<p>The Minneapolis office responsible for agency performance reviews has identified vulnerabilities in the city’s community peacekeeping program, an alternative to traditional policing established after the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. The recent report from the Minneapolis City Auditor’s Office states that the program is at an "increased risk of fraud, waste, and abuse." </p>
<p>According to the 60-page report, the Neighborhood Safety Department does not adequately oversee the millions of dollars allocated to nonprofit groups tasked with patrolling high-crime areas instead of police. Since the death of George Floyd in police custody, Minneapolis has invested over $36 million in community-oriented public safety initiatives aimed at preventing violent street crime through the deployment of "violence interrupters." </p>
<p>These outreach workers, who wear neon-colored visibility vests, are contracted by the city to provide mental health counseling and conflict resolution services to address the root causes of violence. The city’s approach acknowledges that factors such as income inequality, high housing costs, harmful gender norms, oppression, and racism contribute to criminal behavior. </p>
<p>The Neighborhood Safety Department's website states, "Violence takes an unequal toll on communities of color and specific neighborhoods. We need to dismantle structural racism to prevent violence." </p>
<p>The audit found that five years after the program's inception, the department does not regularly conduct site visits to ensure that violence prevention services are being delivered. The official site-visit policy is still in draft form and has not been implemented. Instead, contract managers occasionally check in with community groups without following a structured monitoring schedule. </p>
<p>Auditors also flagged issues with the department’s billing and payment practices, noting ambiguity around allowable reimbursements. The audit revealed instances where payments were made without proper documentation, and the current payout system does not require full supporting documentation at the time of billing. Contractors are often allowed to self-attest and submit partial proof of their work. </p>
<p>Additionally, the audit found that the department does not consistently track contractor training, including a required financial compliance course for contractors earning over $50,000 from the city. The lack of disclosure requirements regarding potential conflicts of interest and contract negotiations raises concerns about political influence in the contracting process. </p>
<p>The report indicates that there are no safeguards to prevent the contracting process from being influenced by individuals with direct connections to elected officials. The auditor’s office cited instances of politically connected contractors appealing to the Minneapolis City Council for favorable contract approvals or resolutions to disputes with city staff. </p>
<p>Following the report, Neighborhood Safety Department Director Amanda Harrington acknowledged that some contractors had contacted the mayor or city council members regarding contract negotiations. The audit's findings follow the charging of a Minneapolis crime prevention group, We Push for Peace, with charity fraud. State officials allege that the group's executive director diverted charitable assets for personal use. </p>
<p>We Push for Peace received approximately $2 million from the city for its violence interruption and community outreach work from 2021 to 2025. The city has budgeted $5.5 million for the violence-interrupter program this year. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has proposed reducing the program's budget by $2.6 million for fiscal 2027, citing a lack of demonstrable results. Some city council members oppose the cuts, asserting the program's importance in combating crime. </p>
<p>City Council Vice President Jamal Osman stated that the violence interrupters program is effective and should not be eliminated. Other council members have expressed skepticism about the program's effectiveness, with one comparing the violence interrupters to "21 Jump Street cops" in a previous meeting.</p>