Wednesday, former U.S. Attorney of Minnesota Tom Heffelfinger joined News Talk 830 WCCO’s Chad Hartman to discuss the current federal investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.
This morning, it was announced that there would be a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. The DOJ will be looking for potential patterns and practices by the police department that violate people's civil rights.
“This investigation didn’t just start this morning. I don’t know when it started, but it is common within a civil rights area that when when you start a criminal investigation of a specific officer, you take a look at their police department,” said Heffelfinger.
The investigation, Heffelfinger said, is to ensure that the actions of Derek Chauvin don’t represent a broader issue within the department.
Hartman brought up the recent calls for reform and asked Heffelfinger what his thoughts were on the matter, including what would occur if significant changes were made.
“Well, the Department of Justice has all the power here, with all due respect to the politicians. Because they will decide based upon their investigation what Minneapolis is doing that’s wrong, and what they are doing that’s right,” Heffelfinger said.
Heffelfinger continued by saying that it would be better if the city worked with the DOJ. If, Heffelfinger said, there is not someone there to enforce the changes that need to be made in Minneapolis, they won’t happen.
“The entire department will be scrutinized,” said Heffelfinger. “The goal here is to evoke change, not necessarily to punish anybody or any organization for past misconduct.”
Hartman then asked whether or not these types of investigations evoke any real, significant change.
“Well, I think they achieve change. The statistics point out that change becomes fairly apparent quickly,” Heffelfinger said. “The real question is the department five years later. Are you seeing the same number o shootings, for example.”
Heffelfinger said it’s important to recognize that there is the political will to make a change in Minneapolis, as well as the DOJ’s involvement and will.
“I think it will be a longer change (in Minneapolis),” said Heffelfinger.
