US DOJ Civil Rights Division

DOJ Opens Pattern or Practice Investigation into Baltimore Police Department

The DOJ Civil Rights Division has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The investigation will examine whether BPD officers engage in systemic violations of the Constitution or federal law, with focus areas including use of force (including deadly force), stops, searches, arrests, and potential discriminatory policing practices. The investigation runs concurrently with a separate criminal civil rights investigation related to the death of Freddie Gray.

Attorney General Lynch Announces Investigation into Baltimore Police Department

The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) announced the opening of a pattern or practice investigation into the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) on May 8, 2015. Attorney General Loretta Lynch made the announcement at a press conference, signaling a formal federal civil rights inquiry into BPD's law enforcement practices and procedures. This investigation represents a significant federal enforcement action targeting potential constitutional violations in a major city police department.

Lynch announces federal hate crimes indictment against Dylann Roof

Lynch announces federal hate crimes indictment against Dylann Roof