Are police consent decrees an asset? Depends on who you ask
The Minneapolis Police Department will face the scrutiny of a federal program after a state investigation concluded that its officers stop and arrest Black people more than white people, use force more often on people of color and maintain a culture in which racism is tolerated.
Are police consent decrees an asset? Depends on who you ask
The Minneapolis Police Department will face the intense scrutiny of a federal program after a state investigation spurred by the killing of George Floyd concluded that the city's officers stop and arrest Black people more than white people, use force more often on people of color and maintain a culture in which racist language is tolerated. The court enforced plan, known as a consent decree, has been credited with bringing significant reform in some places but scorned by critics elsewhere as ineffective and a waste of taxpayer money. The 1994 crime bill gave the Department of Justice the ability to investigate police agencies for patterns or practices of unconstitutional policing, and to require agencies to meet specific goals before federal oversight can be removed.
news.yahoo.comMinnesota Human Rights department alleges Minneapolis police engaged in a pattern or practice of race discrimination
The investigation, announced after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, examined whether the city and the police department were using racially discriminatory practices and policies.
cbsnews.comShe Filmed George Floyd’s Final Moments. Now Her Uncle Has Been Killed by a Cop Car.
Minneapolis Police Department/Handout via ReutersAn innocent man who was killed when a Minneapolis Police Department squad car slammed into his vehicle was the uncle of Darnella Frazier, the teenage bystander who recorded the 2020 murder of George Floyd at the hands of a white cop.Leneal Lamont Frazier, 62, died when his SUV was struck around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday morning by a police cruiser. The officer was reportedly chasing another driver—who has not been publicly identified—wanted for carjackin
news.yahoo.comUS Marshals: 1 man dead during arrest attempt in Minneapolis
A man was killed Thursday when authorities who were part of a task force that included U.S. Marshals fired their weapons after he allegedly displayed a handgun in Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood, the U.S. Marshals said. The U.S. Marshals said preliminary information indicates task force members were attempting to arrest a man wanted on a state warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The man, who was in a parked car, didn't comply with law enforcement and “produced a handgun resulting in task force members firing upon the subject,” the U.S. Marshals said in a statement.
news.yahoo.comDerek Chauvin, 3 other former Minneapolis police officers indicted on civil rights charges in George Floyd's death
A federal grand jury has indicted Derek Chauvin and three other former Minneapolis police officers for civil rights charges over the death of George Floyd, according to an indictment released Friday.
usatoday.comFour Former Minneapolis Police Officers Indicted on Federal Civil Rights Charges for Death of George Floyd; Derek Chauvin Also Charged in Separate Indictment for Violating Civil Rights of a Juvenile
WASHINGTON — A federal grand jury in Minneapolis, Minnesota, returned two indictments that were unsealed today. The first indictment charges former Minneapolis Police Department officers Derek Chauvin, 45; Tou Thao, 35; J. Alexander Kueng, 27; and Thomas Lane, 38, with federal civil rights crimes for their roles in the death of George Perry Floyd Jr. The three-count indictment alleges that all four defendants, while acting under color of law, willfully deprived Mr. Floyd of his constitutional rights, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. The indictment alleges that this offense resulted in bodily injury to, and the death of, Mr. Floyd. The indictment alleges that this offense included the use of a dangerous weapon—a flashlight—and resulted in bodily injury to the teenager.
justice.govAttorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at Announcement of Pattern or Practice Investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department
Today, I am announcing that the Justice Department has opened a civil investigation to determine whether the Minneapolis Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing. The new civil investigation is separate from and independent of the federal criminal investigation into the death of George Floyd that the Justice Department has previously announced. Those investigations allow the department to determine whether a police department has a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing. The investigation I am announcing today will assess whether the Minneapolis Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of using excessive force, including during protests. The Justice Department has already begun to reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with the MPD.
justice.govAttorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Investigation of the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Minneapolis Police Department
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced today the Justice Department has opened a pattern or practice investigation into the City of Minneapolis (the City) and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). As part of the investigation the Justice Department will conduct a comprehensive review of MPD policies, training and supervision. The department will continue to work closely with both the City and MPD as the investigation progresses. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the Civil Rights Division’s new reporting portal, available at civilrights.justice.gov. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
justice.govPolice trainer calls Derek Chauvin's restraint on George Floyd unauthorized
A use-of-force instructor with the Minneapolis Police Department testified that Derek Chauvin's neck restraint was not a technique that was taught in his training class that Chauvin attended in 2018. Jamie Yuccas reports.
