Justice Department Opening Investigation Into Minneapolis Police Department

By Jerry Filmore Jr. –

On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the Justice Department was opening a pattern or practice investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department.

The Department of Justice informed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, MPD Chief Medaria Arradondo, City Attorney Jim Rowader, City Coordinator Mark Ruff, and City Council President Lisa Bender of the investigation.

The investigation, DOJ says, “Will assess all types of force used by MPD officers, including uses of force involving individuals with behavioral health disabilities and uses of force against individuals engaged in activities protected by the First Amendment.”

DOJ also says “The investigation will assess whether MPD engages in discriminatory policing. As part of the investigation the Justice Department will conduct a comprehensive review of MPD policies, training and supervision. The department will also examine MPD’s systems of accountability, including complaint intake, investigation, review, disposition and discipline. The Department of Justice will also reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with MPD.”

The investigation is being conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.