The new investigation is known as “pattern or practice,” which involves the examination of whether there is a pattern or practice of unconditional or unlawful policing.
What We Know:
- The probe will be a sweeping review of the entire Minneapolis Police Department. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the investigation on Wednesday following a former police officer’s conviction in the murder of George Floyd. Dereck Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s death last May. Floyd’s death led to months of mass protests across the country against policing and the treatment of Black people in the United States.
- The Justice Department had already previously been investigating whether Chauvin and other officers involved in Floyd’s death violated his civil rights. The Garland-initiated probe could result in major changes to policing in the Minnesota city. The investigation will examine the use of force by police officers, including force used during protests. Additionally, it will look into whether the department uses discriminatory practices.
- Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo welcomes the investigation and will fully cooperate. Prosecutors chose to announce the investigation after the Chauvin verdict because they didn’t want it to interfere with the trial. The other officers charged in Floyd’s death will be tried together beginning August 23rd. Details of the investigation have not been made public, but Garland says a public report will be issued if the department finds a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing.
- The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is also investigating the Minneapolis Police Department. They are looking to find out if the department engaged in discriminatory practices over the last decade. The city council has since issued a statement supporting the investigation. The Justice Department previously considered opening a probe soon after Floyd’s death, but ex-AG Bill Barr was hesitant to do so.
Garland believes the challenges being faced today are “deeply woven into our history.”
