The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has been embroiled in a scandal after a federal investigation revealed patterns of misconduct that violate the Constitution and federal law.
The investigation, conducted by the Justice Department, found reasonable cause to believe that patterns and practices of unconstitutional conduct and/or violations of federal law occurred in several areas, including the use of excessive force, unconstitutional stops, searches and arrests, and biased policing.
The report, released on May 5, 2010, also found a number of long-standing and entrenched practices within NOPD that caused or contributed to these patterns or practices of unconstitutional conduct, including failed systems for officer recruitment, promotion and evaluation, inadequate training, and inadequate supervision.
According to the report, the NOPD failed to adequately protect the citizens of New Orleans, resulting in a lack of trust in the police department. The investigation was conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Deputy Attorney General James Cole stated that the NOPD’s failure to ensure respect for and adherence to the Constitution was ‘for far too long.’ He added that the findings should serve as a foundation for rebuilding the police department and restoring the community’s trust in fair, just, and effective law enforcement.
The investigation was extensive, involving over 40 community meetings with advocacy groups, civic leaders, and public officials, as well as thorough review of NOPD documents and ride-alongs to observe police activity.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu had requested an independent investigation of NOPD’s systems and operations in a letter to the Justice Department on May 5, 2010.
Related Federal Cases
- New Orleans Police Department, Police Misconduct, Louisiana 2010 · Louisiana
- New Orleans Police Department, Corruption, Louisiana 2012 · Louisiana
- Nathaniel Savoy, False Police Report, Louisiana 2016 · Louisiana
- Nathaniel Savoy, Filing False Police Report, Louisiana 2016 · Louisiana
- Pablo E. Paz, Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Funds, Louisiana 2015 · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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