The US Justice Department has uncovered damning evidence of systemic racism and excessive force within two major American police departments, according to a comprehensive investigation launched in the wake of George Floyd's murder.
Minneapolis Police: A Pattern of Discrimination
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Minneapolis Police Department engaged in a years-long pattern of racially discriminatory policing against Black and Native American residents. The investigation, initiated after the tragic killing of George Floyd in May 2020, found officers routinely used excessive force and violated constitutional rights.
Key findings from the Minneapolis probe revealed:
- Systemic discrimination against Black and Native American people
- Unlawful use of force against protesters and journalists
- Routine violation of First Amendment rights
- Inadequate response to behavioural health crises
Phoenix Police: Widespread Civil Rights Abuses
In a separate investigation, Phoenix police faced similar criticism for their treatment of homeless individuals and disproportionate use of force against minority communities. The Justice Department found the department unlawfully detained people and seized their property without legal justification.
The Phoenix investigation uncovered:
- Discriminatory practices against Black, Hispanic and Native American people
- Unlawful detention and property seizures
- Excessive force against people with mental health disabilities
- Violent responses to peaceful protesters
Pathway to Reform
Both police departments have agreed to negotiate court-enforceable reform plans, known as consent decrees, which will be overseen by independent monitors. These agreements aim to address the systemic issues identified and rebuild trust with affected communities.
The investigations represent the most significant civil rights probes undertaken by the Biden administration, highlighting ongoing challenges in American policing three years after George Floyd's death sparked global protests and the Black Lives Matter movement.
