The US Department of Justice launched an investigation Friday into whether police in Baltimore, recently hit by violent riots, have engaged in a pattern of unconstitutional discriminatory actions including excessive force.

"Our goal is to work with the community, public officials, and law enforcement alike to create a stronger, better Baltimore," new US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said.

The department will investigate whether the Baltimore Police Department engaged in systemic patterns of misconduct, including discriminatory practices such as stops, searches and arrests that violate the US Constitution.