Freddie Gray death: US government to launch federal probe of Baltimore police

Attorney General Loretta Lynch says probe will determine if force has been involved in discriminatory policing

Loretta Lynch (Reuters)

Newly appointed US Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced a civil rights investigation into the use of excessive force by the entire Baltimore Police department on Friday morning.

The Department of Justice will determine if the Baltimore Police Department engages in patterns of unlawful stops, searches and arrests and of racist policing practices following the protests of Freddie Gray, 25, a black man who died of a spinal cord injury while in police custody.

“Our goal is to work with the community, public officials, and law enforcement alike to create a stronger, better Baltimore,” Ms Lynch said. She vowed to use “any and all resources” to repair the “fractured relationship” between residents and law enforcement officials.

The announcement comes two days after Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake asked the department to investigate the Baltimore police.

“Throughout my administration, we have taken a number of steps to change the culture and practices of the Baltimore Police Department,” Ms Rawlings-Blake said, according to The Hill.

“Despite this progress, we all know that Baltimore continues to have a fractured relationship between the police and the community. Such an investigation is essential if we are going to build on the foundation of reforms that we have instituted over the last four years.”

Ms Lynch previously visited Baltimore after the city's chief prosecutor, Marilyn Mosby, brought criminal charges against six cops involved in Mr Gray’s arrest. Mr Gray’s death ignited protests and rioting in Baltimore.

“When there are allegations of wrongdoing made against individual officers and police departments, the Department of Justice has a responsibility to examine the evidence and, if necessary, implement changes,” Ms Lynch said.

Ms Lynch also said the DOJ’s goal is work with the community and public officials to “create a stronger, better Baltimore”.

The six officers involved in Mr Gray’s arrest charged with homicide, manslaughter and misconduct charges.