Minneapolis on track for lowest arrest rate in 17 years

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minneapolis is on track to record its lowest arrest rate in 17 years, police statistics show.

The number of arrests is down nearly 9 percent through March 20 from the same period last year, the figures show. The percentage reflects the number of arrests reported to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, including homicides, drunken driving and burglaries.

If the trend continues through the end of the year, it would be the fewest number of arrests since at least 2000, the Star Tribune (https://strib.mn/2nOlaTn ) reported.

The decline is largely fueled by a decrease in arrests for less serious crimes such as vandalism, prostitution and DWIs. While there are fewer arrests overall, crime is on the rise. Homicide, rape and property crimes are up 18 percent.

“It really shows our officers are working hard and holding people responsible for violent and invasive crimes that can have a profound impact on the residents we serve,” Chief Janeé Harteau said in a statement Friday.

But City Council President Barb Johnson said she suspects police are making fewer arrests because officers are demoralized and reluctant to do their jobs out of fear of facing harsh scrutiny.

“I think it’s a real challenge if you don’t arrest people who are disturbing the peace, who are screaming at police,” said Johnson

Last year, officers on Minneapolis’ north side faced accusations of a monthslong work slowdown that resulted in a 51 percent drop in stops in the Fourth Precinct, along with a 45 percent drop in arrests.

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Information from: Star Tribune, https://www.startribune.com