The Justice Department on Monday announced an investigation into whether the Chicago Police Department has engaged in a “pattern or practice of violation of the Constitution or federal law,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced Monday.
The announcement of the federal probe, which will focus on the department’s use of force and its accountability measures, comes after a police dashcam video was released that shows a white police department officer fatally shooting a black teenager, Laquan McDonald, in October, 2014.
Lynch said the investigation would look into the police’s use of deadly force, and whether any racial disparities exist as the policy apply that force. She said her department would seek a court-enforceable order against Chicago police if it finds unconstitutional practices.
“Building trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve is one of my highest priorities as Attorney General,” Lynch said in a press conference. “The Department of Justice intends to do everything we can to foster those bonds and create safer and fairer communities across the country.”
“And regardless of the findings in this investigation, we will seek to work with local officials, residents, and law enforcement officers alike to ensure that the people of Chicago have the world-class police department that they deserve,” she added.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who has been criticized for failing to push for the release of the video earlier, said he welcomes the probe and pledges his city’s cooperation. Emanuel, a Democrat, was narrowly reelected to a second term earlier this year after an unexpected runoff.
But some have charged Emanuel with delaying the release of the video, possibly in order to ensure his re-election.
“Our mutual goal is to create a stronger, better Police Department that keeps the community safe while respecting the civil rights of ever Chicagoan,” he said in a statement.
In the video clip, released less than two weeks ago, McDonald is shot 16 times by Officer Jason Van Dyke. Van Dyke was charged with murder the same day the video was released.
A separate federal investigation into the shooting is still ongoing.
The superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, Garry McCarthy, was dismissed last week by Mayor Emanuel and a task force to look into police accountability was also announced.
The Chicago police force is the nation’s second largest, but the largest one ever investigated for civil rights abuse by the Justice Department.
