Ten years ago, the city of Ferguson, Missouri, was thrust into the national spotlight following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer. The incident sparked widespread protests and unrest, prompting swift federal involvement. The FBI opened a criminal investigation into Brown’s killing within two days, while the Justice Department launched a civil rights inquiry that revealed systemic abuses within the city’s police force and court system.
These investigations brought attention to the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, which had a long history of advocating for civil rights issues. The probes in Ferguson were part of a series of high-profile investigations into police departments across the country, contributing to a national conversation on race and law enforcement. While these efforts were largely discontinued under the Trump administration, they were revived under President Joe Biden.
The aftermath of Brown’s death also shed light on the longstanding mistreatment of Black communities by law enforcement. The public outcry in Ferguson was fueled not only by Brown’s killing but also by years of discriminatory practices by police and city officials. The Justice Department’s investigation uncovered widespread racial bias, excessive force, and unjust practices within the Ferguson Police Department.
Despite no criminal charges being filed in Brown’s case, the broader report on the police department resonated nationwide, as it exposed similar issues in other law enforcement agencies. The findings led to a consent decree between the Justice Department and Ferguson, mandating significant reforms within the police department. While these agreements are a step forward, they often do not fully address underlying racial disparities that contribute to community mistrust.
The Trump administration shifted the focus of the Civil Rights Division away from policing issues, but the Biden administration renewed efforts to address systemic problems within law enforcement agencies. Since April 2021, the Civil Rights Division has launched multiple investigations into police departments, aiming to hold them accountable and drive meaningful reform. Despite progress, former officials emphasize that there is still much work to be done to ensure equitable and just policing practices nationwide.