DOJ Concludes Investigation into Massachusetts Narcotics Bureau with Findings of Constitutional Violations

The Department of Justice announced its findings relating to an investigation into the Narcotics Bureau of the Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department (SPD) this week. The DOJ found reasonable cause to believe the bureau engaged in a “pattern or practice of using excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.”

The investigation was conducted in accordance with the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and was announced on April 13, 2018. The two-year investigation found that the bureau lacked policies in place that would have prevented constitutional violations. As a result, the bureau failed to consistently report use of force instances and lacked an accountability system to review those instances.

The U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, Andrew Lelling, noted that the investigation revealed “chronic issues with the use of force, poor record keeping on that subject, and repeated failures to impose discipline for officer misconduct.”

The investigation included a review of over 100,000 pages of written policies and procedures, training materials, and internal reports, data, video footage, and investigative files. Along with this, the DOJ investigators interviewed SPD officers, supervisors and command staff, and city officials, and met with community members and local advocates.

According to the Justice Department, the Springfield Police Department has already begun implementing a number of remedial measures aimed at correcting their lack of accountability systems.

“I’ve said many times that being a police officer is the toughest job in America. We owe these public servants our respect and our support,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “But with this high calling comes a tremendous responsibility to uphold the public trust.  The Department of Justice is committed to supporting our law enforcement while holding departments accountable that violate this sacred trust.  The department will work with the City of Springfield and the Police Department to ensure that the police officers and people of Springfield get the law enforcement agency they deserve, one that effectively and constitutionally stops violent crime and narcotics trafficking.”

The investigative findings come as the nation grapples with large questions regarding race and police brutality, although the DOJ release regarding SPD makes no mention of race.

“As demonstrated by recent events, it is crucial that our urban police departments keep the trust of their communities and ensure accountability for officer misconduct…That said, the department and the City of Springfield have fully cooperated with this investigation and have made clear their commitment to genuine reform.  We look forward to working with them to make Springfield a safer place,” said Lelling.