In a news conference Friday, Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced a new investigation into the alleged discriminatory practices of the Baltimore Police Department in the wake of the death of Freddie Gray while in their custody. The focus of the probe will be on whether or not the police department violated the Constitution or federal law.

"This investigation will begin immediately and will focus on allegations that Baltimore Police Department officers use excessive force, including deadly force, conduct unlawful searches and seizures and arrests, and engage in discriminatory policing," Lynch said.

Anticipating that many will wonder why this investigation is necessary given that one of her first visits as attorney general was Baltimore to work on improving the city's police force, Lynch had a ready answer:

Now, some may ask how this differs from our current work with Baltimore Police Department. And the answer is, rather than examining whether the police department violated good policies, we will now examine whether they violated the Constitution and the community's civil rights. 

Lynch insisted that the city of Baltimore's Fraternal Order of Police has welcomed this investigation. "And I want to thank them for their support and their partnership as we move forward," Lynch stated.

Video below via Fox News: