US Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday launched a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis following a jury’s verdict that former city police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd.
Addressing a News conference, Garland said the Justice Department had opened a civil investigation to determine whether the Minneapolis Police Department engaged in a pattern or practice of unlawful policing
He said the civil probe which was separate from an ongoing criminal investigation into Floyd’s death would examine whether the police systematically engaged in the use of excessive force.
It will also examine whether the city force showed a pattern of discrimination against people with behavioral health disabilities, Garland said.
He added that the Justice department would be unwavering in its pursuit of equal justice under law. Also the investigation could possibly lead to a civil lawsuit seeking to compel the city to undertake sweeping reforms of its police department.
Garland has previously said he will make cracking down on police misconduct a priority and the Justice Department is still investigating whether the officers involved in the death of George Floyd violated his civil rights.
Derek Chauvin’s conviction has continued to garner reactions and Analysts say it is a milestone in the racial history of the United States as well as a rebuke of law enforcement.
President Joe Biden called the conviction of Chauvin a “giant step” towards justice in the United States.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
