The United States Justice Department has mandated sweeping federal oversight of police departments in two major cities following investigations that uncovered deep-seated systemic failures. The probes into the conduct of police forces in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Portland, Oregon, have resulted in legally binding agreements aimed at forcing fundamental reform.
Minneapolis: A Pattern of Excessive Force and Discrimination
In Minneapolis, the Justice Department's investigation was launched in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a city police officer in May 2020. The federal probe concluded that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) had engaged in a pattern of excessive force, unlawful discrimination, and violations of civil rights over a period of years.
The findings, announced in June 2023, detailed how officers routinely used dangerous neck restraints and unjustified taser deployments. The report also highlighted stark racial disparities, noting that Black and Native American residents were far more likely to be subjected to force, stopped, or searched by MPD officers. To address these ingrained issues, the city entered into a court-enforceable settlement agreement with the Justice Department, which mandates an independent monitor to oversee comprehensive changes to policies, training, and accountability structures.
Portland: Reining in Use of Force at Protests
Separately, the Justice Department turned its attention to Portland following the widespread and often chaotic protests in the city during the summer of 2020. The focus of this investigation was specifically on the Portland Police Bureau's (PPB) tactics during mass demonstrations.
The federal inquiry found that PPB officers had used excessive force against journalists and legal observers, often without proper justification or warning. The report criticised the bureau for employing less-lethal munitions like impact rounds and tear gas in ways that endangered non-violent protesters and bystanders. In September 2022, the City of Portland agreed to a federal settlement that requires strict new limits on the use of crowd control weapons and enhanced training for handling large-scale public events.
The Path to Reform and Ongoing Scrutiny
These agreements place the Minneapolis and Portland police departments under the watchful eye of the federal government for years to come. The independent monitors appointed in each case will regularly assess compliance and report to a federal judge. The required reforms are extensive and include:
- Overhauling use-of-force policies to emphasise de-escalation.
- Implementing new systems for officer accountability and discipline.
- Enhancing crisis intervention training for dealing with mental health incidents.
- Improving data collection and transparency around police stops and use of force.
While civil rights advocates have welcomed the interventions as a crucial step toward accountability, they also caution that real change depends on sustained commitment and resources. The agreements represent a significant attempt to rebuild public trust in two police forces whose practices have been found to violate the constitutional rights of the citizens they serve.
