Minneapolis police face scrutiny as domestic violence victims demand action
The Minneapolis Police Department
is under intense pressure following a scathing audit revealing systemic failures in responding to domestic violence calls, leaving two families grappling with unimaginable loss.Critical shortcomings exposed: a pattern of neglect
A detailed report released this week by the city auditor paints a damning picture of response times, inadequate investigations, and a severe staffing crisis that directly contributed to the deaths of Allison Lussier and, implicitly, Mariah Samuels. Lussier’s final 911 call, just days before her body was discovered, detailed a violent assault – a call that, according to the audit, was met with a shockingly slow response and insufficient follow-up.
Staffing woes and backlog issues
The audit highlighted a critical backlog of cases, with nearly 100 similar incidents piling up in early 2023, compounded by a drastically reduced number of investigators – just three to five handling all felony domestic abuse cases compared to 10-12 pre-2020. This wasn’t a sudden anomaly; it’s a consequence of years of underinvestment and unsustainable caseloads, placing an intolerable burden on officers.
Chief o’hara’s response and ongoing reforms
Chief Brian O’Hara acknowledges the serious shortcomings, stating his department remains ‘committed to doing everything we can’ to address the issue. He’s implemented internal memos reinforcing proper procedures and applicable laws, and pilot programs in two precincts aimed at identifying potential escalation and improving coordination with other agencies. However, families like the Lussiers are demanding more than incremental adjustments; they’re calling for a fundamental overhaul.
A cascade of failures: the samuels case
The Lussier case isn’t an isolated incident. The auditor’s report also scrutinized the handling of Mariah Samuels' murder in September of last year, with her family alleging that Minneapolis police failed to adequately protect her. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty echoed this sentiment during David Wright’s conviction, stating, “Things clearly went wrong here with the Minneapolis Police Department.”
Accelerated response times – a measured improvement
While acknowledging past failures, O’Hara emphasizes recent improvements in response times – now averaging around seven minutes for ‘priority one’ emergencies, a significant improvement over the nearly two-and-a-half hours recorded in January. But Jana Williams, Lussier’s aunt, remains unconvinced, stating, “These failures are not isolated, they are systemic.”
Beyond immediate response: a demand for systemic change
Williams and other family members are pushing for a complete and immediate restructuring of the MPD, arguing that superficial reforms are insufficient. The audit’s findings underscore a persistent pattern of missed opportunities, inadequate resource allocation, and a critical need for sustained investment in domestic violence prevention and response.