A new report expands on problems and alleged abuses committed by members of the now-defunct Metro Gang Strike Force.
The Metro Gang Strike Force Review Panel released a report Thursday detailing findings and outlining recommendations following a nearly three-month investigation of the Metro Gang Strike Force (MGSF).
Click here to view the complete report
"Our investigation found that many officers of the Metro Gang Strike Force followed the law and good police procedures," said Andy Luger, a former federal prosecutor and co-chair of the Metro Gang Strike Force Review Panel. "But others took money and property for their own personal use and engaged in unethical, egregious searches and seizures that had no connection to gangs or gang related activity. Their actions are appalling and outrageous. They are wholly inconsistent with the standards expected of Minnesota law enforcement officers."
Lugar told reporters the results of the probe will be turned over to the FBI, and that criminal charges could be filed against as many as ten members of the Gang Strike Force.
Investigators found that MGSF employees, including sworn officers, repeatedly took seized property, such as flat screen TVs, jewelry and jet skis obtained during searches for their own personal use. Officers or their family members were also permitted to purchase such items at a low cost. Some witnesses admit they were given items from the evidence room as "presents." Many of these items could have easily been returned to the rightful owner.
Also, they found substantial quantities of evidence, such as power tools, snow blowers and computer and electronic equipment, are still missing from the MGSF evidence room. MGSF personnel falsely reported valuable items were destroyed. Witnesses indicate Strike Force employees took these items for their personal use.
The report also raises questions about the tactics used by Strike Force members and their interaction with members of the community. It details how officers repeatedly stopped individuals who had no connection to gang activity and seized money and property without any intent to file criminal charges and any reasonable evidence the individuals were connected to illegal activity. Lugar talked about one example where an officer took 4 thousand dollars from a man he knew was not involved in criminal activity.
Luger said he believes there are several causes for the problems that unfolded at the Strike Force. The report cites lack of supervision, an ill-defined mission, a culture that lacked accountability, an inadequate governance structure, and a failure to follow policies and procedures that typically occur at traditional law enforcement agencies. Luger also said that some officers were motivated by the belief that individuals didn't "deserve" to possess cash or certain items.
"Some Strike Force employees used the term 'money police' to describe their focus on financial seizures," Luger said.
Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion said DPS will immediately begin the process of implementing the review panel's recommendations, which include refusing to support "stand alone" strike forces not administered by a specific law enforcement agency, assessing the state's current forfeiture laws, appointing a special master to return seized funds and property to the rightful owners, and convening a meeting of law enforcement officials and prosecutors to create a new approach to investigating gangs across jurisdictional lines.
"We expect those who enforce the law to abide by the law themselves and follow established police procedures," Campion said. "The findings of the review panel, in addition to the Legislative Auditor's report, show that there was a pattern of misconduct. We will continue to assist the FBI in its criminal investigation as it determines the extent of any illegal behavior."
The strike force was permanently shut down last month after authorities determined the problems with missing evidence and poor record keeping were too severe to fix.
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