REPS. CONYERS, FUDGE, CLAY LAUD DOJ INVESTIGATION INTO THE FERGUSON POLICE DEPT.

WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee John Conyers Jr. (MI-13), Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-01) released the following joint statement after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced commencement of a separate, new civil rights “pattern and practice” investigation into the Ferguson, Missouri Police Department for possible discriminatory misconduct:

“The Justice Department’s decision to initiate a pattern and practice investigation of the Ferguson Missouri Police Department that we previously requested sends a signal that review and relief for substantive complaints about the quality of policing in the community is on the way.  The Department’s additional decision to engage the St. Louis County Police Department in the COPS technical assistance program is further evidence of the Attorney General’s commitment to remedy the root causes of the unrest triggered by the tragic shooting of Michael Brown. 

Experience has shown that these federal programs have the ability to transform the operations of state and local police departments, opening vital lines of communication and improving public safety.  While the Department cannot be everywhere at once, we hope that the cooperation exhibited by local leaders in St. Louis County will encourage other law enforcement agencies to avail themselves of these and other similar federal programs to address their own policing issues and stopping tragedies like the Michael Brown shooting before they occur.”

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On August 11, 2014, Representatives Conyers, Fudge and Clay issued a letter to the DOJ that requested a full investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown and to consider opening a “pattern and practice” investigation into the Ferguson police department’s law enforcement tactics.

REPS. CONYERS, SCOTT, AND COHEN DEMAND CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON USE OF EXCESSIVE AND DEADLY FORCE BY POLICE... by Beverly Tran

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REPS. CONYERS, SCOTT, AND COHEN DEMAND CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON USE OF EXCESSIVE AND DEADLY FORCE BY POLICE

WASHINGTON – On August 15, 2014, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers Jr. (MI-13), Subcommittee on Crime Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Subcommittee on the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice Ranking Member Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) requesting a Congressional hearing on recent incidents of local law enforcement using excessive force—sometimes deadly—and other violations where civil rights have been infringed upon.

In the letter, the Congressmen highlighted the troubling events that have transpired in Ferguson and those of similar nature that have occurred recently in New York City, Los Angeles, and Houston. The letter also expresses concern over the extensive militarization of local law enforcement.

REPS. CONYERS, SCOTT, AND COHEN DEMAND CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON USE OF EXCESSIVE AND DEADLY FORCE BY POLICE...

The House Committee on the Judiciary has jurisdiction over protecting constitutional freedoms and civil liberties, oversight of the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, legal and regulatory reform, innovation, competition and anti-trust laws, terrorism and crime, and immigration reform.

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REP. CONYERS STATEMENT ON TRAGIC EVENTS IN FERGUSON, MISSOURI

DETROIT – U.S. Congressman John Conyers Jr. (MI-13) released the following statement in response to ongoing events in Ferguson, Missouri:

“A few facts are clear: A young, unarmed man was shot by a police officer. A small town is under what is essentially martial law. Tear gas and rubber bullets are being used against everyday citizens. Serious and sweeping civil rights violations may have taken place in Ferguson, Missouri.  

The tragic killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown and the events that have transpired since the shooting in Ferguson are reminiscent of the violent altercations that took place during the Civil Rights Movement. Countless African Americans endured unwarranted hostility and excessive force from law enforcement while exercising their right to peaceful assembly and civil resistance.

It is a great travesty to find ourselves again witnessing the blatant violation of our right to peaceably assemble in Ferguson.  As documented by journalists and people on the ground in Ferguson over the last week, state and local law enforcement have grossly mismanaged any attempts to peaceably resolve the situation. Earlier this week, my colleagues and I issued a letter to the Department of Justice asking them to consider expanding the scope of federal involvement and to investigate the legal and civil rights ramifications of the shooting and surrounding circumstances. 

Removal of the St. Louis County Police Department from any involvement in the policing of Ferguson is an important step towards restoring peace and allowing for an independent, thorough investigation to take place. The people of Ferguson deserve nothing less.”

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U.S. Representatives Conyers, Fudge and Clay Letter to DOJ Inquiry Into Michael Brown Death, August 11, 201

U.S. Representatives Conyers, Fudge and Clay Letter to DOJ Inquiry Into Michael Brown Death, August 11, 201... by Beverly Tran

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