MPD Downgraded Serious Crimes

Why this matters: Downgrading crimes can lead to inaccurate crime statistics, reduced police response, and a potential undermining of public trust. Victims may not receive the attention and resources they need.

An internal affairs report obtained by 7News I-Team details how the MPD reclassified serious crimes. Assaults involving weapons, including guns and knives, were sometimes recorded as simple assaults. Shootings and stabbings were labeled as “injured person” cases, meaning they were not counted as violent crimes. Investigators found multiple instances where more serious crimes were downgraded to lesser offenses, including: Robbery → reclassified as theft or simple assault; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (ADW) → reduced to simple assault, threats, or reckless endangerment; Shootings and stabbings → labeled as “injured person” or other non-violent categories; Carjackings → recorded as auto theft or listed as pending cases; Burglary → changed to unlawful entry or lower-level incidents; Theft and theft from auto → labeled as “lost property” or other lesser offense. The report also includes testimony from officers describing a culture that encouraged lower classifications. Investigators said pressure to show falling crime numbers may have contributed to the problem, creating an environment where lower classifications became the norm. The U.S. Attorney's Office already did its own investigation and found nothing criminal. Thirteen police officers have been placed on administrative leave based on the results of the investigation by MPD. So far, no officer has been fired.

The investigation revealed a pattern of serious crimes being downgraded behind the scenes.

Assaults with weapons, shootings, stabbings, robbery, carjackings, and burglary were among the crimes downgraded.

Do you think this trend of downgrading crimes will have long-term effects on public safety and trust? Let us know!

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