City Of Minneapolis: Frey To Designate Deputy Chief Amelia Huffman As Interim Chief Of Police

Press release from the City of Minneapolis:

December 7, 2021

Mayor Jacob Frey intends to designate Deputy Chief Amelia Huffman as Interim Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department. Deputy Chief Huffman has been with the department for 27 years, most recently serving as the Deputy Chief of Professional Standards where she oversees Administrative Services, Internal Affairs, Technology and Support Services, and Training.

In her current role she has spearheaded key accountability measures including the introduction and adoption of Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training, a data-driven program developed in partnership with Georgetown college that emphasizes officer intervention. Deputy Chief Huffman has also led the work of reforming the department’s Field Training Officer (FTO) program with additional layers of accountability and oversight, and specialized training to ensure influential FTO roles are staffed by officers who embody core community values. These and many other accomplishments earned the respect of Chief Arradondo, who has recommended her for this role.

“Deputy Chief Amelia Huffman is the right leader to carry forward the work toward a more just and equitable system of safety in Minneapolis,” said Frey. “She has an encyclopedic knowledge of policy, procedure, and training – the building blocks of enacting a culture shift across the department and keeping our city safe. She has earned trust and respect from colleagues and community members throughout her time with police department due to a track record of exceptional leadership, and I’m excited to see that record grow in this new role.”  

“I’m honored to have this opportunity and stand ready to take on the role of Interim Police Chief for the Minneapolis Police Department at such an important time for our city,” said Deputy Chief Huffman. “The men and women of the Minneapolis police department have been tested over the course of the last several years. As a department, we must collectively recognize that rebuilding trust and enhancing public safety will require excellence in the line of duty as well as a willingness to embrace bold community safety and reform strategies. That is what the people of Minneapolis rightly expect and the direction my team and I will continue moving this department.” 

“Deputy Chief Amelia Huffman is aptly capable, competent, and qualified for this unique role,” said Chief Medaria Arradondo. “She has a thoughtful and real understanding of the complex public safety challenges our city is experiencing.  She is a true leader, bridge builder and problem solver.” 

Deputy Chief Huffman has served communities across Minneapolis, including assignments in the 3rd and 5th Precincts, Investigations, and as Deputy Chief of Professional Standards within the Chief’s leadership team. She has demonstrated a broad range of leadership skills during her time as an investigator within the Financial Crimes, Crimes Against Children, and Internal Affairs units. She also served as the Public Information Officer and commander of the Homicide and Licensing Units.

Deputy Chief Huffman is a board member for The Bridge for Youth, a local organization providing shelter and support services for youth experiencing homelessness, and was previously on the board of directors for Minneapolis’ YWCA chapter. Deputy Chief Huffman received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith, followed by a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Stephens University. She has also completed executive programs including the Senior Management Institute for Police, Police Executive Research Forum and the Southern Police Institute, Administrative Officers Course.

Mayor Frey will designate Deputy Chief Huffman to the Interim Chief of Police role on Jan. 15. The City will undertake a national competitive search for a permanent appointment.   

This press release was produced by the City of Minneapolis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.