The United States Department Of Justice has launched an investigation into the policing practices used by officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Department of Justice will determine whether or not the practices used by the local police force violate federal civil rights. Specifically, investigators will look to see if excessive force is used during protests or officers engage in discriminatory conduct during day-to-day activities.
“It will include a comprehensive review of the Minneapolis Police Department’s policies, training, supervision and use-of-force investigations,” United States Attorney General Merrick Garland stated.
“Broad participation in this investigation from the community and from law enforcement will be vital to its success. The Justice Department has already begun to reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with the MPD.”
The investigation was launched less than 48 hours after former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd last May. Nearby, former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter has been accused of murdering 20-year-old Daunte Wright. Despite these accusations, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo has welcomed the investigation.
“The chief has been insistent that he wants to make the MPD the best department possible,” the department said in a recent statement.
“With the assistance of the Department of Justice, the chief believes he will have additional support, some of which he has been seeking over the last three years, to pursue changes he would like to see in his department.”
