SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will begin an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after filing a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd.
State Representative John Lesch (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the House Judiciary and Civil Law Division, issued the following statement in support:
“I thank the Minnesota Department of Human Rights for taking the significant step of civil rights charges and an investigation into the MPD’s practices. For law enforcement to be effective in our communities, there has to be trust. It’s clear the trust between neighbors and those wearing the badge in Minneapolis is shattered, and it will take more than criminal charges, personnel changes, or new training requirements to rebuild it.
“The track record could not be more clear. George Floyd’s death is but one symptom of a police department that time and again has fallen short of its public safety mission, and the results have been tragic. One need look no further than Bob Kroll’s abhorrent, inhumane comments to realize the culture within the department needs to be fixed at every level. This will be a heavy lift, but I’m hopeful this investigation – along with our work to reform criminal justice statewide at the Legislature – will lead to the accountability Minnesotans – especially people of color – deserve.”
Minnesotans with information that can further the investigation into the MPD should contact the Department of Human Rights at mn.gov/mdhr or 651-539-1100.