cbsnews.comDerek Chauvin violated policy by kneeling on George Floyd's neck, Minneapolis police chief says
Week two of the Derek Chauvin murder trial got underway Monday with testimony from the head of the Minneapolis Police Department. As CBS News' Jamie Yuccas reports, Chief Medaria Arradondo said Derek Chauvin's restraint of George Floyd, by kneeling on his neck, was not part of the department's training, ethics and values. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the chief's testimony and the impact it could have on the case.
cbsnews.comMinneapolis homicide unit commander calls Derek Chauvin's use of force "totally unnecessary"
The first week of Derek Chauvin's murder trial wrapped up with the Minneapolis Police Department's most senior officer taking the stand. Homicide unit commander Lieutenant Richard Zimmerman said Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd's neck was "totally unnecessary." CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe breaks down the prosecution's case after the first week.
cbsnews.comMinneapolis approves cuts to police budget, not staffing
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a budget early Thursday that will shift about $8 million from the police department toward violence prevention and other programs — but will keep the mayor's targeted staffing levels for sworn officers intact, averting a possible veto. City Council members had initially approved a proposal to cut the city's authorized police force to 750 officers, down from the current 888, beginning in 2022. “Tonight the City Council passed a budget that represents a compromise, and also a big step forward into a more compassionate and effective public safety future,” said City Council member Steve Fletcher, co-author of the proposal to lower the cap on staffing. Those against the plan said the City Council was acting irresponsibly and has bungled its attempts to bring change. The city was paying $4,500 a day at one point for private security for three council members who reported getting threats after supporting defunding.
Minneapolis eyes deep police cuts after Floyd's death
Eleven of the 13 council members have already cast committee votes in favor of the largest parts of the plan, signaling that passage is likely. Chauvin and three others were charged in Floyd’s death and are expected to stand trial in March. The mayor and 12 of the 13 council members are Democrats; one council member is from the Green Party. The council could override him with a two-thirds majority, or nine council members. We’ve got a City Council being run by a bunch of inexperienced activists who have never run anything in their lives.”
Minneapolis cops required to report de-escalation efforts
FILE - In this June 10, 2020 file photo, Minneapolis Police Department Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo, speaks in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Police Department is changing its policy on reporting use of force incidents by requiring that officers document their attempts to de-escalate a situation in all situations, whether or not they end with force being used, Arradondo and Mayor Jacob Frey announced Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)
Minneapolis cops required to report de-escalation efforts
FILE - In this June 10, 2020 file photo, Minneapolis Police Department Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo, speaks in Minneapolis. Besides requiring that officers report de-escalation attempts, the new policy expands requirements for reporting use of force incidents across the board and orders that officers provide more detail. These comprehensive reporting requirements will help reinforce de-escalation as the first resort, increase accountability where de-escalation is an after-thought, and provide improved data to head off problematic interactions before they happen," Frey said. Prior to the new policy, there were no reporting requirements for techniques such as arm bars, wrist locks, drawing a firearm or using handcuffs, they said. And officers using authorized takedown techniques or chemical agents will also now be required to follow the same documentation and reporting requirements, as well as tell a supervisor.
Lawyer: Over 150 Minneapolis officers seeking disability
Duty disability means the officer was disabled while engaged in inherently dangerous acts specific to the job. Meuser said in recent weeks, 150 officers have retained his office for help in filing for duty disability benefits through the states Public Employment Retirement Association, or PERA. Doug Anderson, executive director for PERA, said 150 officers seeking duty disability from one department would be high. A high percentage of those on duty disability do not return to the job, Anderson said. The city can incur significant costs if the leave is classified as duty disability, because the city would continue to pay for the officers health insurance.
Police union says it's been 'scapegoated' after Floyd death
Talk of changing the Minneapolis Police Department is everywhere in the wake of George Floyd's death in an encounter with four officers. The union issued a statement soon after Floyd died cautioning the public not to rush to judgment and saying the union would provide its full support to the officers. Kroll acknowledged that widely seen cellphone video of Floyds death is horrific, but that the union was left blindsided by being denied the right to review officer body camera video. After Floyds death, Chief Medaria Arradondo said he was pausing contract negotiations with the union to consider major changes. Anna Hedberg, another union director, told CBS This Morning that before Floyds death the union had been having great conversations with city leaders and Arradondo.
