Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced today that the department has now prevented at least 17 encampments from forming since he issued a special order in January to proactively address encampment-related safety concerns. The effort is already yielding broader public safety improvements, with significant drops in violent crime in several neighborhoods previously impacted by encampments.
“In 2024, encampment-related violence devastated lives—15 people were fatally shot, and 387 overdoses occurred within one block of encampments, accounting for 13% of the city’s total overdoses,” said Chief O’Hara. “We implemented this special order to stop this crisis before it starts. The results are clear: fewer encampments, fewer shootings, and safer neighborhoods.”
The special order empowers officers to take immediate, proactive action when encampments are identified on city-owned or vacant private property. Since January 10, MPD has intervened and closed encampments across multiple precincts. Here are some notable statistics (Year to Date) for key neighborhoods where encampments have formed:
Note: Gunshot incidents includes Shooting, ShotSpotter Activation, Sound of Shots Fired, and Person w/ Gun calls.
- Phillips West: Assault down 44.2%, Robbery down 62.5%
- East Phillips: Gunshot incidents down 83.3%, Gunshot wound victims down 87.5%
- Whittier: Gunshot incidents down 83.3%, Robbery down 40.7%
- Midtown Phillips: Robbery down 42.9%
- Ventura Village: Gunshot wound victims down 80%, Robbery down 50%
“These declines are not a coincidence,” said O’Hara. “We’ve focused our response in the very areas where encampment-related crime has historically spiked. Our efforts are making a measurable difference.”
Recent Encampment Interventions Include:
- March 6 – Encampment dismantled near Elliot Ave & Chicago Ave (CN 25-055347)
- March 10 – Officers cleared tents at 17th & Cedar (CN 25-059040) and 24th St & Bloomington Ave (CN 25-059058)
- March 14 – Officers removed an encampment behind the Speedway at 2445 Bloomington Ave (CN 25-063127)
- March 20 – One tent removed near 20 Washington Ave in the 1st Precinct
- March 24 – Encampment prevented near Glenwood Ave & Twins Way (CN 25-073394)
- March 26 – Repeat encampment shutdown at 2901 Blaisdell Ave (CN 25-075821); another cleared near Lake St & Hennepin Ave (CN 25-075863)
MPD continues to coordinate with city departments, public works, and outreach teams to ensure proper cleanup and connect individuals to housing and support services.
Background
The Minneapolis Police Department’s special order was implemented in early January 2025. It calls for a proactive patrol strategy to prevent encampments from taking root on sidewalks, vacant lots, and public rights-of-way. Officers are directed to respond quickly and consistently, collaborating with regulatory services and outreach partners.
The City’s Homeless Response Teams engage daily with unsheltered residents to offer culturally competent services, shelter options, and pathways toward stable housing. The combined effort prioritizes safety, dignity, and long-term solutions.
