The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has landed in hot water for allegedly engaging in a pattern of misconduct that violates the Constitution and other federal laws. The US government has entered into a comprehensive consent decree with the city of New Orleans to reform the NOPD.

The consent decree, filed in federal court in New Orleans, is the result of a civil pattern or practice investigation by the Justice Department that began in May 2010. The investigation found excessive force, discriminatory policing based on race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, and a lack of transparency within the department.

The consent decree requires the NOPD to make sweeping changes to its policies and practices, including the use of force, stops, searches, and arrests. The agreement also calls for greater civilian oversight and increased community interaction and partnerships.

The consent decree will be overseen by a court-appointed monitoring team, which will submit periodic public reports on the NOPD’s progress. The agreement will remain in effect for two years or until the monitor determines that the NOPD has achieved sustained and continuing improvement in constitutional policing.

According to Attorney General Eric Holder, the consent decree represents a critical step forward in the reform of the NOPD. ‘Today’s action reaffirms our commitment to the highest standards of fairness and professionalism and underscores our determination to work alongside law enforcement partners to protect the safety and civil rights of everyone in this country.’

The consent decree is a result of the Justice Department’s investigation, which was informed by 12 experts on police practices and included onsite visits and observations of police-community interactions. The investigation found that the NOPD engages in a pattern or practice of misconduct that violates the Constitution and other federal laws.

The New Orleans Police Department, City of New Orleans, Louisiana, will be required to implement the changes outlined in the consent decree. The agreement will be closely monitored by a court-appointed team to ensure that the NOPD complies with its provisions.

The consent decree is a significant step forward in the reform of the NOPD, and it underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all individuals in the United States.

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