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Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis
“George Floyd’s death had an irrevocable impact on his family, on the Minneapolis community, on our country, and on the world. The patterns and practices of conduct the Justice Department observed during our investigation are deeply disturbing. They erode the community’s trust in law enforcement. And they made what happened to George Floyd possible.”
-Attorney General Merrick B. Garland
“Today, we have completed our investigation, but this is only the first step. We will continue to work with the city and the MPD toward ensuring that MPD officers have the support and resources they need to do their jobs effectively and lawfully as we work together toward meaningful and durable reform.”
-Attorney General Merrick B. Garland
“I know this community is still hurting and that today’s announcement may also open up old wounds. The Justice Department is committed to working with Minneapolis on a path forward, to constitutional policing, and stronger police-community trust. Together we can build a Minneapolis that protects the rights, safety, and dignity of all.”
-Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta
“Every American deserves policing that is fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory. The protests that unfolded across Minneapolis, and the country, underscore the urgency behind our efforts to ensure that police departments respect constitutional rights, while garnering public trust. We will stand by the people of Minneapolis as we work to institute reforms that are lasting and enduring.”
-Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke
“These findings present a sobering picture of a flawed system – but today we turn towards change through justice. This thorough investigation is the foundation to make fair and lawful policing a reality for our entire community.”
-First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Bildtsen for the District of Minnesota
“I’m optimistic that, over the next several years...that Minneapolis will be the city that the nation looks to for constitutional and trustworthy policing. And I’m looking forward to partnering with the DOJ in this process.”
-Mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey
On Friday June 16, 2023 the Justice Department announced that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and the City of Minneapolis (City) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The Department also announced that the city and MPD have agreed in principle to resolve the Department’s findings through a court enforceable consent decree with an independent monitor, rather than through contested litigation.
Updated January 20, 2025
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