October 7, 2003 - In the last five years a growing number of law enforcement agencies across the country have begun investigating claims of racial profiling. They've begun by collecting data on police stops. In many cities, the collection has led to open discussions about race and the role race plays in police work. State public safety officials say they hope the racial disparities outlined in Minnesota's traffic stop data can be used to open discussions here. However some say data collection is but a first step in a long process of building trust between police and communities of color.
October 15, 2003 - Federal officials are investigating allegations two Minneapolis police officers were involved in the assault of a suspect earlier this week while serving a search warrant. Police officials revealed late yesterday the FBI is looking into the suspect's allegations. The two officers have been suspended with pay while the investigation proceeds.
October 15, 2003 - Community activists in Minneapolis expressed outrage today over allegations of police brutality by Minneapolis police officers. Minneapolis police have asked the FBI to investigate the allegation. Members of groups which represent several communities of color say they believe an African American male suspect was sexually assaulted while in custody Monday afternoon. The activists are demanding a federal civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis department.
October 16, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on an alleged sexual assault by Minneapolis police officers. Report includes commentary from R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis Mayor; Keith Ellison, accuser’s attorney; John DelmoMPR’s Art Hughes reports on an alleged sexual assault by Minneapolis police officers. Report includes commentary from R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis; Keith Ellison, accuser’s attorney; John Delmonico, President of Minneapolis Police Federation; and individuals in the community.nico, President of Minneapolis Police Federation; and individuals in the community.
October 23, 2003 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has had plenty of controversies to handle in the last few weeks: an allegation of police brutality, a failed attempt to appoint a new school superintendent, the search for a new police chief, as well as the always-present debate over a new stadium for the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers.
October 23, 2003 - A recent study shows racial profiling occurs across Minnesota. In Bemidji, the study sparked renewed protests by American Indians. They've complained for years that Indians in the region are unfairly targeted by law enforcement. Now, some are demanding action. But law enforcement officials in Bemidji deny racial profiling exists. They say the study is flawed.
October 23, 2003 - Minneapolis police officials were already in the middle of federally mediated talks about their relations with communities of color last week when new allegations of police brutality were made public. An African American man claims that two police officers sexually assaulted him while they were searching him for drugs. The FBI has been called in the investigate the allegations. The truth is still unknown about what happened. However, to many African Americans in Minneapolis , the idea that police could commit such an act is entirely believable.
October 29, 2003 - The Minneapolis Civilian Police Review Authority meets with the public tonight for the first time in almost two years. The board reviews citizen complaints of police misconduct, but it's largely been out of business since Spring 2002. Elected leaders hope the newly constituted board will improve police accountability. But as Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports, it faces an uphill battle.
October 31, 2003 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on who speaks for Black community. Reports includes comments from church leaders, an academic, a city council member, and resident of the community.
November 18, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rob Schmitz reports the debate in Rochester over the police department's treatment of minorities.