In our investigation, we identified racial discrimination in violations of federal law. MDHR investigated whether the city and MPD engaged in systemic discriminatory practices in violation of state law. The Justice Department’s investigation is separate and independent from the MDHR investigation. Our grant funds are supporting the Minneapolis Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic, which serves as a crisis stabilization and drop-off center for law enforcement officers to help divert individuals to care and away from arrest.īefore I close, I want to address the city’s settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). The department also supports communities and law enforcement agencies through grant programs and technical assistance.įor example, we fund public safety and behavioral health partnerships aimed at reducing justice system involvement and diverting individuals with mental health or substance use disorders to treatment. Most recently, our approach has led to significant improvement in Seattle, Albuquerque and Baltimore, including notable declines in use of force.īut consent decrees are only not the tool to achieve constitutional policing. Through decades of experience, we have learned – and I have seen firsthand – that consent decrees can lead to real and lasting change. The consent decree will require a transparent reform process, so all of you can see evidence of change and evaluate progress for yourselves. In negotiating and developing the decree, we will seek input from community members, police officers and city employees. The consent decree will provide a pathway to lasting change in Minneapolis. Through this Agreement, the city and MPD have shown their commitment to moving expeditiously on reforms aimed at remedying the problems that we’ve have identified. I am also pleased that the Justice Department and the city have reached an Agreement in Principle, in which we commit to negotiate a court-enforceable, independently monitored consent decree, to be filed in federal court. They didn’t not wait for this report to start the reform process. I want to acknowledge that the city and MPD have made some important changes already. But I can tell you the Justice Department is committed to working with Minneapolis on a path forward to constitutional policing and stronger police-community trust. There is nothing that I can say today that will undo the wrongs of the past. I know this community is still hurting, and in today’s announcement may also open up old wounds. The findings laid out in today’s report are troubling. And what we found is a pattern or practice of unlawful conduct that has compromised MPD’s ability to serve and protect the people of Minneapolis. We opened this investigation following the tragic murder of George Floyd three years ago. And I want to express my sincere gratitude to the many, many community members who shared their experiences with us during the investigation. I want to thank the city and MPD for their cooperation with our investigation.
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