MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced his nomination for the city's first Commissioner of Community Safety on Thursday.
The new commissioner will be in charge of the mayor's newly proposed Office of Community Safety.
Mayor Frey proposed the new office and position as part of a push for police reforms in the wake of George Floyd's murder in 2020.
The new position will oversee five departments: 911, Fire, the Office of Emergency Management, Police, and Neighborhood Safety, formerly known as the Office of Violence Prevention.
Mayor Frey introduced Dr. Cedric Alexander, a clinical psychologist, law enforcement analyst, author and a public safety executive who has served at several levels of government.
Alexander began his career over 40 years ago in 1977 as a deputy sheriff in Leon County, Florida. Alexander, a Pensacola-native, holds a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from Wright State University. He served on President Barack Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
A spokesperson for the Rochester Police Department (NY), where Alexander served as both a Deputy Chief, Chief of Police and Deputy Mayor, released a statement saying, in part, "Alexander was always at the forefront of policing in the City of Rochester. He was, and is, known for leading from the front and setting an example for the men and women of the Rochester Police Department."
The statement continued, "Despite leaving as Chief 17 years ago, Chief Alexander is still frequently spoken of in terms of the respect that both the members of the department and the Rochester community all have for him."
Dr. Alexander said his goal is to make Minneapolis "the safest city in America" at the news conference. "I am here because I believe in this city," said Alexander.
Last week, the council approved the commissioner position. Now, Mayor Frey said he hopes the council will confirm Alexander's nomination by mid-August.
The new job comes with a salary ranging from $295,250 to $350,000, according to an ordinance approved by the city council. The expected responsibilities of the commissioner role are listed in the city's job posting.
KARE 11 will stream the announcement on our website and YouTube page.