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The Word Justice Carved into Architecture of Marble Courthouse
Press Statement March 8, 2023

NAACP Responds to DOJ Report on Louisville Police

The Word Justice Carved into Architecture of Marble Courthouse

WASHINGTON — Following the release of a Department of Justice report finding a pattern of unconstitutional behavior by routinely using excessive force within the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the announcement of an investigation into the Memphis Police Department,  NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released this statement:

"While Congress continues to fail our country with police reform, at least the Department of Justice is taking their jobs seriously. Today marks a meaningful step toward police accountability and — should Congress now decide to step up — police reform. The findings from their investigation into the Louisville Police Department provide clear evidence for what we've already known - we are dealing with a rotten tree, not a few bad apples. The NAACP applauds Attorney General Merrick Garland and the dedicated officials at the Department of Justice for continuing their pursuit of justice, and will remain committed to following the newly launched investigation into the Memphis Police Department. Congress should take a page from their book, do their jobs, and pass the legislation necessary to save innocent lives."

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ABOUT NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation's first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.