Last week, the Minneapolis Police Department hosted a community event that was about as charged as a BBQ can get – without turning into an actual fire hazard. The Chief’s BBQ, which took place on Lake Street, provided locals with an opportunity to meet Chief O’Hara and witness firsthand the latest department initiatives, including an introduction to the new motorcycle unit. Even though the skies opened up a little, the rain did little to dampen the spirits of those who attended.
According to the Minneapolis Police Department’s Facebook post, the event wasn’t just about the BBQ. It was a show and tell featuring divisions such as the Mounted Unit, Bomb Squad, K-9 Unit, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team. These attractions provided a chance for engaging conversations between the officers and their neighbors. “Events like these are a chance for neighbors to meet Chief O’Hara — plus members of our other divisions,” the Minneapolis Police Department post read, highlighting the communal aspect of the gathering.
As the grills worked overtime, flipping burgers and turning dogs, the centerpiece of the event seemed to be the newest additions to the police fleet – four gleaming Harley-Davidsons now in service with the department’s motorcycle unit. The sight of these machines was anticipated to stir a mix of admiration for the American manufacturing legacy and perhaps a renewed dialogue on policing’s relationship with community mobility and visibility…