U.S. Justice Department opens investigation into Seattle Police Department

U.S. Justice Department opens investigation into Seattle Police Department

2011-04-01 02:32:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The United States Justice Department on Thursday opened an investigation into the allegations against the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

The investigation follows allegations of excessive use of force and discriminatory policy by SPD officers and it will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution or federal law by the law agents.

A preliminary review of the SPD determined that it was necessary a more thorough, formal probe. The actions are a response to the fatal shooting of a Native American woodcarver and other incidents against minority individuals.

The investigation is civil, not criminal, in pursuant to the pattern or practice provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the anti-discrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The probe announced on Thursday is separate from any ongoing federal criminal investigation involving the Seattle Police Department and will include reviewing records, observing SPD officers in the field and interviewing community members.

"During the course of our investigation, the Justice Department will consider all relevant information, particularly the efforts that Seattle has undertaken to ensure compliance with federal law," said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez in a letter to Seattle Mayor Michael McGinn.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington and other groups called for an investigation after a SPD agent shot and killed woodcarver John Williams in a street downtown. In addition, surveillance cameras have recorded discrimination incidents against minority suspects.

The investigation is being undertaken jointly by attorneys from the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington.

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