Members & Reports

Civilian Police Review Authority (CRA) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CRA?
What kind of complaints does the CRA accept?
How can I file a complaint against a Minneapolis Police Officer?
Who can file a complaint?
Can I remain anonymous?
What happens after I sign a complaint?
What information filed with the CRA is public?
How can I contact CRA Board members?
How can I become a CRA Board member?

What is the CRA?

• The CRA Board is an independent body of eleven Minneapolis residents, selected by the Mayor and the City Council.
• CRA investigators are neutral fact finders who investigate citizen complaints of misconduct on the part of the Minneapolis police officers.

The Board makes findings of fact and conclusions based upon those investigations.

What kinds of complaints does the CRA accept?

The CRA receives complaints that allege misconduct by an individual police officer or officers acting in their own discretion, including, but not limited to:

• Use of excessive force
• Inappropriate language or attitude
• Harassment
• Discrimination in the provision of police services or other discriminatory conduct on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, age or sexual orientation
• Theft
• Failure to provide adequate or timely police protection
• Retaliation for filing a complaint with the review authority

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How can I file a complaint against a Minneapolis police officer?

You can now file a complaint online. Complete the online form and an investigator will follow up with you.

Or contact a CRA investigator by calling (612) 673-5500. Our office is located in the Grain Exchange Building, 301 4^th Avenue South, Room 670, Minneapolis, MN 55415.

An official complaint does not exist until an investigator drafts a written complaint, the individual signs the complaint, and it is received in the CRA office.

Who can file a complaint?

Any person who has personal knowledge of alleged misconduct on the part of an officer may file a complaint. A parent or legal guardian may file on behalf of a minor. A family member, conservator or legal guardian may file on behalf of a vulnerable adult.

Can I remain anonymous?

No. However, an inquiry does not become an actual complaint until the allegations have been reduced to writing and signed by the complainant.

What happens after I sign a complaint?

Once the complaint form has been signed, the CRA manager determines whether the complaint will enter the mediation or investigation process.

Mediation Process

Mediation is an alternative to a full investigation and hearing by our office. The CRA Manager will determine if a complaint is appropriate for mediation. If so, a good faith attempt at mediation is required of all parties to the complaint. Mediation is an informal process, facilitated by a neutral third party, attended by the complainant and the officer for the purpose of fully, thoroughly, and frankly discussing the alleged misconduct and attempting to arrive at a mutually agreeable resolution of the complaint.

The mediation process is confidential. What is said in mediation remains between the officer(s), the complainant(s), and the mediator. It will not be used in later investigation, or in any hearing. If mediation is not successful, the complaint re-enters the investigation process.

Investigation Process

The investigator conducts a thorough investigation and makes a report to the manager of the CRA, who then forwards the report to a board panel with a recommendation.

The CRA Chairperson appoints a hearing panel which consists of three Board members, with one member designated as chair of the panel. The matter is scheduled for hearing. Complaints will be heard by a panel regardless of the staff recommendation to sustain or not sustain a complaint.

The standard of proof is a "preponderance of the evidence," which means it is more likely than not that the complained-of behavior occurred. After the hearing is concluded the panel deliberates privately. Within 30 days of the hearing, the hearing panel makes a determination whether or not to sustain the complaint. If the complaint is sustained, the matter is referred to the Chief of Police who will decide whether or not to impose discipline. When the Chief has made his decision, he must provide his reasons in writing to the Mayor and the CRA.

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What information about complaints filed with the CRA is public?

The CRA is covered by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Data collected may be considered personnel data and, as such, is not available to the public. The following data created and collected by the Authority is public:

• The name and address of the Complainant
• The name, badge number, rank and job description of the Officer
• The fact that a complaint has been filed against the Officer
• The status of a Complaint. The following shall be considered status information:

• fact that a complaint has been withdrawn by the Complainant.
• fact that a Complaint has been dismissed.
• fact that a Complaint is in mediation.
• fact that a mediation agreement has been reached.
• fact that a Complaint is being investigated.
• fact that a Complaint has been referred to a panel of the board for hearing.
• fact that a Request for Reconsideration to the full board is pending.
• fact that a complaint was not sustained, or that a complaint was sustained.
• fact that a Complaint has been referred to the Chief.

• The final disposition of any disciplinary action, together with the specific reasons for the action and data documenting the basis of the action, excluding data that would identify confidential sources who are employees of the City of Minneapolis.

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How can I contact CRA Board members?

Meet Board members at their monthly business meeting, the first Wednesday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. A portion of the meeting is set aside for public comment. The meetings are held in Room 333 of Minneapolis City Hall, 350 South 5^th Street. Public comment is welcomed. Board members can also be contacted through the CRA office.

How can I become a CRA Board member?

Board members serve a four year term. You may contact the City Clerk’s Office for an application when there is a vacancy on the CRA Board. Check the Boards and Commissions Web site for openings.