The US Justice Deparment says they believe that the Narcotics Bureau at the Springfield Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of using excessive force.
US Attorney Andrew Lelling says that is in violation of the 4th Amendment.
This is an investigation that dates back to April of 2018.
The report says that the Narcotics Bureau’s pattern or practice of excessive force is directly attributable to systemic deficiencies in policies, which fail to require detailed and consistent use-of-force reporting, and accountability systems that do not provide meaningful reviews of uses of force.
Lelling says "it is crucial that our urban police departments keep the trust of their communities and ensure accountability for officer misconduct.”
Lelling says that regardless of the findings of the investigation, the city and the police department fully cooperated.
And that the Justice Department will work with the city to make changes.
The Springfield Mayor Dom Sarno in a statement last night said that he and the Police Commissioner are aware of the report and that they will review it today.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak/WHYN News)