The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) faces a federal consent decree aimed at reforming policies and practices amidst allegations of unlawful misconduct and discriminatory policing. The agreement, filed in federal court, marks a critical step towards reforming the NOPD and ensuring constitutional policing in the city.

Attorney General Eric Holder hailed the move, saying, ‘Today’s action represents a critical step forward. It reaffirms the Justice Department’s commitment to the highest standards of fairness and professionalism and underscores our determination to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect not only the safety – but the essential civil rights – of everyone in this country.’

The consent decree requires the NOPD to implement broad changes in policies and practices related to use of force, stops, searches, and arrests; custodial interrogations; photographic line-ups; preventing discriminatory policing; community engagement; recruitment; training; officer assistance and support; performance evaluations and promotions; supervision; misconduct investigations; and the NOPD’s system of secondary employment, also known as paid details.

The agreement also promotes greater transparency, encourages civilian oversight, and increases community interaction and partnerships. A court-appointed monitoring team will oversee the NOPD’s progress and submit public reports.

The consent decree will remain in effect until the city demonstrates compliance with its provisions for two years or until the monitor’s assessment demonstrates sustained and continuing improvement in constitutional policing.

Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez stated, ‘The consent decree, which is unprecedented in scope and nature, is designed to ensure that comprehensive, sustainable reforms are made in the New Orleans Police Department.’

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten added, ‘This groundbreaking agreement represents a critical milestone in the recovery of New Orleans and a victory for our city, its police department, and most of all its citizens.’

The consent decree stems from a civil pattern or practice investigation of the NOPD, which began in May 2010 and found evidence of excessive force, discriminatory policing, and a pattern or practice of misconduct violating the Constitution and other federal laws.

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