Police Misconduct Settlements and PTSD Claims: The Financial Toll on Minneapolis Tax Payers

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Introduction:

In recent years, the city of Minneapolis has faced a significant financial burden due to police misconduct settlements and an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claims among former police officers. From 2019 to 2023, the city's expenditures on police conduct settlements have surpassed $70 million, drawing attention to issues related to police accountability and the overall financial impact on taxpayers. In 2021, Minneapolis made headlines by paying a staggering $27 million to the family of George Floyd, marking it as the largest payout ever related to a wrongful death lawsuit in the city's history. This article delves into the details of these settlements, their implications, and the rising number of PTSD claims among first responders.

Police Conduct Settlements:

Between 2019 and 2023, Minneapolis grappled with a series of police conduct settlements that drained city resources. According to data from the City Attorney's Office updated as of June 9, 2023, these settlements covered a range of misconduct cases, including use of excessive force, property damage, and improper use of data. Such incidents not only eroded public trust but also had severe financial repercussions for the city. The $27 million payout to the family of George Floyd in 2021 stands out as a stark example of the costs associated with these settlements.

PTSD Claims Among Former Police Officers:

Another financial challenge emerged as Minneapolis faced an increase in PTSD claims among former police officers. In response to this growing issue, the city authorized payments of $1 million to former officers who claimed to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or other injuries. This decision came after a hearing by the Policy and Government Oversight Committee, which aimed to address ongoing efforts to reform the Minneapolis Police Department.

Total work comp payments related to PTSD and other injuries have reached a staggering $28 million since the tragic murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent unrest. This significant financial burden has raised concerns among city officials and taxpayers alike. Councilmember Robin Wonsley expressed her worries about these payments going to officers who had engaged in egregious acts of misconduct towards residents and had not been held accountable. She emphasized the need to rein in what she called "blank checks" signed by the Police Department.

Legislative Changes and Rising PTSD Claims:

To provide context, it's essential to understand the legislative changes that contributed to the surge in PTSD claims among first responders, including police officers. In 2018, Minnesota lawmakers passed a law recognizing PTSD as a compensable condition for first responders. This legal recognition was intended to support the mental health of those who regularly face traumatic situations in their line of duty.

In 2019, state lawmakers further amended the law to create a presumption that PTSD is job-related for disability claims filed through the state's Public Employees Retirement Association. This change aimed to simplify the process for first responders seeking compensation for PTSD-related disabilities.

The consequences of these legislative changes became evident when the Minnesota Reformer reported in August 2021 that the number of police and firefighters applying for disability had tripled in the prior fiscal year. An astounding 79% of applicants cited PTSD as the reason they couldn't continue working. This finding suggested that first responders were leveraging the PTSD presumption to successfully file disability claims and, in turn, using these disability findings to support their work comp claims.

Conclusion:

The financial toll of police misconduct settlements and the surge in PTSD claims among former police officers have posed significant challenges to the city of Minneapolis. While these issues underscore the need for accountability and mental health support for first responders, they also raise concerns about the financial implications for taxpayers. Balancing the need for justice, reform, and fiscal responsibility remains an ongoing challenge for the city and its residents as they grapple with these complex and interconnected issues.