Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced Monday that the Justice Department is opening an investigation into the Chicago Police Department’s “use of deadly force,” specifically in dealing with the black community.
“Today, I’m here to announce that the Department of Justice has opened an investigation into whether the Chicago Police Department has engaged in a pattern or practice of violation of the constitution or federal law,” Lynch said in a press conference. “Specifically, we will examine a number of issues related to the Chicago Police Department’s use of force, including its use of deadly force, racial, ethnic and other disparities in its use of force and its accountability mechanisms, such as disciplinary action and its handling of allegations of misconduct.”
“This investigation has been requested by a number of state and local officials and community leaders but has been opened only after a preliminary review and careful consideration of how the Justice Department can best use our tools and our resources to meet Chicago’s needs,” she continued.