22 Apr 2021

US Justice Dept launches probe into Minneapolis policing

From Morning Report, 7:25 am on 22 April 2021

The US Justice Department has launched a sweeping civil investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis following a jury's verdict that former city police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd.

The probe is the first major action of Attorney General Merrick Garland, after president Joe Biden vowed to address systemic racism in the United States.

Garland said it will consider whether Minneapolis police have engaged in any pattern of discriminatory conduct and of using excessive force.

Former long-serving Minnesota attorney general Lori Swanson spoke to Susie Ferguson.