ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) – Minnesota Senate Republicans are calling for a U-S Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD).

Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) says ever since the Minneapolis city council announced it was considering dismantling the MPD incidence of violence have been on the increase in that city.

“Recent events with all of the shootings that have occurred, I think you are beginning to see the result of that kind of threatened action,” said Newman.

The Senate Republicans are asking Attorney General William Barr to open a “practice-or-pattern” investigation and look into the MPD’s response to riots after the George Floyd protests.

The Civil Rights Division investigates allegations of “serious patterns and practices of excessive force, biased policing and other unconstitutional practices by law enforcement.” The DOJ is expected to consider the request in the coming weeks.