DOJ hasn’t reached settlements with police accused of civil rights violations

The Justice Department (DOJ) opened 12 investigations into police departments across the country since President Joe Biden took office and determined at least four of them had a pattern or practice of violating civil rights. However, it has not entered into court approved settlements with any of those departments with just over two months left before a new president takes office.

In June 2024, the department announced its investigation into the Phoenix Police Department uncovered civil rights violations including use of excessive force, unlawful detainment and discrimination against people of color. The DOJ said it was working to reach a comprehensive court-enforceable settlement with independent monitoring. So far, nothing has been announced.

The department also opened investigations into the New York Special Victims Division, Louisiana State Police and other departments around the country, but has neither concluded nor  released the findings of the inquiries.

A DOJ spokesperson told Reuters it is currently enforcing 16 existing agreements and opened 12 new investigations. Only four of those investigations have been completed.

That includes an inquiry into the Minneapolis Police Department in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The DOJ found the MPD used excessive force and discriminated against Black and Native American people, in addition to those with disabilities. When the DOJ announced its findings, it said the MPD had already made changes and was taking additional steps.

The DOJ also investigated the Louisville Metro Police Department after Breonna Taylor’s death and determined it engaged in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Investigators found the department used excessive force and conducted stops without cause, in addition to other violations. The Department said the LPD was committed to working cooperatively to make improvements. 

Previous agreements with police departments have led to progress.

The DOJ filed a motion in federal court to terminate a consent decree with the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a report concluded the police department had reached 99% compliance with the settlement’s terms. The DOJ pointed to tangible improvements, like a 37% decline in the use of serious force. 

Many of the cities that were investigated and were found to have committed violations said they were committed to reaching deals with the department. The investigations and negotiations can continue from one administration to another, as long as the new president and attorney general allow it.