Metro Gang Strike Force Settlement Is Set For Final Approval

MINNEAPOLIS, MN:  A Final Approval Hearing regarding the $3 million settlement in a civil rights class action against the now defunct Metro Gang Strike Force, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 16, 2010 in courtroom 12W at the United States District Courthouse, 300 South Fourth Street in Minneaoplis.  The Honorable Judge Joan Ericksen is presiding.  Randy Hopper, class counsel, will be arguing on behalf of the plaintiff class for final approval.  Mr. Hopper will be available after the hearing for comment and to receive questions from the media. 

Summary of the case:  A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit between victims and the Metro Gang Strike Force.  The lawsuit alleged a number of constitutional and civil rights violations, as well as claims for the government’s failure to properly train, manage and supervise task force police officers.  Many of the victims were targeted and profiled on the basis of their national origin and race.  The settlement includes compensation and an educational component for re-training police officers in community policing.  For more information about the settlement, please visit www.mgsfsettlement.com.