The Section has already obtained significant relief under its police misconduct authority. For example, in 1997, the Section obtained two consent decrees to remedy systemic misconduct in municipal police departments in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Steubenville, Ohio. The decrees require the police departments to implement widespread reforms, including training, supervising, and disciplining officers and implementing systems to receive, investigate, and respond to civilian complaints of misconduct. The decrees have had a widespread impact and are being used as models by other police departments. The Section also has used its police misconduct authority to reform restraint practices in a Louisiana jail and to obtain systemic relief in juvenile correctional facilities. The Section is investigating other systemic problems in law enforcement agencies, including excessive force; false arrest; discriminatory harassment, stops, searches or arrests; and retaliation against persons alleging misconduct.
Section staff investigate police departments by interviewing police officials and witnesses of alleged wrongdoing, reviewing numerous records, and evaluating departmental practices. As with the Section's CRIPA work, staff work with nationally renowned experts who assist with evaluating investigative material and developing and monitoring remedies to address deficiencies.
The Special Litigation Section is an integral part of the Division's Police Misconduct Initiative, along with representatives from various sections in the Division, the Office of Justice Programs, and the FBI. This Initiative was created at the Attorney General's request to coordinate Department-wide enforcement efforts to combat police misconduct. The Chief of the Special Litigation Section serves as the Co-Chair for Civil Enforcement of the Initiative.
For further information, follow the links below:
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letters describing the results of investigations of law enforcement
agencies.