For Immediate Release: For more information contact:
Aug. 20, 2014 Rep. Brandon Ellington at (573) 751-3129
STATEMENT
Department of Justice should expand Ferguson investigation
“In addition to its investigation of the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, the U.S. Department of Justice should expand its inquiry to include a thorough examination the Ferguson Police Department and possible civil rights violations committed by its officers both prior to the shooting and in its aftermath.
“Based on my personal observations and the testimony of residents detailing years of abuse, it seems the nearly all-white police department holds an institutional bias against the city’s predominantly black population. An outside investigation is necessary to examine these claims and seek enforcement of necessary corrective actions to ensure that the civil rights of all citizens are protected.
“When an institution that is supposed to protect and serve a community is instead seen as an occupying force intent on subjugating the local population, there can be no trust. The Ferguson Police Department must be held accountable for its actions.”
State Rep. Brandon Ellington
Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Vice Chairman
D-Kansas City
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