Minneapolis withdrawing from police union negotiations
MINNEAPOLIS The Minneapolis Police Department will withdraw from police union contract negotiations, Chief Medaria Arradondo said Wednesday in announcing the first steps in what he said would be transformational reforms to the agency in the wake of George Floyd's death. He said the contract needs to be restructured to provide more transparency and flexibility for true reform. The review would look at matters such as critical incident protocols, use of force, and disciplinary protocols including grievances and arbitration. Arradondo sidestepped a question about whether he thought union head Bob Kroll, often seen as an obstacle to reform, should step down. Along the way, he and four other black officers successfully sued the department for discrimination in promotions, pay and discipline.
Examining police reform: Does it work?
Police reform is not a new topic of conversation, however; police reform dates back to the mid 1800s and was continuously encouraged all throughout the 20th century. These past grievances, past harms by law enforcement, need to be addressed before even attempting to move forward.What does police reform look like? Police reform happening nowIn response to the national outrage over Floyds and Taylors deaths, police departments around the country have committed to police reform. Alternative to police reformSome advocates are calling to defund the police instead of promoting police reform following Floyds death. Defunding advocates argue that procedural police reform does not adequately address systemic racism in the U.S. and therefore wont effect enough change to make a difference for marginalized communities.
Officer charged in Floyd's death has 1st court appearance
MINNEAPOLIS The Minneapolis police officer charged with second-degree murder in George Floyd's death was scheduled to make his first court appearance Monday. Derek Chauvin, 44, is also charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's May 25 death. Floyd's death set off protests, some violent, in Minneapolis that swiftly spread to cities around the U.S. and the globe. Chauvin and three other officers on the scene were fired the day after Floyd's death. Floyd's death has ignited calls to reform the Minneapolis Police Department, which community activists have long accused of entrenched racial discrimination and brutality.
Former Detroit police chief says Minneapolis Police Department has some serious problems
DETROIT A former Detroit police chief who has worked closely with the Minneapolis Police Department for years said that department has some serious problems." Ike McKinnon, a well-known former Detroit police chief, has had a unique look inside the Minneapolis Police Department for a couple of years as a consultant. The police department has some serious problems," McKinnon said. There are serious problems with the minority community, McKinnon said. People dont understand there are serious problems, McKinnon said.
Minneapolis council majority backs disbanding police force
(Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via AP, File)MINNEAPOLIS A majority of the members of the Minneapolis City Council said Sunday they support disbanding the city's police department, an aggressive stance that comes just as the state has launched a civil rights investigation after George Floyd's death. Council member Jeremiah Ellison promised that the council would dismantle the department. It is clear that our system of policing is not keeping our communities safe, Lisa Bender, the council president, said. Community activists have criticized the Minneapolis department for years for what they say is a racist and brutal culture that resists change. The move to defund or abolish the Minneapolis department is far from assured, with the civil rights investigation likely to unfold over the next several months.
Family demands charges against all 4 officers in Floyd death
Floyd died May 25, after he was pinned to the pavement by a police officer who put his knee on the handcuffed black man's neck until he stopped breathing. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been fired and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers who were present were also fired but have not been charged in Floyd's May 25 death. Widely seen bystander video showing Floyds death has sparked sometimes violent protests around the world against police brutality and discrimination. According to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, while Floyd was complaining he couldnt breathe, Lane asked Chauvin twice if they should roll him on his side.
Minneapolis police face civil rights probe over Floyd death
Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the filing of the formal complaint at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. The FBI is also investigating whether police willfully deprived Floyd of his civil rights. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights enforces the states human rights act, particularly as it applies to discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations and public services. The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations of brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities, even within the department itself. Arradondo himself was among five black officers who sued the police department in 2007 over alleged discrimination in promotions, pay, and discipline.
Justice Department Announces National Response Center and Offer to Bring Assistance to Minneapolis Police Department to Support Law Enforcement and Safe Communities Through Fair Policing
The Bureau of Justice Assistance's (BJA) Law Enforcement Training and Technical Assistance Response Center will be a national resource for all state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. “In creating a new MPD, I want to utilize all available tools and resources to support the hardworking and professional men and women of the MPD. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Chief Medaria Arradondo and MPD to protect the people of Minneapolis and support law enforcement. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available at www.justice.gov/crt. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components, please visit at www.ojp.gov.
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