The Department of Justice on Wednesday released the much-anticipated report of its investigation into the Ferguson, Missouri, police department. While the DOJ did not charge former police Officer Darren Wilson in connection with the death of Michael Brown, the unarmed black teenager who was shot dead in August, its separate, 102-page report reveals some shocking insights into racial tension between the department's majority white cops and the community's black residents.
Some experts said the costs of correcting the damage may cause the city to consider eliminating its small police department, and contracting with another law enforcement agency.
Here are some of the worst offenses detailed in the report:
Ferguson officials routinely sent racist emails:
There's a double standard within Ferguson officials who see blacks as lacking "personal responsibility," yet it was common for officials to write off tickets for their own friends:
Department of Justice's conclusion on the role of "personal responsibility" in Ferguson. pic.twitter.com/FmFLRz3kTI
— Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer) March 4, 2015
Here's one example in which a Ferguson prosecutor dismissed a red light ticket for a judge:
A woman once called Ferguson police to report a domestic violence incident, but the police ended up arresting her instead:
Officials questioned the policy of fining the city's poor residents for infractions, saying: "How can you get blood from a turnip?"
Yet the city encouraged ways to increase revenues and find new ways to fine residents:
Ferguson municipal court judge was hailed for figuring out new ways to gouge residents for cash pic.twitter.com/KXpM2DdrDj
— Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer) March 4, 2015
Officials used racial slurs against residents:
"N****r, I can find something to lock you up on." pic.twitter.com/pBbN419vrg
— Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer) March 4, 2015
The DOJ investigation shows that Ferguson officials' bad actions have significant, life-altering, consequences for residents:
How "routine misconduct" by Ferguson police can ruin someone's life. pic.twitter.com/B8ixH2oGgL
— Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer) March 4, 2015
Officials routinely deployed canines against black Ferguson residents:
Read more about the DOJ investigation here and the full report below:
Before You Go
