Spann and seven other residents have sued the city of Minneapolis, and they had their day in court Monday, where a judge heard their pleas for help. Attorney James Dickey is representing the residents.
According to Dickey, the city charter says a minimum of 753 officers is needed to protect residents. He says the city would not say how many officers are actually on the street.
The residents blame the Minneapolis City Council’s talk of defunding police for the rise in violence.
The Minneapolis City Attorney’s office says it’s vigorously defending the city in this lawsuit, and is confident city leaders have met their obligations as required by the city charter.