MINNEAPOLIS — Religious leaders and black community activists gathered outside Minneapolis City Hall to call for an independent investigation of racially charged incidents involving police.

The Rev. Jerry McAfee, pastor of New Salem Baptist Church, told reporters officers who abuse citizens are not being held accountable.

Former City Council member Brian Herron said the recent incidents are part of a long-standing problem of police misconduct.

In June, two off-duty Minneapolis officers used profanity and racially-charged language following a fight in Green Bay, Wis. Both were later placed on leave. Three other off-duty Minneapolis officers were cited after a bar fight with a group of black men in Apple Valley in November.

Two of those officers pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.

The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating both incidents.