Congresswoman Maxine Waters Calls for Federal Investigation of Inglewood Police Department after 3 Fatal Shootings

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) called for a federal investigation of the Inglewood Police Department following the fatal shootings of three people within a three month period by members of the police department, including two by the same officer.

Congresswoman Waters, joined by other community leaders for a press conference outside Inglewood City Hall, announced that she has written a letter to U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey formally requesting that the U.S. Department of Justice and its Civil Rights Division investigate allegations of police misconduct and determine whether the Inglewood Police Department has engaged in a pattern and practice of discrimination or violated federal civil rights or criminal law.

"These recent tragedies are a cause of great concern.  Police officers are sworn to protect and serve, but unfortunately many community residents have lost confidence in the Inglewood Police Department and instead of trusting the police they are fearful.  We need to have a thorough outside investigation to understand what is happening and to take the appropriate steps to correct the situation," Congresswoman Waters said.

The three recent fatal shootings are the latest alarming incidents involving the Inglewood Police Department, which has previously faced allegations of abuse and harassment.

Congresswoman Waters and fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus held a community forum in Inglewood in 2002 following a widely publicized beating of a teenager by officers from the Inglewood Police Department.

###