For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Ian D. Bethel 612 801 0034
June 2, 2026
UCMT Welcomes the new Interim Chief to the PCRC Process
UCMT Commits to Working with Interim Chief Bill Peterson and the Search for a New MPD Chief
“Unity Community Mediation Team (UCMT), in good faith and compliance with our MOU with the City of Minneapolis, welcomes Interim Chief Bill Peterson as appointed by the mayor of Minneapolis,” declared Ian D. Bethel, Chair of the UCMT and Co-Chair of the Police Community Relations Council (PCRC). “We now look forward to engaging with Section 2.2.4 of the MOU with an immediate meeting with Interim Chief Peterson to continue the progress that has been made on transforming the MPD into the police department we need and want.”
Building on recent successes with the PCRC, UCMT will continue to build on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors community mediation program that diverts 911 callers in long term disputes with neighbors that do not rise to the level of criminal activity that require a police response. Also, the Community Mentor program that matches all new MPD officers with a community leader who is trained in mentorship of police officers, to help ensure that officers get off to a good start of a successful career at MPD. In addition, UCMT has been active in reaching out to community members and encouraging them to apply to become police officers in Minneapolis. UCMT is pleased to see the size of recruit classes growing significantly.
As we have with many transitions of Chiefs since our founding in 2003, we will welcome all new leadership. We look forward to continuing to strengthen relationships between all levels of MPD and our diverse communities in Minneapolis.
