PublishedJune 9, 2022, 10:58 PM
It is the first time in more than twenty years in the United States that such a procedure concerns the police forces of a State.
A New Orleans City Police car in March 2020.
Getty Images via AFP
The US Department of Justice announced on Thursday the opening of an investigation into the Louisiana State Police, suspected of having sought to stifle several cases of violence against African-Americans.
Investigations focus on whether law enforcement in the southern state is “using excessive force” “and engaging in racial discrimination,” the senior Justice Department civil rights official said. , Kristen Clarke, at a press briefing in Baton Rouge.
“We have received reports of repeated use of excessive force against individuals who often were suspected of only minor traffic violations, were handcuffed and did not resist,” she added. . In some cases, they suffered serious injuries, at least one of these individuals died.”
It is a 49-year-old black motorist, Ronald Greene, whose death in 2019 was first presented as the consequence of an accident which occurred after a chase. Three years later, video of his arrest by six white officers was released showing he was beaten, immobilized with a stun gun and with a choke hold, then dragged across the floor.
Federal justice and the Louisiana Parliament are investigating to determine the criminal responsibilities of these police officers and those who helped them cover up the scandal. The Justice Department was careful to make it clear that its administrative investigation of the state’s police force was separate.
His investigations will focus on the practices and training provided to Louisiana police officers, as well as on their supervision and the disciplinary procedures in place. They will be the subject of a public report. If violations are established, the Department of Justice will work with local authorities to identify necessary reforms. If no agreement is found, he may ask a judge to impose the corrections.
Four comparable investigations have already been launched since the major protests following the death of African-American George Floyd in May 2020. But they all concern cities (Minneapolis, Louisville, Phoenix and Mount Vernont, New York State ). It is the first time in more than twenty years that such a procedure, known as “models and practices”, concerns the police forces of a State.
(AFP)