WASHINGTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Department of Justice has opened a sweeping investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.
The Wednesday announcement came 24 hours after of the conviction of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin on second and third-degree murder charges and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd last May.
Attorney General Merrick Garland detailed what investigators will be looking for.
“We’ll assess whether the Minneapolis Police Department engages in a patterns or practices of using excessive force including during protests. The investigation will also assess whether the MPD engages in discriminatory conduct and whether its treatment of those with behavioral health disabilities is unlawful,” he said.
The DOJ has already been reaching out to members of the Minneapolis community groups and the public to learn about their experiences with MPD. In addition to that, investigators will speak with MPD officers about the training and support they have received.
“All these voices will help provide investigators the information they need to conduct a comprehensive assessment. All these voices will be critical to the reform efforts that will follow if the investigation determines the existence of constitutional or statutory violations,” said Garland.
If the DOJ concludes there is reasonable cause to believe there is a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing, it will issue a public report of its findings.
The department also has the authority to bring a civil lawsuit asking a federal court to provide injunction relief that orders the MPD to change its polices and practices to avoid further violations.
Typically, when the DOJ finds unlawful practices or patterns of practice, the local police can enters into a settlement agreement or a consent degree to ensure that prompt and effective active is taken to align policing practices with the law.
“Most of our nations law enforcement officers do their difficult jobs honorably and lawfully. I strongly believe that good officers do not want to work in systems that allow bad practices,” said Garland. “Good officers welcome accountability because accountability is an essential part of building trust with the community and public safety requires public trust, he said.
The Minneapolis has a history of controversial and deadly police shootings, including the killing of Philando Castile in July of 2016, that were met with outrage when the officers involved were not charged.
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