Delivering Safety and Trust: Jamal's Record on Public Safety
Delivering Safety and Trust: Jamal Osman's Record on Public Safety
October 09, 2025 – Minneapolis, MN
In Ward 6, true safety means more than statistics – it’s the peace of mind that lets kids race bikes down the street, families gather without worry, and neighbors feel seen and respected. Minneapolis is making strides: 2025 saw a 30 percent drop in shootings, a 15 percent reduction in homicides, a 32 percent decrease in gunshot victims, a 39 percent decline in carjackings, and a 47 percent reduction in robberies so far this year. Yet community feedback – from neighborhood forums to city surveys – shows that residents still want stronger accountability and lasting trust.
Council Member Jamal Osman, a Somali immigrant who fled war, a father of five, and a community health advocate, brings lived experience to this work. He knows that safety is earned through trust, not force. Since 2020, Jamal’s votes have strengthened oversight, improved recruitment, and expanded prevention – delivering results that make Ward 6 safer for everyone.
Key Results:
- Reformed MPD contract to include civilian oversight tools
- Raised pay (+21.7 percent over 3 years) to recruit and retain community-focused officers
- Expanded non-police response and youth violence prevention programs across Ward 6
Holding Police Accountable with Community Power
Jamal helped establish the Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO) in 2022 – a major reform that gave residents direct power to review complaints, examine use-of-force cases, and propose policy changes. Each ward now has a representative, ensuring every neighborhood’s voice is heard. In 2024, Jamal appointed Amiin Dakane as the Ward 6 representative, elevating local leadership rooted in community experience.
He also backed the 2023 Minnesota Department of Human Rights consent decree reforms, which require transparent discipline reporting, anti-bias training, and public access to oversight data. These changes are already reducing misconduct and building fairness in interactions across diverse Ward 6 neighborhoods.
“Trust starts with accountability. By giving Ward 6 a real voice in oversight, we’re ensuring policing serves our families with respect.” – CM Jamal Osman
Why this matters:
Community-driven oversight breaks cycles of distrust, reduces inequities, and makes safety something people can feel – not fear.
Raising Standards to Recruit Better, Community-Focused Officers
Public trust also depends on the people who wear the badge. Jamal voted to reform the MPD labor contract, tying raises to accountability and embedding civilian-oversight provisions that give residents real input into discipline and policy. The new contract also raises officer pay by 21.7 percent over three years – a strategic step to attract better-qualified, community-minded candidates and retain experienced officers who share Ward 6’s values.
He’s championed efforts to recruit officers from Somali, Latino, and Hmong backgrounds and supported mandatory training in de-escalation, bias awareness, and cultural sensitivity – now covering 90 percent of MPD personnel. These steps ensure that those responding to calls reflect and respect the neighborhoods they serve.
“We need officers who understand our communities and earn our trust through service, not fear. Fair pay and fair oversight help us get there.” – CM Jamal Osman
Why this matters:
Higher standards + better support = officers who serve with respect and strengthen bonds between police and community.
Stopping Violence Before It Starts
Jamal knows real safety begins long before a 911 call. In March 2025, he voted to reallocate $640,000 toward youth mentorship, violence interruption, and community patrols – investments linked to a 19 percent citywide drop in shots fired. When the mayor’s office cut Violence Interrupter services in high-need areas, Jamal publicly pushed back, defending programs that save lives and build trust.
He also expanded non-police crisis response, partnering with Black-owned Canopy Roots to deploy teams that handle mental health and conflict calls with compassion. Since 2021, these teams have answered more than 20,000 non-violent calls citywide – including thousands in Ward 6 – with zero injuries to residents and fewer arrests. Annual funding of $5.9 million keeps this lifesaving model running 24/7.
“Prevention is our future. These programs give Ward 6 youth and families the tools to live without violence.” – CM Jamal Osman
Why this matters:
Every crisis prevented means a family kept whole, a young person guided, and a neighborhood strengthened.
Building Bonds Through Representation and Listening
Trust grows when neighbors see themselves in public service. Jamal’s leadership has brought diverse recruits into MPD ranks and ensured that Ward 6 residents shape safety policy directly. More than 300 neighbors joined Ward 6 public safety forums in 2025 to discuss use-of-force guidelines and oversight reforms – conversations Jamal initiated and continues to lead.
“Trust is built when we’re heard and reflected in those who serve us. Ward 6 deserves safety that feels like home.” – CM Jamal Osman
Why this matters:
Representation and open dialogue cut tension, reduce complaints, and create a shared sense of belonging and safety.
Why Jamal’s Leadership Matters
Public safety and trust are the lifeblood of Ward 6. Jamal Osman’s record delivers both – accountability that builds confidence, prevention that saves lives, and representation that strengthens community. From reforming the MPD contract to funding non-police response and youth prevention, Jamal’s approach is proving that safety and justice can go hand-in-hand.
Re-electing Jamal means continuing this progress: stronger oversight, smarter recruitment, and expanded community-led solutions to keep every Ward 6 neighbor safe, respected, and heard.
Why Jamal’s safety record matters - and why he’ll keep delivering:
Jamal has a proven record of fighting for safety and winning tangible results. Re-electing Jamal means building on this progress – advancing oversight, prevention, and representation – so every Ward 6 neighbor feels safe and valued.
Resources and background:
Crime data: Minneapolis Crime Dashboard
Oversight: Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO)
Reforms: DOJ & MDHR Consent Decree Updates
Alternative response: Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR) Teams
Violence prevention: Violence Prevention Programs
Committee engagement: Public Health & Safety Committee Meetings
Rank Jamal Osman #1 - because safety and trust matter.
Learn more: jamalosman.org
Media Inquiries: info@jamalosman.org
Thank you, Ward 6, for standing with Jamal to build a safer, more united Minneapolis. Together, we’re unstoppable. ~ Team Jamal