The audit of the MPD’s body-worn camera (BWC) program was a focal point. The independent Office of City Auditor presented findings from a state-mandated audit, which confirmed MPD’s compliance with state regulations. However, the audit identified areas for improvement, recommending the establishment of a process for independent third-party reviews, formalization of standard operating procedures, and enhancement of password security by increasing the minimum length from six to eight characters.

The audit covered data handling practices from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, and suggested that a documented process for evaluating third-party service providers should be implemented to improve vendor oversight. The necessity for comprehensive training to ensure adherence to these procedures was also emphasized. The committee members raised questions about the audit’s scope and the timeline of activities reviewed, with an emphasis on the importance of timely oversight and continuous policy reviews.

In parallel, the committee reviewed the MPD’s automated license plate reader (ALPR) audit report, which similarly confirmed compliance with state regulations. Recommendations were made to establish third-party review processes and to formalize existing ALPR procedures. The audit’s scope included considerations for data sharing with other agencies, and no issues were identified in this area. Concerns about data retention and sharing, especially in light of civil case evidence and retention policies, were discussed, highlighting ongoing scrutiny over police data management.

Beyond police technology, the meeting addressed the Minneapolis City Council’s 2026 Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment. This assessment identified key risks, including budgetary concerns exacerbated by Operation Metro Surge, federal operations impacting city safety and finances, and contract oversight challenges. The audit team noted that budgetary risks might necessitate state legislative support for new revenue streams to maintain city services, while federal operations posed compliance and legal risks requiring resource allocation to the city attorney’s office.

Contract oversight emerged as a critical risk area, with decentralized management potentially leading to errors and misuse. The audit team advocated for standard contract management policies and suggested forming a cross-departmental team to enhance oversight. Recommendations included defining roles and expectations to prevent errors and ensuring enhanced reporting mechanisms for potential wrongdoing or fraud.

Communication practices within the city were also scrutinized. The need for standardized protocols was highlighted, with many individuals uncertain about media representation and communication responsibilities. Suggestions included joint training for elected officials and staff, as well as the establishment of a governance oversight committee to strengthen enterprise risk management and policy-making.

The session further discussed the interconnected nature of various risks, asserting that improved risk management could reduce costs and enhance service delivery. Recommendations included appointing dedicated risk management staff, adopting internal control standards, and enhancing education on best practices. The importance of strategic meetings between the Mayor’s office and legislative leadership was emphasized to foster a cohesive governance approach.

The meeting also covered recent improvements in emergency response communication and operational structures, influenced by lessons learned from previous incidents. The “Strength in Separation” ordinance was noted for enhancing councilmembers’ communication with emergency operations. The committee directed staff to publish reports and emphasized the importance of aligning systems and resources to boost audit capacity and responsiveness.

The 2026 Audit and Strategic Plan was unveiled, detailing its purpose and proposed audits. This year’s plan separated the enterprise-wide risk assessment to provide a practical document for city leaders, introducing a new flexible framework to adapt to emerging risks. Ongoing audits included body-worn camera reviews, contract management oversight, and the Behavioral Crisis Response Program assessment. Additionally, the effectiveness of ShotSpotter technology and data governance were prioritized.