KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation of employment practices at the Kansas City Police Department to determine if the force engaged in racial discrimination. In a statement, Police Chief Joseph Mabin said the department was notified Monday morning by the Civil Rights Division of the federal investigation and that the department was cooperating. “It is the policy and practice of the Board of Police Commissioners and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department to provide a work atmosphere free of actual or perceived discrimination and harassment,” Mabin …