HEART OF STEELE
Last week, Minneapolis city officials reached a $950,000 settlement with journalists who were harassed by police during protests after the killing of George Floyd, with funds divided among eight individuals and the Communications Workers of America union.
The lead plaintiff in the case, Jared Goyette, was shot in the face by police using non-lethal ballistics. Other reporters were also struck and detained by police.
The behavior of law enforcement officers and leadership during that difficult time spawned two other lawsuits: Former Minneapolis Police union chief Bob Kroll agreed to a settlement that bars him from working in Minnesota law enforcement for three years, and the State of Minnesota paid out $825,000, also agreeing to policy changes that make clear state troopers cannot attack, arrest, threaten, or seize equipment from journalists.
Reading the news coverage brought back memories of watching journalists physically attacked by police while doing their jobs. Even from my vantage point two states away, the video sent a chill down my spine.
During my career, I’ve been fortunate to have good relationships with police chiefs and officers who behaved professionally and made clear that they understood how our interactions are supposed to work.
I have also worked with departments that stalled Freedom of Information Act requests, failed to return phone calls, refused comment, and complained about having to share any information with the press.
The difference between the two is more than just a level of frustration. With a platform of mutual respect, journalists and law enforcement can work together to keep the community safer. That’s especially important today when rumors and misinformation go viral across social media platforms.
Cops and journalists have something in common: A lot of people don’t like how we do our jobs. Both professions play a critical role in a free society. We shouldn’t be at each other’s throats.
But here we are.
This settlement, while it closes a chapter, still feels disheartening, as the City of Minneapolis refused to acknowledge its officers did anything wrong. But for those journalists who suffered physically at the hands of Minneapolis police, it is some measure of justice.