Justice Department Reverses Course, Drops Police Oversight Cases
Trump Administration Backs Away From Police Investigations
The Justice Department under the Trump administration is dropping several investigations into police departments, including those in Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky. This decision marks a reversal of the previous administration’s use of consent decrees to hold law enforcement accountable for alleged misconduct.
Move Comes Days Before Floyd Anniversary
This news comes just days before the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. Floyd, a Black man, was killed by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, who knelt on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest. Chauvin’s actions, captured on video, sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Chauvin was later convicted of murder and federal civil rights charges.
Dhillon: Decision Unrelated to Floyd Anniversary
Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for civil rights, announced the decision to drop the lawsuits and retract findings by the Biden Justice Department regarding alleged constitutional violations by police. Dhillon stated that the timing was unrelated to the Floyd anniversary and was instead driven by looming court deadlines.
‘Failed Experiment’ and ‘Micromanagement’
In a written statement, Dhillon criticized the Biden administration’s approach, calling it a ‘failed experiment’ that ‘handcuffed’ local leaders and police departments with ‘factually unjustified consent decrees.’ She argued these agreements amounted to ‘micromanagement’ of local police and could cost millions of dollars in compliance.
Other Jurisdictions Affected
The Justice Department also announced the closure of investigations into police departments in six other jurisdictions:
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Trenton, New Jersey
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Mount Vernon, New York
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Louisiana State Police
DOJ Remains Committed to Holding Police Accountable
Dhillon expressed confidence that the vast majority of police officers and departments operate lawfully. However, she stated that the DOJ would ‘take all necessary action’ to address civil rights and constitutional violations, including criminal prosecutions, when misconduct occurs.
