Minneapolis Police Accused of Systematic Discrimination Against Black and Native American People
After a comprehensive two-year investigation, the Justice Department has uncovered that the Minneapolis police have long been engaged in systematic discrimination against Black and Native American individuals, as well as numerous violations of constitutional rights. This investigation was triggered by the tragic killing of George Floyd.
The investigation revealed that Minneapolis officers frequently used excessive and unwarranted force, including instances of deadly force. In addition, they violated the rights of individuals exercising their constitutionally protected freedom of speech. Furthermore, the police and the city displayed discriminatory behavior towards individuals with “behavioral health disabilities” when responding to calls for assistance.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, speaking at a press conference in Minneapolis, acknowledged the professionalism and courage displayed by many of the MPD officers, but emphasized that the observed patterns and practices contributed to the tragedy that befell George Floyd.
One of the most alarming findings was that officers routinely disregarded the safety of individuals in their custody, dismissing complaints of breathing difficulties with statements like “You can breathe. You’re talking right now.” The report also highlighted instances where police exercised dangerous techniques and weapons against individuals who had merely committed minor offenses or no offense at all. Force was sometimes employed as a means of punishing individuals who expressed criticism or frustration towards the police.
Furthermore, the report stated that the police implemented different policing strategies based on the racial makeup of neighborhoods, engaging in racial discrimination during searches, handcuffing, and the use of force during stops.
As a result of this investigation, the city and the police department have agreed to a federal consent decree. This decree will involve the implementation of reforms overseen by an independent monitor and approved by a federal judge. Similar consent decree arrangements have been implemented in Seattle, New Orleans, Baltimore, and Ferguson, Missouri, as part of efforts to reform their respective police departments.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara, previously involved in leading the Newark, New Jersey police through a consent decree process, expressed the Minneapolis department’s dedication to creating a police force deserving of the city’s residents.
Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, acknowledging that change is a non-negotiable necessity for progress.
The investigation was initiated in April 2021, the day after former officer Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, was found guilty of the murder and manslaughter of George Floyd, a Black man. The killing, captured on video by a bystander, sparked widespread protests and ignited a national reckoning on racial injustice.
Attorney General Garland also revealed that the report uncovered instances where Chauvin used excessive force on other individuals, while fellow officers failed to intervene.
Additionally, the report highlighted the city’s practice of dispatching officers to behavioral health-related 911 calls, even when a law enforcement response was unnecessary and resulted in tragic consequences. These actions put both officers and the Minneapolis community at risk.
The findings presented in the report were based on document and incident file reviews, examination of body-worn camera footage, analysis of data provided by the city and police, as well as conversations and ride-alongs with officers, residents, and other stakeholders.
The Justice Department recognized that the city and the Minneapolis police have already begun implementing reforms. Notably, the use of neck restraints like the one used by Chauvin in Floyd’s killing has been prohibited. Officers are now required to obtain permission from the chief before using certain crowd control weapons. Furthermore, “no-knock” warrants were banned following the death of Amir Locke in 2022.
An encouraging development is the city’s introduction of a behavioral health response program, where trained mental health professionals handle certain calls instead of the police.
It’s worth noting that the Justice Department’s findings are corroborated by a separate investigation conducted by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. This investigation led to a legally binding settlement agreement aimed at addressing the numerous problems identified in the report, with input from residents, officers, and other stakeholders. The agreement, signed by Mayor Frey and State Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, seeks to effect “transformational changes” within the police department’s organizational culture and serve as an inspiring example for other cities and communities striving to combat race-based policing.
Prior to the consent decree, the report proposes 28 remedial steps to enhance policing and lay the groundwork for compliance with the constitution and federal law. Mayor Frey emphasized the importance of a single monitor overseeing both the federal and state agreements to ensure clear and objective success.
Several other police departments in different cities operate under consent decrees, which require them to achieve specific objectives before federal oversight can be lifted. This process often takes years and entails significant costs.
The tragic arrest of George Floyd occurred when he was suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill to purchase cigarettes at a local store. During the arrest, he resisted being placed in a squad car, and despite already being handcuffed, officers forced him to the ground. Floyd repeatedly stated that he couldn’t breathe as Chauvin knelt on his neck for 9 1/2 minutes. Derek Chauvin was subsequently sentenced to 22½ years in prison for murder and an additional 21 years for violating Floyd’s civil rights.
Reporting by Jim Salter from O’Fallon, Missouri.
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