DOJ Report Finds Minneapolis Police Department Engaging in Pattern of Unconstitutional and Discriminatory Practices

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a report that found the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) have engaged in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the United States Constitution and federal law.

The report, which was launched in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, found that the MPD uses excessive force, including unjustified deadly force and other types of force, and unlawfully discriminates against Black and Native American people in law enforcement activity.

The investigation found that the MPD disproportionately targets Black and Native American people in law enforcement activity and is using unjustified force in many instances across the city. The report also found that the MPD has a history of failing to hold officers accountable for misconduct.

The Justice Department has called for the City of Minneapolis to take immediate steps to address the issues identified in the report. The Department has also requested that the City of Minneapolis enter into a court-enforceable agreement to ensure that the MPD reforms its practices and policies to comply with the Constitution and federal law.

The report comes as a result of the death of George Floyd, which sparked nationwide protests and a renewed focus on police brutality and racial injustice. The findings of the report are a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is far from over.