In a stark revelation today, the Department of Justice (DOJ) unveiled results of an exhaustive analysis, highlighting a disturbing pattern of behavior from the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis that infringed upon U.S. Constitutional and federal law. Bypassing a courtroom battle, both entities have willingly decided to strike a resolution, with the promise of an independent overseer to ensure adherence to the DOJ’s findings.

The DOJ’s investigation concluded that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD):

  • Regularly resorts to excessive, unjustifiable, and lethal force;
  • Discriminates against African-Americans and Native Americans, specifically in enforcement actions involving use of force during stops;
  • Violates the rights of individuals participating in legally protected activities; and
  • Along with the city, exhibits bias against people with behavioral health issues during emergency call responses.

The investigation also identified long-standing policy, training, supervision, and accountability deficiencies as key drivers behind these unlawful activities.

The aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic demise resonates far beyond Minneapolis, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commented. He expressed his alarm at the disheartening findings, attributing them to the deteriorating trust in law enforcement within the Minneapolis community. According to Garland, this report serves as a pivotal first step, and he pledged the DOJ’s continued collaboration with the city and MPD to ensure that law enforcement has the necessary resources for effective, law-abiding duty and to foster substantial, enduring reform.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta recognized the community’s lingering pain and warned that these revelations could reopen old wounds. Yet, she emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to working with Minneapolis towards upholding constitutional policing and fostering improved relations between the police and the community. Gupta voiced her vision for a unified Minneapolis that cherishes every citizen’s rights, safety, and dignity.

“All Americans deserve policing free from injustice, bias, and prejudice,” declared Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ. She emphasized that the waves of protests across Minneapolis and the nation underscore the urgent need for police departments to abide by constitutional law and earn public trust. Clarke affirmed the DOJ’s support for the people of Minneapolis in instigating lasting reforms.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Bildtsen for the District of Minnesota highlighted that these findings expose a deeply flawed system, but today’s announcement signifies a step towards progress through the avenue of justice.

In a shocking announcement today, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released the results of an in-depth investigation which uncovered a worrying pattern of misconduct from both the Minneapolis Police Department and City of Minneapolis, violating U.S laws.

Throughout the investigation, the city and MPD cooperated actively with the DOJ. A detailed report of the findings was delivered to both entities, applauding their efforts thus far and providing additional guidance on necessary corrective measures.

She added that this thorough examination will serve as a stepping stone to establish a dependable, lawful law enforcement system that caters to the interests of the entire population.

The Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota conducted thorough inspections of the premises, interviews, document reviews, and observed thousands of hours of body camera footage, and also sought feedback from community members, advocates, service providers, and other stakeholders.

This investigation is part of the DOJ’s civil pattern or practice probe, resulting in the announcements today, which stand separate from the criminal cases against former MPD officers charged with federal offenses related to George Floyd’s death.

The DOJ invites Minneapolis residents to share their thoughts on potential solutions to the issues identified in their findings. Contributions can be sent via email at Community.Minneapolis@usdoj.gov or by calling 1-866-432-0268.

In addition to Minneapolis, this administration’s Civil Rights Division of the DOJ has launched investigations into eight other law enforcement agencies under Section 12601. They include the Phoenix Police Department.

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