Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has filed a civil rights charge against the Minneapolis Police Department. The investigation will explore the “department’s policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years to determine if they engaged in systemic discriminatory practices.”
The investigation comes eight days after the death of George Floyd, who was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin during an arrest. Chauvin was subsequently fired and charged with third degree murder and second degree manslaughter. Three other officers who were present during the arrest were also fired but have not been charged. Walz has also appointed state Attorney General Keith Ellison to lead any prosecutions surrounding Floyd’s death.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights officially served the city Tuesday at 1 PM CT. Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero has stated that investigators will have subpoena powers. However, Lucero has also stated that she hopes will city will be open with records and which would hopefully result in having findings within several months.
The Minneapolis City Council has also announced that it will assist in the investigation. The council has stated that, “We welcome and fully support the Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ robust investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department,” and “urge the state to use its full weight to hold the Minneapolis Police Department accountable for any and all abuses of power and harms to our community and stand ready to aid in this process as full partners.”
Finally, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has also welcomed the investigation: “For our city to begin healing, we need to deliver justice for George Floyd and his family and enact deep, meaningful policing reforms.” In his statement, Frey went on to add, “For years in Minneapolis, police chiefs and elected officials committed to change have been thwarted by police union protections and laws that severely limit accountability among police departments,” and, “I welcome today’s announcement because breaking through those persistent barriers, shifting the culture of policing, and addressing systemic racism will require all of us working hand-in-hand.”
Peaceful protests and violent riots have continued in cities throughout the US. These demonstrations, although initially sparked by the deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, have since taken on lives of their own as local issues and systemic national concerns intersect with one another across the country.
