Through decades of experience, we have learned – and I have seen firsthand – that consent decrees can lead to real and lasting change. The consent decree will require a transparent reform process, so all of you can see evidence of change and evaluate progress for yourselves.
In negotiating and developing the decree, we will seek input from community members, police officers and city employees. The consent decree will provide a pathway to lasting change in Minneapolis. Through this Agreement, the city and MPD have shown their commitment to moving expeditiously on reforms aimed at remedying the problems that we’ve have identified.
I am also pleased that the Justice Department and the city have reached an Agreement in Principle, in which we commit to negotiate a court-enforceable, independently monitored consent decree, to be filed in federal court. They didn’t not wait for this report to start the reform process. I want to acknowledge that the city and MPD have made some important changes already. But I can tell you the Justice Department is committed to working with Minneapolis on a path forward to constitutional policing and stronger police-community trust.
There is nothing that I can say today that will undo the wrongs of the past. I know this community is still hurting, and in today’s announcement may also open up old wounds.
The findings laid out in today’s report are troubling. And what we found is a pattern or practice of unlawful conduct that has compromised MPD’s ability to serve and protect the people of Minneapolis. We opened this investigation following the tragic murder of George Floyd three years ago. And I want to express my sincere gratitude to the many, many community members who shared their experiences with us during the investigation. I want to thank the city and MPD for their cooperation with our investigation.
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