also voicing support for O'Hara's reappointment.

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What they’re saying

“Police accountability and public safety are core priorities of mine, and I am deeply concerned with the Minneapolis Police Department's overall lack of accountability, need for reform, and the way the department has been overspending and causing shortfalls to the city's budget.”

— Soren Stevenson, Minneapolis City Councilor

“He has changed the leadership of the police, we are heading in the right direction.”

— Jamal Osman, Minneapolis City Councilor

What’s next

The Minneapolis City Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on Chief O'Hara's reappointment in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

O'Hara's reappointment vote will be a crucial test of the city's commitment to police reform and accountability, with councilors divided over the chief's leadership and the department's spending and conduct issues.