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Home · News

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ's Report on the Ferguson Police

In the last five years, the Department of Justice has launched federal investigations into more than 20 police departments nationwide to examine potentially racist practices. After Michael Brown was killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, Attorney General Eric Holder and the DOJ opened an investigation looking into possible discriminatory practices from that department. The findings were staggering. Flip through our gallery to see the 9 most shocking facts that the report uncovered.
By Taylor Lewis · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson
Ferguson police chief Tom Jackson resigned today after the DOJ’s scathing report
9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
Scott Olson/Getty Images
02
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

The population of Ferguson is 67 percent Black, yet Black people account for 93 percent of the city’s arrests.

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
Le Club Symphonie
03
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

In 88 percent of instances where force was used during a police-related confrontation, a Black suspect was involved.

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
Le Club Symphonie
04
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

Ninety-two percent of all cases involving warrants involve Black people.

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
Hill Street Studios/Matthew Palmer
05
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

From April to September of last year, 95 percent of people who were jailed for more than two days were Black.

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
Doug Berry
06
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

The city’s Black residents account for 13 of the 14 cases that involve an attack by a police dog.

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
Lionel Bonaventure
07
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

Black people account for 85 percent of traffic stops throughout the city.

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
08
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

Police officers routinely emailed racist jokes to one another (using their government-issued email accounts), including one in 2008 that stated President Obama wouldn’t remain president because “what Black man holds a steady job for four years?”

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
Getty
09
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

Petty crimes, such as jaywalking and noise violations, were more likely to be pursued when they involved a Black resident. Ninety-five percent of jaywalkers who were issued citations were Black. Ninety-two percent of those charged with “disturbing the peace” were Black residents.

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
10
Dept. of Justice Report on Ferguson

If arrested, Black residents are 68 percent less likely than Whites to have their case dismissed.

9 Things We Learned from the DOJ’s Report on the Ferguson Police
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File
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