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Beefed-up security came with a hefty price tag at the murder trial of ex-Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd.
The Minnesota city’s police department chalked up $2.9 million in overtime during the high-profile trial, which led to Chauvin’s conviction on murder charges, Fox affiliate KMSP-TV reported.
The revelation came as Minneapolis police asked the city council at a Wednesday night hearing for $5 million in additional funding to offset spiraling costs, KMSP said.
The beleaguered department has lost more than 200 cops over the past year amid the controversy over Floyd’s death — and increased criticism of the department’s use of force.
There were 845 sworn officers in the MPD one year ago, with the number now down to 632, officials said.
But at least some council members questioned the hefty price tag.
“We’re going to need help understanding where the money is going,” Councilman Steve Fletcher told police officials during the hearing.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is banking on federal stimulus money to help bring in outside law enforcement agencies to help the city’s police department.
Frey also wants to use $11.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan money.
Officials put unprecedented security measures in place for Chauvin’s trial, including fortifying the city courthouse and bringing in outside law enforcement.
The highly volatile death of Floyd sparked worldwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality, leading to rioting and looting in Minneapolis and elsewhere.
City leaders feared a resurgence of the unrest if Chauvin was acquitted.
The jury found the disgraced cop guilty on all counts — second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter — on the second day of deliberations.
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