Minneapolis Review

Minnesota Sens. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) and David Senjem (R-Rochester) called for the U.S. Department of Justice to open a "practice-or-pattern" investigation, which would look into the Minneapolis Police Department for any unrest, according to a press release from the Minnesota State Republican Caucus. 

"Practice-or-pattern" investigations are used to look into patterns of allegations of force, biased policing and any other law enforcement deemed unconstitutional. 

“The Department of Justice has the resources and experience necessary to conduct a fair, thorough investigation on behalf of the city and our state,” Newman said in the press release. “While the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has been ordered to conduct a similar inquiry, I do not believe that office has the proper resources, staffing and training necessary for an objective investigation. The commissioner’s own comments have effectively disqualified her agency from conducting a meaningful, unbiased investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.”

After an investigation of "practice-or-pattern" is complete, law enforcement agencies can give an analysis to the public on the allegations. 

“I fear for the safety of the citizens of Minneapolis and the millions of people who visit the city year after year. The recent events are a result of decades of tension and dysfunction that has gone unaddressed by the mayor and city council. This community needs a viable path forward," Ingebrigtsen said in the press release. “This will allow federal investigators to follow the evidence—wherever it may lead. They will be able to speak with city and state officials, political interest groups and the entire police department, including supervisors and rank-and-file officers.”

The three senators are expecting their call for "practice-or-pattern" to be considered within the new few weeks. 

“While there are many fine and dedicated police officers in the Minneapolis Police Department, recent and past events tell us it is time the totality of the city be investigated—from city hall to the police station. Until this is complete, and needed corrections are identified and made, public confidence in the delivery of fair and equitable public safety in Minnesota’s mother city will fail to exist,” Senjem said in the press release.