The Minneapolis Police Chief has apologised for the actions of her force that caused the death of Australian woman Justine Damond Ruszczyk but could not guarantee the officer that killed her would lose his badge.

Police Chief Janee Harteau gave her first public address on the shooting of Ms Damond Ruszczyk on Saturday night by officer Mohammad Noor, having just returned from personal leave.

“Justine did not have to die,” she told media.

“This should not have happened. We want to protect with courage and simple compassion. This did not happen.

View photos Police Chief Janee Harteau has given her first address after the shooting of Ms Damond Ruszczyk. Photo: 7 News More

View photos Mohamed Noor joined the department in March 2015. Source: Facebook More

“We are talking about one individual’s actions in question.’’

The chief said due process would be followed and justice served, but when asked if she could guarantee officer Noor would not return to police duty she said she could not give that guarantee.

“But what I have assured the family is justice.”

View photos Justine Ruszczyk Damond was shot dead by police outside her Minneapolis home. Source: AAP More

View photos Officer Mohamed Noor was allegedly sitting in the passenger seat of a police car when leaned over and shot across his partner. Source: Minneapolis Police Department More