Minnesota reports racial bias in Minneapolis police

Nearly two years after the police killing of George Floyd, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights accused the Minneapolis Police Department of a pattern of racial discrimination over the past decade. The state said it would negotiate a consent decree with the city to address the findings.

What did the investigation uncover? The report said data from the police department revealed “significant racial disparities” in traffic stops, use of force, citations, searches, and arrests. Officers also used covert social media to track black individuals and organizations without ties to any criminal activity, it added. The Human Rights Department called for better investigations into alleged misconduct, a review of performance expectations, and improved oversight. Sherral Schmidt, president of the Minneapolis police union, said union leaders would examine the evidence carefully, adding, “We are committed to moving forward in a way that addresses identified issues head on, and restores the community’s faith in those who are entrusted with public safety.”

Dig deeper: From the WORLD archive, read Sharon Dierberger’s report on reconciliation efforts by Minneapolis churches.