Story perspectives

DOJ Cuts Civil Rights Investigators, Misconduct Cases Plummet

2/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has reduced its capacity to investigate law enforcement misconduct, losing two-thirds of its prosecutors under the Trump administration.
The number of civil rights cases dropped by 36% last year, reaching the lowest level since 2020.
Departures of senior lawyers have stalled excessive force probes.
The DOJ is investigating the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and has downplayed the scope of the inquiry.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has reduced its capacity to investigate law enforcement misconduct, losing two-thirds of its prosecutors under the Trump administration.
The number of civil rights cases dropped by 36% last year, reaching the lowest level since 2020.
Departures of senior lawyers have stalled excessive force probes.
The DOJ is investigating the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and has downplayed the scope of the inquiry.