Todd Barnette started late last year as Minneapolis’ Community Safety Commissioner, following controversy with his predecessor. He now juggles the city’s public health and safety issues.
Barnette leads the city’s Office of Community Safety, which was created after voters approved a new government structure in November 2021. The office was formed following George Floyd’s murder in 2020 with the intention of connecting police work more with other city departments and community safety alternatives.
The office oversees Minneapolis police, the fire department, the city’s 911 dispatch center, and the city’s emergency management and neighborhood safety departments. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reports to Barnette.
The office’s first commissioner, Cedric Alexander, served in the role for just over a year. He was criticized for not implementing changes fast enough, and was also reprimanded by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for violating the city’s social media policy after he sent several defensive Tweets. Alexander retired last September. Frey announced Barnette as his nominee for commissioner, and the City Council approved the choice in October.