Sen. Blunt issues statement on DOJ pattern-or-practice review of Minneapolis police department

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KMIZ)

US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the Department of Justice is opening an investigation into police practices in Minneapolis.

This comes after former police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted in the killing of George Floyd Tuesday.

The DOJ will investigate the policies and operations of the Minneapolis police department.

The new investigation is known as a "pattern of practices" - it examines whether there is a practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing.

It may result in major changes to policing in the city.

The investigation is separate from an existing investigation into whether or not Chauvin violated Floyd's civil rights.

US Senator Roy Blunt released a statement approving the review saying these investigations have proven to be successful in the past and can lead to reform.

“Pattern-or-practice reviews have a proven record of success in rooting out misconduct in local departments and leading to reforms where they are needed. In Missouri, a pattern-or-practice review of the Ferguson Police Department and subsequent consent decree have gone a long way toward rebuilding trust between the department and the community. I hope that can serve as an example for Minneapolis and other departments as we look at ways to strengthen accountability among local law enforcement agencies. I previously urged the Department of Justice to utilize these important tools, and I support Attorney General Merrick Garland’s announcement today.”

The senator highlighted a review of the Ferguson police department after police shot and killed Michael Brown in 2014.

Blunt said the review has helped in rebuilding trust between police and the community.