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In January 2002, Police Chief Michael Chitwood requested that the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice [DOJ] review the polices, practices and procedures of the Portland, Maine Police Department. The DOJ conducted an investigation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 14141 and issued a technical assistance letter to the department on March 21, 2003. In the letter, the DOJ made specific recommendations regarding changes to the department's policies in the following areas: use of force, use of force reporting and review, searches and seizures, complaints and investigations, early warning systems, training, and organizational concerns.
As of the date of this summary, it is not clear whether the DOJ investigation remains ongoing.
Summary Authors
Dan Dalton (1/23/2007)
Brown Cutlar, Shanetta Y. (District of Columbia)
Poliquin, Beth (Maine)
Wood, Gary (Maine)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:36 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Maine
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Case Ongoing: No reason to think so
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: Unknown
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Portland Police Department (Portland, Maine), City
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act, 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 14141)
Constitutional Clause(s):
Unreasonable search and seizure
Special Case Type(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Unknown
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General:
Policing: