I have 4 years to go before I can retire without a penalty. I am on the police/fire side, as are a few that have posted ahead of me. I have friends a d relatives that have retired in the last 5 years and have no complaints, the check comes every month without a problem. The only drawback I could see is if you would reach retirement age before you are vested. As far as big changes, yes, are the bad changes, that depends on your personal situation. Mpls police have a good thing going with all the extra security work they do is paid at time and a half a d goes towards their pension. If they work it right, they can retire with 20 years on the job and be 50 years old and still make 80% of their high 5 after the penalty. The overtime change is coming to plug that hole. Overall it is a well run pension fund, that is just my opinion though.