The Minneapolis Police Department has announced a major shakeup of its senior ranks.

"As part of our MPD 2.0 strategy, it is my goal to align the Department so we can continuously improve and adjust to our changing needs," Chief Janeé Harteau said in a Facebook post late Wednesday. "We consistently review department operations and the performance of command staff. Furthering that commitment, I've decided to make the following adjustments to our command structure."

Police officials announced Wednesday that former deputy chief of patrol Eddie Frizell, fresh off his failed run for Hennepin County sheriff, has been stripped of his command and demoted to operations and administration commander.

The newly created position will focus on recruitment and hiring.

Reached for comment Wednesday night, Frizell expressed dismay that he was not given an explanation for his demotion.

"I didn't deserve this and if there's a person that can articulate (why this happened) we would have found them already," Frizell said. "I'm not planning on signing any documents until I have them looked at by a professional in the area."

Star Tribune, Star Tribune
In a file photo, Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau with, behind her from left: Cmdr. Lucy Gerold, Assistant Chief Matthew Clark, and Deputy Chiefs Eddie Frizell, Kristine Arneson and Travis Glampe.

Frizell was previously recognized for overseeing significant crime reduction in the First Precinct, which includes the downtown area, and for pushing community engagement efforts.

Meanwhile, First Precinct Inspector Medaria Arradondo has been promoted to deputy chief and made chief of staff, a newly created position that will report directly to Harteau to "provide operational coordination and will be responsible for directing, managing and overseeing departmentwide initiatives, projects and policy," officials said. His duties will now fall to Inspector Mike Kjos, current head of the Fourth Precinct, who in turn will be replaced by Lt. Mike Friestleben.

The position of commander of the Special Operations Division was eliminated, although officials didn't release any details on the fate of the current commander, Robert Skoro.

"I believe these changes will allow us to focus on important initiatives that support our mission of improving public safety, public trust and employee engagement and morale," Harteau said.

Police officials declined further comment.

Libor Jany • 651-925-5033