Justice Department Launches Sweeping Investigation into Minneapolis Policing Practices

Strategic Insights -

The US Justice Department has announced a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis, following the conviction of former city police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The investigation, led by Attorney General Merrick Garland, will examine whether the Minneapolis Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing, including the use of excessive force and discrimination against people with behavioral health disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Justice Department has opened a civil investigation to determine whether the Minneapolis Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing.
  • The investigation will examine whether the police systematically engage in the use of excessive force, including during legal protests.
  • The probe will also investigate whether the city force shows a pattern of discrimination and unlawful treatment of people with behavioral health disabilities.
  • If evidence is found of a pattern of unlawful practices, the investigation could lead to a civil lawsuit seeking sweeping reforms of the police department.
  • The Justice Department will be "unwavering in its pursuit of equal justice under law," Garland said.
  • Chauvin's conviction was a milestone in the fraught racial history of the United States and a rebuke of law enforcement's treatment of Black Americans.
  • President Joe Biden called the conviction a "giant step" towards justice in the United States.
  • The Justice Department previously announced an investigation into whether the officers involved in Floyd's death violated his civil rights.
  • The department will return to its traditional practices of investigating state and local police departments, allowing unit heads to approve most settlements and consent decrees.

Statistics:

  • None provided in the article

Sources:

  • France 24 with AFP and REUTERS
  • Garland's memo to staff
  • President Joe Biden's statement on Chauvin's conviction
  • The Justice Department's previous announcement on investigating police misconduct
  • Former President Donald Trump's administration's memo limiting the tools for investigating police misconduct