Justice Department sues Ferguson, Missouri, over policing practices

The U.S. Justice Department filed a civil rights lawsuit against Ferguson, Missouri, on Wednesday, with Attorney General Loretta Lynch saying the city's residents have "suffered the deprivation of their constitutional rights — the rights guaranteed to all Americans — for decades. They have waited decades for justice. They should not be forced to wait any longer."

The lawsuit cites a "pattern or practice of conduct that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States," specifically alleging that officials in Ferguson use illegal practices in conducting stops, searches, and arrests; use excessive force; and discriminate against African Americans. The Justice Department is calling on the federal courts to force Ferguson "to adopt and implement policies, procedures, and mechanisms that identify, correct, and prevent the unlawful conduct."

On Tuesday, the Ferguson City Council approved a revised version of a consent decree that was intended to fix problems in the police department and municipal court found during an investigation following the fatal officer-involved shooting of Michael Brown in August 2014, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The Justice Department says the revisions to the consent decree will likely be challenged.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up