Since January 2000, there have been one hundred and sixty-two deaths that occurred after a physical confrontation with law enforcement in Minnesota. The most prominent names, Philando Castile, Jamar Clark, and most recently Justine Ruszczyk (Damond) spurred community outrage and nationwide press coverage. The public’s reaction to the result of investigations, the release of livestream video and body-camera footage, and the acquittal, and clearing of involved officers, led to protests blocking Interstate 94, multiple subsequent arrests, and community upheaval. As a result, Minnesota gained national attention to the officer-involved shootings, resulting protests, and the prominence of Black Lives Matter. While these responses may be appropriate, they can be detrimental to innovative conversations surrounding effective policy solutions and community healing after similar circumstances in the future. Calls for training and education reform for police officers have the potential to address one side of the problem. However, the public’s trust in law enforcement must be redeveloped.

This article will explore and advocate for the use of Community Dispute Resolution (CDR)6 as a practicable solution for reducing police shootings in Minnesota. CDR provides a non-litigation means for settling disputes. Using CDR to ease the tension between communities and law enforcement, and to rebuild trust in law enforcement, will generate long-lasting change and rebuild relationships. Part I of this article provides a history of CDR and background in Minnesota. Part II analyzes how the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice’s pillars and other successful practices could come together and heal communities. It also reviews how stakeholders and professionals would become involved to ensure success and provide accountability. Part III outlines challenges and counterarguments facing the process.

Resolving Minnesota’s community disputes via a supportive environment such as CDR gives communities input into solving issues that would lead to long-lasting decisions that the community had ownership over. This paper reviews the existing divide between police and community in Minnesota and recommends CDR as a long-term solution for reducing the number of police shootings in the state and ultimately bridging the divide of racial inequality.