On Monday, US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced an investigation into the Louisville Metro Police Department. The investigation follows a widespread outcry from the Black Lives Matter movement that the LMPD operates in ways that are detrimental to black people.
In 2020, the department was involved in a controversial incident that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was sleeping in her apartment. Police served a no-knock warrant to her apartment, and her boyfriend opened fire on the men he assumed were intruders. In the scuffle, Taylor was fatally wounded.
Garland Announces Investigation
Garland, the recently appointed US Attorney General, announced the investigation during a press conference on Monday. He noted, “Today, the Justice Department is opening a civil investigation into the Louisville-Jefferson County metro government and the Louisville Metro Police Department to determine whether LMPD engages in a pattern or practice of violations of the constitution or federal law.”
This investigation, Garland explains, will attempt to determine if the police department is engaged in an ongoing pattern of using extreme force when it isn’t warranted. In particular, the investigation will attempt to determine whether the department uses extreme force in more cases involving black people than against others.
Garland went on, noting that the investigation “will include a comprehensive review of the Louisville Police Department’s policies and training. It will also assess the effectiveness of LMPD supervision of officers and systems of accountability.”
Minneapolis Investigation
Notably, this isn’t the first such investigation launched by the Justice Department in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Just last week, Garland announced a similar investigation in the Minneapolis Police Department.
That development came only hours after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on murder charges for his role in the death of George Floyd last year. Floyd and Taylor’s deaths each sparked a widespread outcry in their respective cities. The summer of 2020 was noted for a high number of Black Lives Matter protests aimed at highlighting what activists described as unreasonable policing tactics being used against black people in the US.
What Happens Next?
The investigation is only the first step, however. Should the Justice Department determine that the LMPD violates federal laws, they will work with the department to correct the issues, Garland explained. If the two aren’t able to agree to solutions to any issues the Justice Department finds, however, the LMPD could face a civil suit from the federal government.
