U. S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger | U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a court-enforceable agreement with the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) to address findings of unconstitutional practices. The agreement follows an investigation that revealed violations of the First, Fourth, and 14th Amendments, along with breaches of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal anti-discrimination laws.
The consent decree filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota outlines reforms focused on reducing excessive force, ending racially discriminatory policing, improving interactions with youth, protecting First Amendment rights, preventing discrimination against individuals with behavioral health disabilities, promoting officer well-being, and enhancing accountability. An independent monitor from Effective Law Enforcement For All will oversee the implementation and report publicly on progress.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “This agreement places the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department on a path toward achieving the significant reforms...that the residents of Minneapolis deserve.” He emphasized that this step is crucial for meaningful reform in response to issues highlighted by George Floyd's death.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke expressed optimism about instituting reforms to make MPD a model agency respecting civil rights: “The consent decree we unveil today marks a new chapter for Minneapolis...We look forward to working collaboratively with city officials...to usher in a new era of change.”
Ana Voss, Civil Chief and Assistant U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, noted that the agreement calls for “focused, measurable, and detailed reforms” reflecting community input aimed at positive transformation.
Key provisions include de-escalation techniques to minimize force use, enforcing laws impartially without racial discrimination, respecting First Amendment rights during emergency responses involving behavioral health issues, investigating misconduct thoroughly and fairly, engaging youth appropriately based on age and trauma-informed practices, and providing mental health services for officers.
The Justice Department initiated its investigation in June 2023. Findings indicated MPD engaged in excessive force including unjustified deadly force and unreasonable taser use; discriminated unlawfully against Black people and Native Americans; violated free speech rights; and discriminated against individuals with behavioral health disabilities during assistance calls due to policy deficiencies.
The Special Litigation Section led this investigation under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Since January 2021, it has opened 12 investigations into law enforcement agencies nationwide.
A virtual community meeting is scheduled for January 14 at 7:00 p.m. CT to discuss further details about this consent decree.
