Justice Department closes racial profiling investigation

• Doesn't happen in Detroit Suburb

The U.S. Department of Justice has closed a 7-year investigation into allegations of racial profiling by Eastpointe police, saying no action will be taken against the Detroit suburb. "I am not surprised," Police Chief Michael Lauretti told The Detroit News for a Thursday story. "We took the stance we had nothing to hide and we would cooperate fully with the investigation." The department has taken a number of steps, including diversity training and other outreach programs, to work with the community, Lauretti said. A federal judge in July 2003 threw out the majority of a 2000 lawsuit that alleged Eastpointe police used racial profiling when officers stopped dozens of black youths riding bikes. [more]