Minneapolis, Minnesota Council Rejects Police Chief Nominee Bill Peterson in 8 to 5 Vote

The Minneapolis City Council voted 8 to 5 on Thursday against confirming interim Police Chief Bill Peterson as the permanent chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, ending his bid to lead the department he has served for 31 years.

Peterson had been in line to become the department's 60th chief. Mayor Jacob Frey nominated him in October, after Peterson took the interim job in May following the resignation of Chief Brian O'Hara. Peterson began with the department at age 21, according to FOX 9. He first told the city he was not interested in the permanent role, then later put his name forward for the job.

Hours of questioning before the vote

Council members questioned Peterson for several hours on Thursday before the vote, FOX 9 reported. The questions covered professionalism inside the department, department spending, reform work and discipline for rank and file officers.

Peterson told the council the department has 41 complaints that affect about 85 officers. He described how sustained allegations move through a panel, the city attorney's office and internal affairs before he makes a discipline decision. "I take that responsibility very seriously," he said.

"I believe that culture change starts at the top," Peterson said. "So I wholeheartedly believe that that culture change starts with me as the chief of police."

Council members noted that Peterson has two open internal complaints against him. The nature of those complaints is not public information. Peterson acknowledged that he has not always been perfect in his career and said he has tried to lead by example in every role he has held.

Support in the room, and a split council

Supporters told the council that Peterson's decades in Minneapolis gave him institutional knowledge and a direct understanding of the problems officers and residents face. Community leaders involved in the search told FOX 9 they were impressed by the speed at which Peterson started addressing internal issues during his four months as interim chief.

Opponents argued that the department needs a leader from outside its own ranks. Critics pointed to the department's record on misconduct and to long running problems with public trust, and said a chief who spent his whole career inside the department was the wrong choice to deliver the changes they want.

In live remarks after the vote carried by FOX 9, Frey defended Peterson, called his record spotless and said other candidates have told him they do not want to deal with what he called the toxicity on the current council.

What happens next

If the council had confirmed him, Peterson would have served as chief for a term through January 2030, FOX 9 reported. The rejection leaves the permanent job open again, months after O'Hara resigned.

It was not immediately clear on Thursday who the city will consider next or how quickly officials will move on another candidate. The department still has to rebuild public trust, strengthen accountability and maintain public safety while its long term leader remains undecided.