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Feds to review SC police department after Walter Scott death

by Jesse Byrnes - 05/17/16 11:18 AM ET

Federal authorities on Tuesday launched an official review of the police department in North Charleston, S.C., in response to the police-involved death of Walter Scott last year.

U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles and other Justice Department officials provided details of the review during a news conference at the North Charleston City Hall.

{mosads}North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey last month requested a review. Officials emphasized the review came amid an effort for increased transparency.

Justice officials will work with the police department on developing a report to identify ways to improve trust between local law enforcement and the community, according to officials.

Nettles said in a statement that the “key here is that North Charleston is opening its department to review, and that the people of North Charleston have the opportunity to participate in this review process.”

It’s the latest police department to undergo scrutiny of its policies and practices after several police-involved shootings inflamed debate over issues of race and use of force by police. Ten other cities have undergone similar reviews.

The review also comes amid state and federal cases against Michael Slager, the former officer captured on a cellphone video firing as Scott ran away following an April 2015 traffic stop.

Slager was indicted last week in the federal case.

Tags South Carolina Walter Scott