An extensive investigation into the brutal murder of George Floyd in 2020 shows that police in the American city of Minneapolis have been dealing with racism for at least a decade.
Police arrest blacks more often than whites, use more violence against them, search them more often and use racist language as usual, according to researchers in a report from the Minnesota Office of Human Rights.
For example, about 19% of the Minneapolis population is black, but 63% of police brutality is against black people. Thirteen of the 14 people who have died as a result of police brutality since 2010 were colored.
Researchers cite a pattern of racism that violates state laws. The researchers also write that force leadership does not hold officers accountable for their behavior.
Racism in body camera images
The investigation began in 2020, a week after 46-year-old black man, Floyd, was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the neck of the arrested Floyd for several minutes, and he later died in hospital. The footage, taken by an eyewitness, sparked violent protests around the world against racism and police brutality.
Researchers analyzed more than 700 hours of body camera images and conducted interviews. The images show that the officers “systematically” use racist swearing. According to The New York Times, prosecutors say “language and disrespect” is so “shameless” that it is often difficult to use the images in criminal trials.
‘No surprises’
The head of a local action group against police brutality describes the report’s findings as “clear”. “The results were not a surprise, but there is now an agency with the mandate to make changes,” he told AP news agency.
Research can serve as a basis for structural reforms within the force. The Human Rights Office will prepare a list of claims, which can then be enforced before a judge.
Source: NOS
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