Minneapolis council receives update on police dept. lawsuit

by Brandt Williams, Minnesota Public Radio

Minneapolis city officials discussed the lawsuit involving five black police officers Friday, but they took no action.

Minneapolis — The discussion at Mineapolis City Hall lasted more than three hours. Members of the city attorneys office briefed the city council, Mayor R.T. Rybak and police chief Tim Dolan.

City officials say the purpose of the meeting was for city attorneys to update the council and mayor about recent settlement talks involving the plaintiffs' lawyers and a magistrate judge.

City council president Barb Johnson says the council provided direction to the city's legal team, and she says the attorneys will meet again with the judge.

The lawsuit alleges that the officers were denied promotions and unfairly disciplined because of their race. Police officials deny claims of bias.