DETROIT — The Michigan Department of Civil Rights has requested an investigation into the Grand Rapids Police Department's practices, Grand Rapids U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge confirmed Tuesday.
Birge, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan, said in a statement that the civil rights department asked his department to open a "pattern or practice investigation" about possible discrimination by the Police Department. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights requested the probe before the April 4 shooting death of 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya by an unnamed Grand Rapids police officer.
"Pursuant to standard practice, the department considers all information provided by state agencies, including the MDCR, as well as any additional information, in determining whether to open a pattern or practice investigation," Birge said.
