By Tyler Clifford

(Reuters) – An investigation into the murder of George Floyd in 2020 by a police officer of color found a pattern for unlawful and discriminatory policing in Minneapolis, with little accountability for offenders. A state report was released Wednesday.

Minnesota’s Department of Human Rights conducted an investigation and concluded that the police had continued to practice discriminatory behavior in violation of the Human Rights Act.

The report stated that while Blacks make up only 19% of the population of this city, 63% of incidents where police used force were committed by them between 2010-2020.

According to the investigation, discriminatory behaviour was endemic in an organization culture that saw officers lacking training, leading them unnecessarily to escalate interactions with the public. It stated that officers who are found guilty of a crime do not face any consequences.

“Without fundamental organizational culture changes, reforming MPD’s policies, procedures and trainings will be meaningless,” the report said.

Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR), conducted an investigation of the police and city by looking at bodycam footage, policing records and interviews with law enforcement officials and members of the community. 21CP Solutions, a group of experts in policing, provided assistance to the department.

The report stated that MDHR would meet with residents, MPD officers and City staff to get feedback about what needs to be addressed in the consent decree.

Minneapolis Police Department, Mayor Jacob Frey’s Office did not respond to a request for comment immediately.

After Derek Chauvin’s lawyers filed an appeal against his conviction in 2021 for murdering Floyd, the findings became public. He was 46 years old and had been pinned to death by Chauvin, a Black officer. The fatal incident sparked protests across the globe against racism and police misconduct.

Chauvin’s lawyers are also appealing the 22-1/2-year sentence.

Ben Crump was a well-known civil rights lawyer who represented Floyd in the $27 million settlement. He welcomed the findings of the report and called for reforms.

Crump stated in a statement that “We appeal to the state, city and police officials to face these challenges and create trust among communities of color and those who are sworn in to their protection and service,”

Minneapolis police were prohibited from using neck restraints during arrests after Floyd’s passing. According to the report, police officers in Minneapolis are two-to-one more likely than whites to use neck restraints while making arrests.