The investigation found « several incidents » in which officers responded to a person’s claim that he was unable to breathe by telling them « a version of ‘You can breathe, you are talking right now,' » according to the report. .
The report also describes a pattern of violating the First Amendment rights of protesters and reporters and discriminating against people with behavioral disabilities when answering calls for help, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Officials from the city of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department said in a statement on Friday their willingness to work with the Justice Department to draft a consent decree.
“These findings are an important step in reforming this department into one that provides a level of service that will be a model for law enforcement agencies across the country. Moving forward, we will continue the process of changing the culture of the Minneapolis Police Department to ensure the safety and well-being of our police officers and the residents of this city,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said in the statement. « And central to that is rebuilding trust between this department and the people it serves. »
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the release of the report « an essential step forward for community confidence and safety. »
