US to launch federal probe into Baltimore police practices
Updated: 2015-05-08 10:55
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||
Attorney General Loretta Lynch speaks with members of Congress and faith leaders at the University of Baltimore, in Baltimore, Maryland, May 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
WASHINGTON - US Attorney General Loretta Lynch will launch a federal probe into whether Baltimore's police department has engaged in a "pattern or practice" of excessive force, the Washington Post reported on Thursday.
The Post, citing two law enforcement officials, said Lynch's announcement of the investigation could come as soon as Friday.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake asked the US Justice Department on Wednesday to investigate the city's police department for civil rights violations after the death of a black man from injuries sustained in police custody.
Rawlings-Blake told a news conference the investigation would look into police practices such as frisks, street stops of suspects and arrests to see if they violated the US Constitution.
Her request followed the April 19 death of Freddie Gray, 25, who sustained spinal injuries after being arrested. His death sparked protests and a day of arson and looting in the largely black city.
Lynch, who took office last week, met on Tuesday with Gray's family and Baltimore officials and vowed to help the city pursue police reform.
The city's chief prosecutor has brought criminal charges, including one murder charge, against six officers involved in the April 12 arrest of Gray.
The Justice Department has conducted similar reviews of US police departments. An investigation of police in Ferguson, Missouri, where a white officer shot dead an unarmed black teenager last year, concluded in March that the department routinely engaged in racially biased practices.
- Baltimore mayor lifts curfew 6 days after riots
- Baltimore curfew lifted two days after 6 police officers charged in man's death
- Baltimore death sparks protests in New York, Boston
- Baltimore death sparks protests in New York, Boston
- Freddie Gray was trying to hurt himself in Baltimore police van
- Marchers protest police violence in Baltimore, New York
- Prince Harry receives Maori greetings in New Zealand
- In photos: Russia holds V-Day parade
- Media players discuss bilateral role
- Beijing female pilots ready for takeoff
- Premier meets with group of innovators over coffee
- A glimpse of last rehearsal for V-Day parade
- Unusual but true: Breast milk ice cream just in time for royal baby
- Candlelight vigil held for victims in Nepal earthquake
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Spring Festival trends reflect a changing China |
Patent applications lead the world |
BC lures Chinese tourists |
Today's Top News
Chinese investors get tips on investing in US
Media's role called crucial
Movie mogul buys Picasso at NY auction for nearly $30m
Memory of Flying Tigers honored
Economic projects assist 'Belt and Road Initiative'
Chinese team helps heal Nepal
Joint anti-graft push needed, US delegates told
US NSA's phone spying program ruled illegal by appeals cour
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |